Hello everyone! Today, I visited Hadongkwan Myeongdong Main Branch, a renowned gomtang (beef bone soup) restaurant in Seoul that has been preserving its traditional taste for 85 years across three generations. This place is known as one of Korea’s representative gomtang eateries and has even been frequented by former presidents.
Menu and Prices
- Gomtang
- Small: 15,000 KRW (gomtang with only meat)
- Regular: 18,000 KRW (gomtang with meat and innards)
- Suyuk (Boiled Beef)
- Medium: 40,000 KRW
- Large: 60,000 KRW
Prices are as of November 1, 2024, based on the orders made during our visit.
Operating Hours and Location
- Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Closed: Every Sunday
- Contact: 02-776-5656
- Address: 1-2F, 12 Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Myeongdong 1-ga 10-9)
Unique Ordering Tips
Comedy TV, The Delicious Guys
At Hadongwan, the small gomtang is typically ordered by customers who also get suyuk; it contains only meat. If you prefer gomtang with innards included, make sure to order the regular gomtang. For larger portions of meat and innards, you can choose the 25 Gong or 35 Gong options. If you want extra innards, simply request “more innards” when ordering. For those who prefer less rice and more meat, you can order “matbaegi,” which comes with less rice and extra meat.
Our Experience
We ordered the regular gomtang, small gomtang, and suyuk. Along with our meals, each person received a personal serving of kkakdugi (radish kimchi) and finely chopped green onions.
The kkakdugi here is a Seoul-style version, made by combining radish and napa cabbage. It’s seasoned with salted shrimp to achieve a clean and refreshing taste, then aged through a fermentation process.
The gomtang is prepared by boiling female Korean beef, removing only the meat, and carefully skimming off the fat from the broth. They serve the gomtang using the “toryeom” method, where rice, brisket, and innards are warmed by repeatedly pouring hot broth over them. This enhances the flavor and ensures the dish is served piping hot.
While you cannot order the soup and rice separately, you can get unlimited refills of rice and broth, excluding the meat.
The clear and mild broth of the gomtang was incredibly satisfying. It had a rich yet clean flavor that paired wonderfully with the tangy, well-fermented kimchi.
The suyuk featured tender beef with a perfect balance of fat and lean meat, along with chewy innards. Dipping the melt-in-your-mouth meat and innards into the soy sauce mixed with finely chopped green onions was simply delightful.
Additional Highlights
The kimchi starts with a tangy note and finishes with a subtle hint of salted shrimp, adding depth to its flavor. It complements the gomtang perfectly, making each spoonful more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Hadongkwan Myeongdong Main Branch has been featured multiple times in the Michelin Guide, and it’s easy to see why. The consistent quality of their gomtang and the delicious Seoul-style kkakdugi make it a must-visit spot, especially as the weather turns colder. If you’re in Seoul and looking for a hearty, traditional meal, I highly recommend stopping by this historic restaurant.