
How to Choose a Hearty Bowl of Gukbap or Haejang-guk for Breakfast and Lunch in Seoul
This is a curated list of gukbap and haejang-guk options that are great for a quick breakfast or a comforting lunch in Seoul. The selections are spread across the city, making it easy to choose based on your route. Looking at the list, the broth is generally clean, and the density of each bowl is quite substantial. It's a solid choice for hangover recovery, but it also works well as a regular meal for solo dining or a satisfying lunch. On days when you're looking for a stable broth and a filling meal rather than something overly stimulating, these options are particularly suitable for a light breakfast or lunch. It's a great reference point when selecting gukbap and haejang-guk in Seoul.
Restaurant List
Original Sinchon Seolleongtang
04210 16, Mapo-daero 14-gil, Mapo-gu, SeoulBusiness 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.
Hwaehyun Restaurant
04635 9-8 Toegye-ro 2-gil, Jung-gu, SeoulBusiness Hours 11:30 ~ 21:00Break 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.
Eomeoni Daeseong House
02579 4 Wangsan-ro 11-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, SeoulBusiness 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!
Pyongyang House
04382 186 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, SeoulBusiness 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.
Ijo Sundaeguk
04363 54, Wonhyo-ro 41-gil, Yongsan-gu, SeoulBusiness Hours 05:00 ~ 20:10Break 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.
Cheongsil Hongshil
06577 9 Seorae-ro 10-gil, Seocho-gu, SeoulBusiness Hours 11:00 ~ 20:30Break 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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