Geumseong Haejangguk 금성해장국

Geumseong Haejangguk is a beef head soup (someorijgukbap) restaurant at the far end of Jungang-dong, Gangneung, operating from 7 a.m. until roughly 3 p.m. with a single-item menu. Counted among the three best haejangguk restaurants in Gangneung, it earns high regard from diners who have tried most of the city's well-known someorijgukbap spots and still single this one out as clearly superior. Diners choose between two sizes, regular (7,000 won) and large (9,000 won), and the soup arrives almost instantly upon ordering, keeping turnover remarkably fast. Rice is served toryeom-style, pre-soaked in broth for a moist texture, with a generous amount of domestic hanwoo beef. The broth is cleaner and slightly sharper than typical meat soups, and comes with dadaegi (chili paste) mixed in by default, though it can be served separately on request. Many regulars recommend skipping the dadaegi entirely and enjoying the pure broth flavor, which they consider even more satisfying; for those who do add it, pouring kkakdugi liquid into the bowl helps soften the raw edge. The well-fermented kkakdugi pairs naturally with the soup. Demand for early morning meals is strong enough that delivery workers have been spotted entering at 6:50 a.m. before the official opening. The restaurant frequently sells out by afternoon, so morning or early lunch visits are strongly advisable. Parking relies on available street spots in the alley near the entrance.