No one knew that a comment left by a user in the “Should I eat a bowl of hot gukbap or not†would become an internet “meme†to this extent. Gukbap, which is cheap at 5,000 to 7,000 won in one bowl, is synonymous with “value for money†for young people because they can eat warm soup, hearty ingredients, and even rice with side dishes. In Korea, where the culture of gukutang developed, there are so many different types of gukbap depending on the ingredients they contain. Gomguk soup and seolleungtang made with beef bones and meat were precious meals for small citizens lacking nutrients. Examples include Seoul's Seolleungtang, Naju Gomguk, Anseong's beef gukbap, Daegu's sogure (sugugure) gukbap, Gongju Gukbap, and Konjiam's beef gukbap. Also, in Busan, Hapcheon, Miryang, Damyang, and Suncheon, pork gukbap made with white pork is famous; Jeonju is famous for bean sprout gukbap, Byeongcheon and Seonghwan, and Gokseong and Jeju are famous for sundae gukbap made with pork parts and sundae. Other than that, Inje's Hwangtae gukbap made from hwangtae, a specialty of Gangwon Province, is also worth trying; Tongyeong's Shirak gukbap; and Yeongdong's olbangi (olbangi) gukbap.
National regional gukbaps include Seoul's “Seolleungtangâ€, Busan's “Pork Gukbapâ€, Jeonju “Sundae Gukbapâ€, Konjiam's “Sundae Gukbapâ€, Seonghwan's “Sundae Gukbapâ€, Daegu “Sogure Gukbapâ€, “Separately Gukbapâ€, Naju “Naju Gomtangâ€, Damyang “Changpyeong Gukbapâ€, Inje “Hwangtae Gukbapâ€, Tongyeong “Sirak Gukbapâ€, Yeongdong “All Bang Gukbapâ€, “All Bang Gukbapâ€, and “Budget Gukbap†“Beef Gukbap†in Anseong, “Ataejang Gukbap†in Suncheon, “Sundae Gukbap†in Gokseong, “Pork Gukbap†in Hapcheon, “Pork Gukbap†in Miryang, “Sundae Gukbap†in Jeju, and “Gongju Gukbap†in Gongju are famous.
Seoul's gukbap restaurants include Myeongdong Hadonggwan, Insadong Imun Seolleungtang, City Hall Mugyo Dongbuk Fish Soup Restaurant, Yongdu-dong Mother Daesung Restaurant, Mapo Mapo-ok, Munbae-dong Munbae-dong, Chungjeong-ro Junglimjang Seolleungtang, Namdaemun Pearl Restaurant, Hannam-dong Hannam-dong, Itaewon Hannam-dong Buam-dong Daejangguk, Jongno Young Chun-ok, Myeong-dong Miseongok, Buam-dong Jangmo Nim Haejang Guk, Namdaemun Eunho Restaurant, Seongsu Bisabal Jeonju Korean Rice Soup, Seongsu Bisabal Jeonju Korean Rice Soup, Seongsu Bisabal Jeonju Korean Rice Soup, Seongsu Bisabal Jeonju Korean Rice Soup, Seongsu Bisabal Jeonju Korean Rice Soup, Seongsu Bisabal Jeonju Korean Rice Soup, Seongsu Bisabal Jeonju Korean Rice Soup, Seongsu Bisabal Jeonju Korean Rice Soup, Seongsu Bisabal JeonYongsan Changseong-ok, Euljiro Cultural Park, City Hall Gwanghwamun Gukbap, Euljiro Lee Namjang, Sookdae Han Seong-ok Haejang Soup, Mapo Godamjeong, Samcheong-dong Mansuok, City Hall Korean Beef Gomtang, Hapjeong Hapjeong-ok, Euljiro Sunheung-ok, Hapjeong Okdong-sik, Euljiro Bumin-ok, Euljiro Bumin-ok, Samseong-dong Buyeo-jip, Dangsan Station, Yeoksam Station Ido Gomtang, Daechi-dong Oekjip, Boramae Tree House, Jamsil Seolungtang Sinsa Station Yeongdong Seolleungtang, Samseong-dong Bannyongsan, Gwanghwamun Cheongjin-ok, Mapo Gongdeok Mapo Yangji Seolleungtang, Jongno Suha-dong, Chungmuro Chungmuro Paju-ok, City Hall Jam Baek Ok, Yongsan Yongmun Haejang Soup, Chungmuro Hwangsojip, Ancient Dongwoo Seolleungtang, Hongdae Attic, Sinseol-dong Okcheon-ok, Jongno Seolungtang, Euljiro Eunseong, Gunja Yuil Seolleungtang, Kondae Minjeong Restaurant, Mangwon Dongpo, Ma Jang Dohajeong, Mapo Gomdang Banban, Sillim-dong Kim Young-jana Jugukbap, Yeongdeungpo Daeanok, Yeongdeungpo Deokwon, Famous places include Gangseo Wonjo Naju Gomtang, Nonhyeon Big House, Cheongdam-dong Cheongdamga Korean Beef Seolleungtang, Yeouido Taro Gukbap, Bongcheon Shinrim Nonbatgol, Seocho Iyeogomtang, Yeonnam-dong Wolgang Busan Pork Gukbap, Sinsa Station Imo Jeonju Bean Sprout Gukbap, Dobong Musoook, and Nonhyeon Eonju-ok.
