Hearty Soup and Rice: Must-Visit Gukbap Restaurants in Seoul

When you want to fill your stomach comfortably before heading to work, the criteria for choosing a gukbap restaurant in Seoul are clear. The broth shouldn't be too heavy, yet it should be filling enough for a bowl of rice, and it should be low-pressure for solo diners. This list includes various types of gukbap, such as Seolleongtang, Haejang-guk, and Sundae-guk, each with its unique broth texture. From traditional establishments to places perfect for solo dining, you can choose based on whether you prefer a clean taste or a generous portion, depending on the situation. It's a great reference for when you want to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or lunch, or when you want to quickly satisfy your hunger after work. These are options that easily come to mind on days when you crave a bowl of gukbap in Seoul.

Seoul Gukbap Restaurants
Seoul Seolleongtang
Seoul Haejang-guk
Seoul Sundae-guk
Gukbap Recommendations
Must-Visit Restaurants in Seoul
Solo Dining Gukbap
Hangover Food

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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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Hwaehyun Restaurant
04635 9-8 Toegye-ro 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 11:30 ~ 21:00
Break Time 15:00 ~ 17:30
"The essence of Japanese cuisine enjoyed with a refined meal, 'Hwaehyun Restaurant'" Located near Hwaehyun Station in Jung-gu, Seoul, 'Hwaehyun Restaurant' is a Japanese specialty restaurant touched by a Michelin 1-star chef, known for its attractive lunch fish set menu prepared with fresh ingredients daily. The elegantly set tables in a luxurious atmosphere provide visitors with a special dining experience. The highlight here is the single menu fish set, featuring premium fish and various sides harmoniously arranged on a table. In particular, the rice topped with abalone, fresh sashimi, braised black cod, grilled mackerel, and various seafood dishes are exceptional in freshness and deep flavor. This set, served with warm miso soup, offers excellent value for a meal. Hwaehyun Restaurant operates on a reservation-only basis, making advance booking essential. It tends to be especially busy during lunch hours, so it is advisable to reserve ahead of your visit. In the evening, a menu that can be enjoyed with a variety of alcoholic beverages is available, providing a more abundant experience. With its clean interior and attentive service, 'Hwaehyun Restaurant' is the perfect place to visit with loved ones on special occasions. The fish set, offered only for a limited time, further highlights the unique charm of this establishment.
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Eomeoni Daeseong House
02579 4 Wangsan-ro 11-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 06:00 ~ 04:00
"The Holy Land of Haejang-guk in Shinseoldong, ‘Eomeoni Daeseong House’" Located in Shinseoldong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, ‘Eomeoni Daeseong House’ is a famous restaurant where you can savor the essence of Haejang-guk, gaining even more fame through the recommendation of Sung Si-kyung. This place insists on traditional Haejang-guk, beloved by many for its rich and deep broth flavor. The Haejang-guk at Eomeoni Daeseong House uniquely features a generous amount of finely chopped beef in a clear broth, with plenty of blood sausage and greens, providing a hearty texture. This Haejang-guk has a refreshing yet clean broth, perfect for soothing your stomach after a night of drinking. Additionally, adding Cheongyang chili peppers and spicy sauce makes it even spicier and more enjoyable. One of the charms of this place is that it operates until dawn without a break, allowing you to enjoy delicious Haejang-guk even late at night. The interior is divided into two floors, always bustling with customers, creating a lively atmosphere. With satisfying taste, portion size, and price, the Haejang-guk at Eomeoni Daeseong House is the perfect choice for a simple meal or as a side dish to accompany a drink. If you're looking for Haejang-guk in Seoul, this is a must-visit restaurant where you can truly experience the charm of authentic Haejang-guk!
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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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Inamjang
04542 16, Samil-daero 12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 10:00 ~ 22:00
"The renowned Seolleongtang restaurant in Seoul, 'Inamjang'" Located in Euljiro, Seoul, 'Inamjang' is a Seolleongtang specialist with over 50 years of history, carrying on a long-standing tradition of deliciousness. This place is known as the origin of Korea's Seolleongtang culture, boasting a unique flavor through the harmony of rich broth and fresh ingredients. Inamjang's Seolleongtang features a thick broth made from simmered beef bones and tender Hanwoo beef, allowing you to experience deep flavors with every bite. Notably, the generous portion of meat keeps diners feeling full for a long time after their meal, making it particularly popular among male customers. Additionally, what sets this place apart is the variety of side ingredients provided. Scallions, kimchi, pepper, and various seasonings are available, allowing guests to adjust the flavor to their personal preference. The combination with fresh kimchi is especially crucial in elevating the taste of the Seolleongtang. Inamjang tends to get quite busy during lunch hours, so it's essential to be prepared for reservations or waiting times. Nevertheless, the reason many people return is the authentic taste of Seolleongtang that can only be experienced here. If you're looking for true Seolleongtang in Seoul, enjoy a warm and hearty meal at Inamjang. The food you experience in this place, steeped in long history and tradition, will add special memories to your dining table.
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Igane Gamasot Seolleongtang
03378 130 Jinheung-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
