Cuisine

Korean (한식당)

District

Junggu (중구) , Seoul

Address

Seoul Jung-gu Namdaemun-ro 29

400m from Myeong-dong Station. Geumseonggwan Naju Gomtang is a Naju-style gomtang (beef bone soup) specialist on Namdaemun-ro in Jung-gu, Seoul, a long-established gukbap restaurant near Namdaemun Market. Operating 24 hours, the two-story venue uses separate entrance and exit doors for efficient flow. The signature Naju gomtang is prepared using the traditional toryeom method, in which hot broth is repeatedly ladled over the rice to warm it. This technique prevents the rice from becoming soggy and keeps each spoonful clean-tasting through the last bite. The broth is clear yet carries a profound umami depth, faithfully representing the light, refined character that defines Naju-style gomtang. The soup arrives in a traditional brass bowl, adding an authentic visual element. Standard gomtang (11,000 won) and the special-size version (14,000 won) are both available, with the special offering a generous portion of beef. Galbi-tang is another popular choice, praised for its refreshingly clean flavor. The Hanwoo suyuk (boiled beef) is exceptionally tender and melt-in-the-mouth, free of any gamey notes and best enjoyed with chives. Naengsuyuk-muchim (cold beef salad) and yukhoe (beef tartare) are also noteworthy, while yukjeon (beef pancake), hongeo-jeon (skate pancake), and hongeo-hoe (raw skate) are available only after 3 PM. Among the side dishes, the kimchi and kkakdugi stand out, and the kkoltugi jeotgal (baby squid jeotgal) is a house specialty that should not be missed. Rice and broth refills are complimentary, and free dongdongju (unfiltered rice wine) is served between 11 AM and 3 PM. The local custom is to pour a cup of makgeolli, set out kimchi and kkakdugi, and enjoy the jeotgal while waiting for the gomtang to arrive. The owner and staff are friendly and generous, with extra broth poured liberally. Weekend waits of around fifteen minutes are typical, and parking requires use of nearby paid lots. For visitors seeking a solid, clean bowl of soup near Namdaemun Market, this restaurant is an optimal choice.