National gukbap restaurants include Naju Naju Gomtang White Restaurant, An Il-ok in Anseong City, Suncheon Geonbong Gukbap, Damyang Wonjo Changpyeong Market Gukbap, Busan Station Shinchang Gukbap, Busan Twin Pork Gukbap, Yeongcheon Pohang Halmaejip, Daegu Dongseong-ro Gukil Taro Gukbap, Gwangju Naju Gomtang White House, Naju Naju Gomtang Noan Restaurant, Pyeongtaek Paju-ok, Ildongsan, Seodongsan, Seodongsan Jinju Yukgai Gomtang, Busan Seomyeon Songjeong Three Great Gukbap, Haeundae Brothers Traditional Pork Gukbap, Buyeo Eumga Negomtang, Busan Beomil 50 Year Traditional Halmaegukbab, Gongju Lee Hak Restaurant, Miryang Dongbok Restaurant, Uiryeong Jongno Restaurant, Geumsan-gun Gamayamaegukbab, Taejongdae Sundae 58 Years Traditional Haeundae Buggukbab, Haeundae Miryang Sundae Pork Gukbap, Sasang Hapcheon Ilryu Pork Gukbap, Gunpo Gunpo Restaurant, Osan Osan Grandma's House, Asan Gyeongdong Restaurant, Dongincheon Songrim Donghaejang Soup, Suwon Alley House Seolleungtang, Bundang Gammiok, Yangpyeong Gobau Seolleungtang, Cheongju Rijeong Restaurant, Bundang Solfield, Busan Station Bonjeon Pork Gukbap, Iksan Ilhae-ok, Gwangju Sangmu Delicacy Bean Sprout Gukbap Restaurant, Daegu Dalseon Park So-seon Halmaegomtang, Busan Station Youth Pork Gukbap, Taejongdae Jaegeji Pork Gukbap, Cheonan First Gukbap Restaurant, Suyeong Suyeong Pork Gukbap, Gokseong Gokseong Korean and Japanese Sundae Gukbap, Gyeongbuk Chilgok Jintang Gukbap, Gwangju Bok choy bean sprout gukbap, Seomyeon Pohang pork gukbap, Saha Youngjin pork gukbap, Miryang Miryang pork gukbap, Songjeong modern gukbap, Gokseong samgi gukbap, Sasang Miryang gukbap, Damyang Changpyeong Hwangtobang gukbap, Songjeong Yeongmyeong gukbap, Gwangbok-dong Sinchang gukbap, Miryang Seolbong pork gukbap, Gimhae Miryang pork gukbap, Daegu Jisanggol caulegukbab, Yeoju Neungseoji gukbap, Gongsu pork gukbap Gukbap, Yesan Seongmin Market Gukbap, Yesan Grandma Market Gukbap, Gwangju City Alley Sougmae Gukbap, Andong Silla Gukbap, Daldong Apgujeong Korean Beef Gukbap, Damyang Traditional Changpyeong Gukbap, Jeju Gomhaejang Soup, Namyangju Wonjo Cheonmasan Gomtang, Muan Todamgol Korean Beef Gomtang, Pohang Jang Jang Restaurant, Pohang Andong Someri Gomtang, Haeundae Ireok, Dalseong-gun Wonjo Hyunpoong Halmaejip Gomdang, Pohang Pyeongnamyeong Restaurant, Tongyang Yangjip Restaurant, Sanjo Hyeonpoong Gomjip Gomdang, Sanjo Hyeonpoong Gomjip Gomdang, Sanjo Hyeonpoong Gomjip Gomdang, Sanjo Hyeonpoong Gomjip Gomdang, Sanjo Hyeonpoong Gomjip Gomjip, Pohang Pyeong Restaurant, Daejeon Yuseong Korean Beef Gomtang, Seosan City Eupseong Earthenware Pot, Songjeong Modern Gukbap, Uiryeong Sujung Restaurant, Gurye Bongseong Restaurant, Dongincheon Samgang-ok, Ansan Sinchon Seolleungtang, Uiryeong Middle East Restaurant, Cheongyang Hanbat Restaurant, Gwangju Pujuok, Changwon Masan Dongmun Seolleungtang, Jeonju Samil Hall, Jeonju Hanil Hall, Jeonju Samil Hall, Jeonju Ilhaeok, Buan Gunsan Restaurant, Ikhae-ok, Ikhae-ok Famous places include Jeonju Jeonju soybean sprouts gukbap specialty store, Gunsan Ilheung-ok, and Busan Suyeong Dawn Restaurant.
