Seoul and Busan's Old Restaurants and Local Delicacies — Top 10 Places for Gukbap and Haejang-guk

In the alleys of Mapo, Yongsan, Seocho, Gwangjin, and Dongjak in Seoul, as well as in Busan and Yeosu, old traditional restaurants and modern eateries stand side by side. From clean, mild broths to rich, hearty bowls, each region's unique flavors are naturally infused. The warmth captured in a single spoonful lingers in memory. The key lies in the ingredients and the care put into them, so today, I encourage you to take a stroll through your local alleys in search of a warm bowl.

Gukbap
Haejang-guk
Sundaeguk
Pork Gukbap
Old Restaurants
Seoul Restaurants
Busan Restaurants
Yeosu Restaurants

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Original Sinchon Seolleongtang
04210 16, Mapo-daero 14-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 06:30 ~ 21:00
"The charm of rich broth, Original Sinchon Seolleongtang" Located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, 'Original Sinchon Seolleongtang' is a traditional soup restaurant known for its hearty seolleongtang filled with rich broth and generous portions of meat. It is conveniently located near Gongdeok Station, making it a popular spot that attracts many customers continuously. Particularly, the internal organ soup is the signature dish here, with broth enhanced by chili oil that is visually appealing and boasts a deep, rich flavor. Fresh beef entrails are generously served, providing ample satisfaction in just one bowl. Additionally, both the seolleongtang and internal organ soup are lightly seasoned, allowing guests to adjust the flavor to their liking with salt and pepper for an even more enjoyable experience. 'Original Sinchon Seolleongtang' also offers tender boiled beef head as a side dish, making it an excellent choice for hangover recovery or as an accompaniment to drinks. The clean interior and friendly service make this place even more attractive. 'Original Sinchon Seolleongtang' is the perfect spot to enjoy a comforting meal without any burden, where you can savor the essence of traditional Korean soup.
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Pyongyang House
04382 186 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 07:00 ~ 22:00
"A treasure of Samgakji that holds the taste of time, 'Pyongyang House'" Located in Samgakji, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 'Pyongyang House' is a long-established restaurant that has been serving since its opening in 1973. This place is famous for its traditional Korean gopchang and innards dishes, especially the chuck flap and innards soup, which have garnered the love of many food enthusiasts. Opening daily from 7 AM, it is perfect for busy office workers, allowing anyone to enjoy a warm meal at any time. The interior of the restaurant retains a vintage charm, giving a feeling as if stepping into a time machine from the moment you enter. Particularly, the innards soup at Pyongyang House is made with fresh ingredients daily, featuring a rich and clean broth that is exceptional. The soup includes a spicy condiment, adding a fun element as you can easily adjust the flavor to your liking. Additionally, the generous portions of rice and innards ensure that one bowl is enough to satisfy your hunger. In the evening, grilling chuck flap and gopchang adds to the enjoyment, creating an atmosphere that is especially suitable for gatherings or group meals. The savory and rich chuck flap boasts a tender texture, while the gopchang is meticulously cleaned to satisfy both taste and quality. Pyongyang House in Samgakji is a space where tradition and modernity harmoniously blend, making it a friendly restaurant that anyone can visit without hesitation. Experience the depth of Korean cuisine filled with the taste of time and care at this place.
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Ijo Sundaeguk
04363 54, Wonhyo-ro 41-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 05:00 ~ 20:10
Break Time 15:00 ~ 16:00
“A hearty meal at Ijo Sundaeguk, a tradition in Yongsan” Located on Wonhyo-ro in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Ijo Sundaeguk is a specialized restaurant for Sundaeguk that has preserved its tradition through a long history. It operates daily from 5 AM to 8:45 PM, boasting a deep flavor made from fresh ingredients. Particularly, it has become a popular spot since being featured on Sung Si-kyung's YouTube program 'Muk-eul-ten-de'. The biggest charm of Ijo Sundaeguk is its generous portions. A bowl filled with Sundae, internal organs, and fresh meat is offered at an affordable price, making it a truly satisfying choice when you’re hungry. Using carefully selected domestic ingredients every day, it enhances the natural flavor of the meat and the depth of the broth. The broth is clean yet rich in flavor, and you can enjoy the fun of adjusting the seasoning to your taste with chili sauce and fermented shrimp. This place boasts a simple yet cozy atmosphere, making it comfortable for both solo diners and families to enjoy their meals. There may be a wait, but that wait is well rewarded with a delicious meal. If you want to experience a unique Sundaeguk in Yongsan's Yongmun Market, Ijo Sundaeguk is an unmissable choice.
