Woo Lae Oak Korean Restaurant (1/2)

The House of Return When one asks, “where does one find fine Korean dining in America?” the answer invariably is Woo Lae Oak Korean Cuisine Restaurant. The commitment to quality begins with the name chosen by the Jang family a long time ago. Woo Lae Oak literally means, “The House of Return”-and customers do return often. To better understand the popularity of their U.S. Location in the Washington, D.C. metro area, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City, one must take a look at the Jung family history. Back in 1945, following World War II, the ill-fated 38th parallel came to divide north from South Korea bringing many tragedies to all. Seeking freedom, the Jang family, along with many others, abandoned their hometown and started a new life in South Korea. A year later, despite hard times, the Jang family was able to open restaurant of their own, specializing in Bul-Go-Gi (Authentic Korean barbecued beef) and Naeng Myun (cold noodle broth). They named their new business appropriately Seo Lae Oak, meaning “House from the West.” It soon became a great success. Unfortunately, for everyone, this promising life ended with the beginning of the Korean War. The Jang family was, once again, forced to take refuge even further sough of Seoul, and Naeng Myun (cold noodle broth). As armistice negotiations were finalized and the Republic of Korea Government returned to its Capital, Seoul, the restaurant also returned to its old nest under the new appropriate name, Woo Lae Oak, meaning “House of Return”. Based on the popularity of Woo Oak, and its companion restaurant Se Lse Oak “House of the Northwest,” the Jang family set its international expansion sites to Jakarta, Indonesia. A confident Jung family then expanded its venture across the Pacific Ocean to the heart of Korean Town, Los Angeles, U.S.A. Its ever popular Bul-Go-Gi and Naeng Myun together with other Korean authentic cuisine, prepared and served were highly praised by all who visited there. Subsequent branches were established over the years in New York City, Washington, D.C. branch in Pentagon City, Virginia, and Chicago. Additional expansion occurred in Korea with two more openings. So, “The House of Return” represents ultimate triumph for both the Jung family in their homeland as well as a mission to bring the Korean dining experience worldwide for all to enjoy. Chong Kang, Manager of Woo Lae Oak Korean Cuisine Restaurant. in Arlington, Virginia (in the Washington, D.C. metro area) recently discussed with Asian Restaurant News her customers’ favorite noodle dishes: “Our most popular noodle dish is Nang Myun, which are buckwheat noodles with slices of Korean pear, pickled cucumbers, radishes in cold beef broth. This is best served with Bulkoki. Our customers like ChapChae also. It is a dish of stirfried vermicelli noodles with beef & vegetables, often served during special occasions and parties. Our restaurant is favorite among politicians. Korean politicians often bring their non-Korean colleagues and friends to Woo Lae Oak because we provide the best representation of authentic Korean cuisine and culture. We were honored to have served many high profile politicians, such as Korean presidents and also Al Gore’s family. People in the entertainment industry, such as the Foo Fighters, have dined with us also.” As to why Woo Lae Oak has become one of the top Korean Restaurants in the nation, Chung Kang said, “While many restaurants evolve and experiment with the taste of their food, the taste in Woo Lae Oak’s dishes never change. Out cuisine is truly authentic and it is not tainted. Our customers have made us the top Korea restaurant because the love our authenticity.” It is clear that, since their first restaurant opened it doors in 1945, the Jang family’s Lae Oak restaurants have lived up to its superior reputation, upholding a high quality standard of service and fine Korean cuisine.