1. 'Miseongok' in Myeongdong, a rich flavor made from Korean beef
Image source: _agarifighter_'s Instagram
Image source: jin_w00_ch01's Instagram
“Miseongok†has remained in place for 54 years from 1966 until now. It is characterized by using only domestic ingredients, from Korean beef, which is included in the main menu, to auxiliary ingredients such as rice and kimchi. The signature menu is “Seolleungtang,†which is served with plenty of noodles and meat in an immaculate soup. The combination of the soup, which has a strong yet savory flavor, and the meat that is soft and crunchy without any impurities is excellent. A popular method is to eat a certain amount of meat and somen, then roll up the rice and eat it with kakuteki and kimchi. I also like “beef meat,†where you can enjoy various parts at once, such as pork ribs, marbled meat, head meat, sardine, beef tongue, and rice crackers. You can enjoy the different texture and flavor of each part, making it a great snack for drinks.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 25-11 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
â–²Opening hours: 06:00-22:00 every day
â–²Price: Seolleungtang 10,000 won, beef (small) 30,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Eating tiger cheers up): Seolleungtang restaurant with a refreshing taste ^^ Even though it's salty, I deliberately tasted the refreshment, so I ate it without seasoning it, so it's the best Seolleungtang restaurant in my life!
2. City Hall's “Aesung Hall Korean Beef Gomguk Soupâ€, filled with fresh soup
Image source: content.design on Instagram
Image source: Kimdoroad's Instagram
“Aesung Hall Korean Beef Gomtang†is located in Bukchang-dong Food Alley. You can find gomguk soup made from the highest quality Korean beef with 1+ and 1++ grades certified by the Korean Beef Association at a reasonable price. The signature menu, “Gomtang,†is an impressive clear soup with a refreshing flavor made by adding only a little soy sauce to the brisket broth made by simmering brisket for a long time. The gomguk soup is made by rolling up large pieces of lean Korean beef, steamed rice, and noodles. A hearty blend of everything from meat soaked in the broth to the chewy noodles of the noodles and grains of rice soaked in between will fill your stomach. Gomguk soup is also popular for its special size, where the beef is raised a few more points and feels hearty.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 23 Namdaemun-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
▲Business hours: Weekdays 10:00 — 21:00; Saturday 10:00 — 20:00; B/T (weekdays) 15:00 — 17:00; B/T (Saturday) 16:00 — 17:00; Closed on Sundays
â–²Price: Gomguk soup 8,000 won, Korean beef 45,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Shiikigin Boradoli): This is a place I often go to when I want a hot soup at lunchtime. It's perfect for when you want to fill a simple yet filling meal. Hehe, the soup is savory, and the food comes out quickly, so it's fine. If you go during peak hours, you have to wait to ride. I recommend it to those who like gomguk soup.
