First opened in 1939, Han Il Kwan has certainly grown over the last 76 years. Serving quintessential Seoul-style cuisine, the upscale restaurant has received the attention of many former Korean presidents including Rhee Syng-man, Park Chung-hee, Lee Myung-bak, and Roh Moo-hyun. However, the restaurant is far from elitist. Since then, the restaurant opened many franchises throughout Seoul.According to food critics, Han Il Kwan was the first to popularize dishes originally found exclusively in Korean royal courts by innovatively creating a way to cook them in a short amount of time. Nowadays, Han Il Kwan still serves the traditional royal dishes to which it owes its success.Their timeless menu features their signature bulgogi, tangpyeongchae (julienned mung bean jelly with assorted vegetables), gujeolpan (a dish consisting of nine foods served on a special divided plate), and nakji-bokkeum (stir-fried octopus).