“The Rich Flavor of Seoul, 'Igane Gamasot Seolleongtang'” Located in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, 'Igane Gamasot Seolleongtang' is a traditional restaurant specializing in seolleongtang, beloved by many for its rich broth and fresh ingredients. This place gained even more fame after being featured on Sung Si-kyung's program, 'Meogeul Tende'. Upon entering the restaurant, guests are welcomed by a tidy interior and a warm atmosphere. The seolleongtang here is prepared in a traditional cauldron, and the broth, simmered for a long time, boasts a deep and rich flavor. With generously added handmade noodles and meat, one bowl is more than satisfying. One of the charms of Igane Gamasot Seolleongtang is the fresh side dishes that accompany the meal. The napa cabbage kimchi and radish salad stimulate the appetite, and they taste even better when enjoyed with various seasonings. The seolleongtang served with dolsot rice is particularly popular; mixing rice into the broth enhances the flavor, making it a complete meal. If you're looking for a healthy restorative dish amidst a tiring and exhausting daily life, come to Igane Gamasot Seolleongtang and fill your body and mind with a warm bowl.
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Yukgaeyok
06122 167 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 11:00 ~ 22:00
"Experience the essence of Yukgaejang and Hanwoo Suyuk all in one place, 'Yukgaeyok'" Located on Bongeunsa-ro in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 'Yukgaeyok' is a renowned restaurant specializing in Hanwoo Yukgaejang and Suyuk, gaining fame after being featured on a program by Sung Si-kyung. It is conveniently situated just a 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of the Eonju Station. The signature dish, Hanwoo Yukgaejang, boasts a rich and deep broth, generously filled with tender Hanwoo beef and fresh vegetables, offering a refreshing yet spicy flavor. The Yukgaejang, made in-house, evokes the warmth of family gatherings, and when enjoyed with a bowl of rice, the taste is even more enhanced. Additionally, Hanwoo Suyuk is another beloved menu item among many customers. Made with 1++ Hanwoo, it is exceptionally tender and flavorful, and the harmony with the accompanying sauce is outstanding. The various side dishes served with the Suyuk further enhance the dining experience. Yukgaeyok provides a clean and comfortable atmosphere with friendly service, operating daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, making it a great choice for both lunch and dinner. If you’re looking for a precious moment with a warm bowl of Yukgaejang, enjoy a special meal at Yukgaeyok.
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Yongma Haejangguk
02180 20 Yongma Gongwon-ro 5-gil, Jungnang-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 10:00 ~ 20:00
Break Time 14:00 ~ 15:00
"The true hangover soup spot in Jungnang-gu, Seoul, 'Yongma Haejangguk'" Located in Mangwoo-dong, Jungnang-gu, Seoul, 'Yongma Haejangguk' is famous for its clear and rich broth hangover soup. This beloved restaurant has been cherished by many for a long time, especially for its hangover soup packed with leafy greens, blood sausage, and beef bones, making it the perfect choice for those seeking relief after a night of drinking or when feeling bloated. The clean and spacious interior creates a comfortable atmosphere, and the gochujang pickles on each table are one of the restaurant's specialties, with many customers wanting to take them home. The napa cabbage kimchi and radish cubes served as side dishes also enhance the meal with their crunchy texture and deep flavor. The hangover soup is always served piping hot, and mixing in minced garlic deepens the flavor even more. The broth filled with bean sprouts, leafy greens, and chewy blood sausage allows you to truly appreciate the essence of hangover soup. The broth here has a unique charm that sets it apart from typical hangover soups, filling you with a refreshing sensation with every bite. Open at set hours daily, it’s particularly popular during lunch hours, so if you plan to visit, it’s best to arrive early. 'Yongma Haejangguk' is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for delicious hangover soup in Seoul.
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Gwanghwamun Gukbap
04519 53, Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 11:00 ~ 21:40
"The refreshing soup taste of Seoul, 'Gwanghwamun Gukbap'" Gwanghwamun Gukbap is a Michelin Guide-selected restaurant located on Sejong-daero in Jung-gu, Seoul, famous for its clear and rich pork soup. The gukbap here is made from broth extracted from black pork belly and Duroc pork shoulder, characterized by its clean and light flavor. Unlike the typical milky broth, the deep flavor experienced in the clear soup is beloved by many customers. The restaurant's interior features cozy and efficiently arranged tables, making it suitable for solo diners. There is also a children's gukbap menu, making it a great choice for families. The radish kimchi and squid jeotgal served as basic side dishes create a fantastic harmony with the gukbap, and adding shrimp sauce enhances the depth of flavor. Gwanghwamun Gukbap is noted not only for its excellent taste but also for its reasonable prices. This place offers a hearty meal at an affordable price, making it a popular restaurant visited daily by many office workers and tourists. It is highly recommended for those who want to experience the flavors of Seoul.
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Daesungjip
03029 5 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 10:30 ~ 20:00
"A Taste of Tradition at 'Daesungjip'" Located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, 'Daesungjip' is a specialized restaurant for doganitang (beef knee soup) with a proud history of 60 years, beloved by many as a top dining spot. Selected by the Michelin Guide 2024, this place is always bustling with visitors and offers a space where one can feel the depth of tradition. Particularly, the doganitang here boasts a rich and deep broth made from a perfect blend of domestic and American beef knee. With chewy beef knee and plenty of meat, one bowl is more than enough to satisfy. Additionally, the fresh side dishes served alongside, especially the homemade kimchi and garlic pickles, harmonize excellently with the broth, making it a perfect hangover soup. On weekends, the restaurant is crowded with many guests, but thanks to the quick turnover, you can enjoy the meal with a relatively short waiting time. Dining here is not just a simple meal; it’s a special experience where you can feel the taste and dedication of tradition. Daesungjip at Independence Gate is a place that beautifully showcases Korean flavors and is definitely worth a visit.