3. “Yeongdong Seolleungtang†at Sinsa Station, where the thick soup fills the stomach
Image source: kanghoon0916's Instagram
Image source: kanghoon0916's Instagram
“Yeongdong Seolleungtang†is open 24 hours a day, and is full of customers who come to enjoy Haejang in the early morning, a meal for lunch, and a drink in the evening. Unlike the exterior of the building, which has an old-fashioned feel, the interior of the store has a clean atmosphere. The signature dish is “Seolleungtang,†which is served in an earthenware pot with rich broth, meat, and noodles without any garnish. There is no seasoning, so you can eat the green onion slices, pepper, and salt on the table according to your taste. The broth, which is faithful to the natural flavor of beef, is attractive for its rich aroma that spreads heavily. Note that when ordering Seolleungtang, depending on your preferences, you can order a variety of ingredients, from the basic composition to removing oil, somen sari, and seasoning.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 24 Gangnam-daero 101 An-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
▲Business hours: 00:00 — 24:00 every day
â–²Price: Seolleungtang 11,000 won, beef 38,000 won
â–²Review (Shikigami Maidongpoong): I visited this place at dawn because I suddenly wanted to eat Seolleungtang. I liked the fact that I was able to eat as many green onions as I wanted, and strangely enough, the kakuteki soup was in the jug, so I was able to pour it easily and eat it. Kimchi itself is delicious, so if you roll rice in soup and eat it together, one bowl is perfect.
4. A bowl of gomguk soup to enjoy in a variety of ways, Mapo's “Gomguk soup banâ€
Image source: jamie_shim1 on Instagram
Image source: monhwani's Instagram
“Gomtangban†is located on the 1st floor of an apartment shopping district near Exit 1 of Gongdeok Station. It is a place that serves gomguk soup using only Korean beef cows brought in on the same day. The signature menu, “gomguk soup,†maximizes the refreshing flavor of the soup by removing the fat from the broth that has been brewed over a long period of time. Two types are available: “Korean beef gomguk soup,†which contains only meat such as brisket and sardines, and “special gomguk soup†with added content to the meat. I recommend eating gomguk soup step by step, from fully tasting its natural flavor when it first comes out, seasoning it with green onions, salt, and pepper, dipping the meat garnished in the beef sauce and enjoying it, then loosening the kakuteki broth when it's half left.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 152 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
▲Business hours: 11:00 — 21:00 every day, B/T 15:00 — 17:00
â–²Price: Korean beef gomguk 10,000 won, special gomguk soup 13,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Shikigami Hipster): A bowl of gomguk soup comes to mind in the same weather these days. Hehe, the soup itself was delicious, so it was delicious even if you just ate the soup. It's close to home, so I often go here these days if I want to eat gomguk soup.
5. Mapo's “Doha Town†brings out the palate with colorful colors
Image source: dohajung2018's Instagram
Image source: dohajung2018's Instagram
“Doha Town†is a place that made its name known when it was introduced as a gomguk soup restaurant in a famous gourmet program. The interior of the store, decorated with wooden interiors, creates a cozy yet warm atmosphere. The signature menu is “gomguk soup with plenty of beef,†where the visuals of beef, egg, green onion slices, and dirty slices are piled up one by one on top of a hearty rice. You can enjoy the deep flavor of chow, a cow raised by eating grass, for 5 hours. The light soup blends well with the thick cut meat to further enhance the chewy texture. Gomguk soup is served in an organic bowl and can be enjoyed at a warm temperature until you finish your meal.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 38, Mapo-daero 4-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
▲Opening hours: 11:00 — 21:30 every day, B/T 15:00 — 17:00, closed on Sundays
â–²Price: Gomguk soup with plenty of beef 9,000 won, special gomguk soup 13,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Delicious Chuseok): I stumbled across it while passing by, and I absolutely loved it! I liked it better because the meat was thicker than regular gomguk soup. There's a place that matures kimchi inside, so I thought they were really good at kimchi here, but it was different! Kimchi was also delicious, so I bought it when I went home. LOL LOL