J K.
Yelp
Korean restaurant in Madison Park? Really? So many 5* reviews, so I had to check it out. If you're looking for a traditional Korean restaurant, Hanok is not it. MP is old Seattle, affluent, white, million $ manses, last place one would expect to find a Korean eatery. Located close to the park/lake; service was friendly, attentive, efficient, fast - 5*. Atmosphere is cozy, combination of 6 indoor tables for 2 & 4 ppl, outdoor tables available (weather permitting), clean, well maintained - 4* (restroom 3*). Food was 3*. Fresh, quality ingredients but bland, lacking personality/flavor. No traditional side dishes (wasn't expecting anyway from a non-traditional K-restaurant). Protein salad with chicken was fresh, simple, healthy, loved the greens & especially white radish and sesame dressing. The chicken soup 닭곰탕 was basic. I suspect the chicken meat was Costco rotisserie chicken meat or else prepared in a very similar method. Broth was decent but nothing special. It was hot & came with a small bowl of purple rice. A few side dishes to compliment the soup would've been a plus. One word to describe the food is: sterile, meaning the food quality and preparation were a passing grade; by no means bad but lacking significant flavor & character; cuisine lacking Chosun tradition & depth; modern Korean food that kind of has the appearance of Korean food but taste/flavor tailored for inexperienced non-Asian . Perhaps the reason for its location. Overall, got a full stomach, generous portions and the bill was a touch more than expected. Good luck neighborhood street parking. If you're hoping to taste a traditional Korean grandma's home cooking secret recipes or a Korean Iron Chef, this ain't it. Hanok is a decent place and glad it seems to be doing well but look elsewhere for authentic, traditional tasting K-food.