Seowonjuk Seowonjuk서원瑞源ソウォン

400m from Myeong-dong Station. Seowonjuk is a porridge restaurant on Toegye-ro in Jung-gu, Seoul, within walking distance of Myeongdong Station Exit 9, serving porridge that clearly separates itself from standard chain offerings. The small basement space holds roughly ten tables and is run personally by the husband-and-wife owners. The special jeonbok-juk (abalone porridge) is the most sought-after item, seasoned simply with black and white sesame so that the delicate aroma and flavor of the abalone remain unmasked while a deep nuttiness carries through each spoonful. Large pieces of abalone provide chewy contrast within the smooth porridge, and the samgye-juk (ginseng chicken porridge) builds a wholesome, restorative bowl from health-focused ingredients. The saeu-juk (shrimp porridge) features plump shrimp topped with a whole egg yolk - a distinctive touch that some guests prefer to leave intact rather than mixing in. The squid jeotgal served alongside pairs exceptionally well with the porridge and earns consistent praise among the banchan, all of which maintain a high standard. The restaurant draws significant praise from international visitors, including detailed Japanese-language reviews, and has been featured on Korean food programs. A warm bowl on an empty stomach is exactly the comfort this kitchen delivers, making it suitable for breakfast as well as any other meal. The opening of a second branch has reduced waiting times compared to earlier years, and while the space carries an aged character, it is maintained cleanly. Pricing sits around 13,000 won for the shrimp porridge, which represents fair value given the ingredient quality and complexity of flavor.