Seolleongtang, a heartwarming bowl of Korean sincerity
On a cold day, a spoonful of steamy, milky broth fills you up. Seolleongtang is a representative gukbap (soup with rice) known as Koreans' 'soul food.' With no strong seasonings, it's a dish anyone can enjoy without 부담 (burden), making it especially recommended for first-time foreign visitors to Korea and those looking for a comfortable meal.
The deep and rich taste of dedication
Seolleongtang is a traditional gukbap characterized by its milky broth, made by simmering beef bones and meat at high temperatures for a long time. The broth, carefully cooked for at least 10 hours, boasts a clean yet deeply savory flavor. Combined with tenderly cooked beef slices and chewy somyeon (thin wheat noodles), a single bowl makes for a hearty meal.
Your own personalized broth, tailored to your taste
The charm of Seolleongtang lies in seasoning it yourself. The initial broth comes out with almost no seasoning, so you complete it to your liking by adding salt, pepper, and chopped green onions available at the table.
- Season it with salt and pepper. The trick is to add a little at a time and taste.
- Adding plenty of green onions enhances the aroma and texture.
- Adding a splash of 깍두기 (kkakdugi, diced radish kimchi) juice, Seolleongtang's perfect partner, is a secret beloved by Koreans. It adds a sour and spicy kick, deepening the flavor of the broth.
Why is it 'soul food'?
It's because of its warmth that thaws you out in the cold winter, its nutrition that boosts your energy when you're sick, and its comforting taste that people of all ages can enjoy. With no strong spices, it's one of the most popular Korean dishes, enjoyable for foreigners without any hesitation.
Where to enjoy it
Imun Seolnongtang
Opened in 1904, it's one of the oldest restaurants in Korea, a living witness to Seolleongtang that has remained in the same spot for over 100 years. Here, you can experience the charm of a long-standing establishment and the consistently rich broth.
Location: Jongno-gu, Seoul (Jongno area)
Sinseon Seolnongtang
This is a franchise known for its clean and popular taste, recognized even by foreign travelers. With branches in major tourist hubs like Gangnam and Myeongdong, it offers good accessibility, and the menu is relatively easy to understand.
Location: Major hubs like Gangnam and Myeongdong, Seoul
💡 Visitor Tips
- The broth comes with almost no seasoning, so add salt and pepper little by little to suit your taste.
- Adding a splash of kkakdugi juice is the authentic Korean way to enjoy it.
- Popular old restaurants can get crowded during lunch and dinner hours, so visiting slightly outside these times will allow for a more relaxed experience.
- It's common to eat rice mixed into the soup, known as 'gukbap' style, but you can also order them separately.
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