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Cheongsil Hongshil
06577 9 Seorae-ro 10-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 11:00 ~ 20:30
Break Time 14:30 ~ 17:30
"A hidden gem for potato soup in Seorae Village, Cheongsil Hongshil" Located in the heart of Seorae Village, 'Cheongsil Hongshil' boasts a long-standing tradition and is a place where you can experience the essence of potato soup. Praised by celebrities like Sung Si-kyung and Choiza, this restaurant offers not just ordinary gamjatang (pork bone soup) but a rich and savory potato soup that has won the hearts of many. The biggest charm of this place is its rich and clean broth. The potato soup, known for its nutty flavor, is enhanced by tender meat, onions, and green onions, adding umami to the dish. The meal is complemented by the basic side dishes of radish kimchi and regular kimchi, enhancing the joy of dining together. Cheongsil Hongshil uses fresh ingredients daily to provide a healthy meal that is not overly stimulating. Notably, the restaurant does not sell alcohol, maintaining a clean and light atmosphere, and many customers often take their food to go. The interior is cozy yet warm, with old signs and simple decor adding a touch of nostalgia. There may be a wait, but you can place your order in advance while waiting, allowing for a quicker meal. If you're looking for a simple yet deeply flavored potato soup, enjoy a special meal at Cheongsil Hongshil in Seorae Village.
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Najin Gukbap
59779 1391 Hwayang-ro, Hwayang-myeon, Yeosu, Jeollanam-do
Business Hours 10:00 ~ 13:00
"The Essence of Yeosu Captured at 'Najin Gukbap'" Located in Hwayang-myeon, Yeosu, 'Najin Gukbap' is a renowned eatery that fully embraces the charm of traditional pork soup, especially gaining fame after being featured in Sung Si-kyung's YouTube program. Its humble exterior and cozy interior evoke a warm feeling reminiscent of a countryside grandmother's house, providing comfort to visitors. The main attraction here is the pork soup made with head meat and a rich broth. The pork is tender and chewy, and when enjoyed with the special dipping sauce, the flavors are elevated even further. The soup is served in a stone pot with a milky broth, packed with bean sprouts, meat, and whole sesame seeds, allowing you to experience both richness and freshness at the same time. Although the operating hours are short and there may be a wait, the exquisite taste makes the wait worthwhile. On weekends, the waiting time can be longer, but the turnover is good, allowing you to be seated relatively quickly. Experience the true flavor of Yeosu at 'Najin Gukbap', a must-visit spot during your Yeosu trip. The gukbap here is more than just a meal; it embodies the spirit of Yeosu.
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Delicious Sundae Soup
05093 22, Jayangbyeongyeong-ro 1-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 11:00 ~ 21:00
Break Time 14:00 ~ 17:00
A cozy sundae soup specialty restaurant, 'Delicious Sundae Soup'. Located in Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 'Delicious Sundae Soup' is a place where you can experience the new charm of sundae soup. This restaurant became even more famous after being featured on Sung Si-kyung's YouTube channel 'Eating'. It offers a comfortable dining experience in a cozy interior that exudes the charm of a traditional eatery. Particularly, the sundae soup here boasts a clean broth filled with bean sprouts and various innards, delivering a deep flavor from the very first spoonful. Using fresh ingredients ensures there are no off-flavors, and they enhance the taste and texture by using sundae made fresh every morning. Additionally, the radish kimchi and chives served as basic side dishes enrich every meal. Another attraction of 'Delicious Sundae Soup' is the variety of side dishes that pair perfectly with soju. The menu featuring boiled pork and various innards makes for an excellent drinking snack. Come and fully experience the charm of sundae soup here.
