▲ Choi Geum-sook, CEO of Green Ranch

Soft yet chewy texture
For many Koreans, duck is one of the most popular foods enjoyed in summer. An ancient medical book records it makes the internal organs comfortable and is good for stamina. If you feel like to try a nice duck dish this summer, you are recommended to make a little journey to Green Ranch located in Nakseongdae-dong, Gwanak District in Seoul that has been loved by many people for the taste and the good price for the last 20 years. I tried myself and indeed it had soft texture yet gives a sense of chewiness and had no unpleasant smell. The menus are offered in variety from grilled and smoked to seasoned, boiled and stewed. Among these menus, I recommend you the most popular ‘grilled duck’; the meat is grilled on the stone board made by the restaurant and the board soaks down the oil and gives just right heat to ideally grill the meat. Pick up a piece to lay it on a vegetable topped with red chili paste to enjoy the ultimate taste of the meat. The owner Choi Geum-sook recommends you to eat as quickly as possible after the meat is cooked right alongside onions, mushrooms, ova leaves and seasoned bean sprouts. 

Good price
The reason Green Ranch attracts many students from Seoul National University nearby is the good price that has been the same for the last 20 years. A ‘Hwangki Baeksook (milk vetch root boiled duck)’, for example, serves up to 4 dinners and the price isn’t burdensome at all when going Dutch. You also get surprised to see the big halls from basement to the 2nd floor that can accommodate up to 200 people as well as the stone board located on each seat to serve each dinner conveniently. When asked about the secret to success, Choi said “There’s no secret actually. Back then there weren’t many duck restaurants in Seoul so I just wanted to play a role to spread the excellent taste of the meat and its nutritional value to the people. One thing I have kept for the last 20 years though is my principle to serve daily prepared food only.”