When South Korea’s leading man slips into Singapore for the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend, where does he go when the engines quieten and hunger calls? For Hyun Bin, the answer lay in Clarke Quay’s Hanjip Korean Grill House, where the 43-year-old actor sought refuge in one of seven private dining rooms on the evening of 3 October.
The Crash Landing On You star, in town as Ferrari’s guest, arrived at quarter to ten with four companions and two bodyguards in tow. They secured Mr Park’s Room through a Chope reservation, whilst the bodyguards settled in the main hall with soft drinks. What followed was an impressive spread that revealed everything about how a Korean star really eats.
When in Singapore, Order Like You’re in Seoul
Three servings of the Kurobuta Platter ($108) anchored the meal. Each Brobdingnagian plate is pure pork commitment, delivering a total 450 g of Kurobuta pork belly, pork jowl, and marinated pork collar. The Berkshire breed sourced from the United States carries the Japanese name “black pig” and brings the marbling serious diners seek. Triple order? The table knew exactly what they wanted.
The Gourmet Mushroom Platter ($38) added balance with oyster mushrooms, shimeji, and lion’s mane varieties. Smart move, really, letting those earthy flavours temper all that gorgeous grilled pork.
Then came the Spicy Chicken with Cheese ($35). Cheese Buldak, if we’re being properly Korean about it. Because even international stars cannot resist stir-fried spicy chicken meeting tteokbokki rice cakes, all ringed by molten mozzarella. Who could?
Pancakes and Stews: Comfort Food Diplomacy
Two pancake varieties appeared. The Seafood Pancake ($25) arrived golden and studded with squid and prawn, whilst the Chives Pancake ($22) let fresh chives take centre stage. Both represent the savoury, pan-fried comfort Koreans crave when dining properly.
The stew selection told its own story. Seafood Bean Paste Stew ($26) brought fermented soybean paste richness with seafood, mushrooms, and tofu. Seafood Spicy Handmade Tofu Stew ($28) featured house-made tofu swimming with shrimp, clams, and mussels in a gochujang-spiked broth. Kimchi Stew with Pork ($26) delivered that bubbling cauldron of kimchi, pork, tofu, and rice cakes that every Korean recognises as home, with almost imperceptible ocean notes simmering beneath.
Ginseng Chicken Soup ($38) joined the lineup, the traditional samgyetang where half a chicken arrives stuffed with glutinous rice, its broth enriched with ginseng root and jujube. Someone was thinking about more than just satisfaction. We’re guessing this probably served as recovery fuel after a long evening at the Ferrari paddock.
The Noodle Finale
Carbohydrates arrived in triplicate. Glass Noodles ($25), that beloved japchae of stir-fried sweet potato starch noodles with seasonal vegetables. Cold Noodle ($26) followed with icy buckwheat strands in savoury beef broth, topped with radish, beef slices, and half a boiled egg. Finally, Spicy Cold Noodle ($26) swapped clean broth for sweet-spicy gochujang sauce.
This progression from grilled meats through stews to cold noodles is textbook Korean feast rhythm.
The Complete Picture
Soju and Sapporo beer flowed alongside, that classic combination where spirits and lager merge in proper Korean style. The group stayed until eleven, polishing off every dish. When staff enquired about the food, Hyun Bin offered a nod and confirmed to colleagues it was “nice”. His brevity was charming, but those cleaned plates spoke volumes.
Your Table Awaits
Spanning over 5,000 square feet, Hanjip Korean Grill House offers premium Japanese Wagyu, aged Australian Wagyu, USDA Prime Beef, and the Kurobuta Berkshire Pork that clearly won Hyun Bin over. Seven themed private dining rooms provide the comfort and exclusivity for those seeking intimacy with their exceptional food.
Whether you’re after melt-in-your-mouth aged wagyu or traditional stews and pancakes, Hanjip Korean Grill House brings Seoul’s grilling traditions to Clarke Quay with uncompromising quality. The professionally trained team ensures every guest enjoys attentive tableside service and the ultimate grilling experience.
Ready to order like a Korean star? Book your table at Hanjip Korean Grill House and discover why Singapore’s most discerning diners choose this destination for authentic Korean barbecue. Make your reservation today and experience the same exceptional cuisine that left Hyun Bin thoroughly satisfied.