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Pyongyang House
04382 186 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 07:00 ~ 22:00
“Taste of Seoul, 'Pyongyang House'” Located in the Yongsan Samgakji area, 'Pyongyang House' is a time-honored restaurant boasting over 50 years of tradition, renowned for its delicious food through word of mouth. This place is particularly famous for its signature dishes, including Guts Soup, Brisket, and Beef Intestines, attracting many customers from morning till evening. The charm of 'Pyongyang House' lies in its deep and rich broth flavor. The Guts Soup, in particular, is clean yet mild, making it a beloved choice for all age groups. Served with rice, finishing a bowl leaves you feeling warm in both body and spirit. Moreover, the interior is cozy and filled with the unique atmosphere of a traditional restaurant, giving you a sense of time travel. Guests naturally engage in conversation while dining, and the warm service adds a heartfelt touch to the experience. Come and experience the taste of tradition at the hidden gem 'Pyongyang House' in Yongsan!
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Cheongdam Saebyeokjip
06013 6 Dosan-daero 101-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
"A Hanwoo restaurant that evokes the nostalgia of Cheongdam-dong, 'Cheongdam Saebyeokjip'" Located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 'Cheongdam Saebyeokjip' is a traditional Hanwoo specialty restaurant with over 30 years of history, recognized in the Michelin Guide. This place operates 24 hours a day, making it a perfect spot to enjoy high-quality meat at any time, renowned for its deep flavors and premium Hanwoo. The signature dish, Flower Sirloin, boasts a rich aroma and tender texture. The meat is grilled over charcoal, enhancing its flavor, and it is the ideal place to truly savor fresh meat. Additionally, the Yukhoe Bibimbap and Seonji Haejangguk are other attractions of this restaurant, where the deep and rich broth mingles with fresh ingredients, leaving a lasting impression. The interior of the restaurant is clean yet cozy, making it suitable for meals with friends or family, as well as business gatherings. It features spacious seating and private rooms, accommodating various types of gatherings. Cheongdam Saebyeokjip is a place that creates precious memories and continues the tradition of Korean cuisine with a modern touch. If you're looking for a special meal with high-quality Hanwoo, experience its charm at Cheongdam Saebyeokjip.
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Chungbuk Sundae at Heukseok Market
06979 16 Seodal-ro 14-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 10:30 ~ 21:00
"The Hidden Flavor of Heukseok Market, Chungbuk Sundae" Located within Heukseok Market, 'Chungbuk Sundae' is a sundae soup restaurant that preserves the traditional taste. With a history spanning over 60 years, it is known as a beloved spot among local residents. The nostalgic atmosphere of the establishment evokes warmth and trust, and upon entering, you are greeted with a warm welcome. What makes 'Chungbuk Sundae' special is the freshness of all its ingredients. The sundae and offal are made using domestic pork and rice, boasting a deep and rich flavor. Notably, the liver here has been highly praised on Sung Si-kyung's YouTube channel 'I Could Eat' for its nutty and smooth texture. The basic side dishes of cubed radish kimchi, chives, and shrimp sauce also enhance the meal. Among the menu items, the hot pot is the signature dish, generously filled with various offal and sundae, providing a refreshing broth when cooked. Enjoying this hot pot with a glass of soju makes it a perfect accompaniment, and you won't regret visiting Chungbuk Sundae for a special meal at any time.
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Namcheon Anmok
48307 3, Gwangnam-ro 22beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan
Business Hours 11:00 ~ 21:00
Break Time 15:30 ~ 17:00
"Experience the true taste of Gukbap in a sophisticated space at 'Namcheon Anmok'" Located in Suyeong-gu, Busan, 'Namcheon Anmok' is a restaurant that reinterprets the tradition of pork Gukbap with a modern twist. Easily accessible by foot from Exit 1 of Namcheon Station, its sleek exterior catches the eye. The interior of the restaurant is decorated in a clean and modern style, breaking the stereotype of a typical Gukbap place, providing an atmosphere suitable for dates or precious gatherings with friends. The menu offers a variety of options, including the classic pork Gukbap and unique pork ramen, adding to the joy of choice. The pork Gukbap at Namcheon Anmok features a rich broth and tender meat, perfectly balanced with basic seasoning, allowing you to enjoy a deep and rich flavor without additional condiments. The flavorful broth is particularly popular as a hangover remedy. Ordering is made easy through a convenient kiosk system, and the warm, comforting Sungnyung served with side dishes adds a touch of care. The option to customize your meal with specially provided garlic and chili sauce is also an attractive feature. If you want to experience the true charm of pork Gukbap in Busan, visit 'Namcheon Anmok'. It's a place where you can enjoy a meal in a relaxed atmosphere, and it's a restaurant you would want to revisit 100%.