Recommended Old Restaurants in Seoul


Bibimbap

πŸ‘‰ Contents

1. Recommended Old Restaurants

- Sarangbang Kalguksu

- Aesung Hoegwan Hanu Gomtang  

- Daeryunjip  

- Miseongok 



 If you visit Seoul, I recommend some must-visit restaurants. Seoul is a city where diverse food cultures coexist, and especially, old eateries themselves hold history and tradition. 

Old eateries don't just mean restaurants with a long history. These places have maintained unwavering taste and sincerity for decades, and their food is embedded deeply in people's memories beyond a simple meal. These eateries reflect the culture and history of the region and have been loved by many people. Especially, Seoul's old eateries stick to their unique recipes and cooking methods, offering a genuine taste different from modern trends.

Stores that have been in business for a long time are called "노포" in Korean. "Nopo" is pronounced like this in English.


In this post, I will introduce the charm of Seoul's old eateries 

and recommend some of them. 😊




Recommended Old Restaurants

1. Sarangbang Kalguksu 🍜

Sarangbang Kalguksu 

  - Location: Chungmuro  
  - Description
  A noodle restaurant with over 50 years of history, known for its rich and deep broth. 
 The noodles are chewy, and the broth is refreshing, making you feel good after a bowl.

▶ Ingredients and Characteristics of Kalguksu 
The main ingredients of Kalguksu are flour and water. The noodles are handmade by rolling out the dough, which results in a chewy texture. The broth is typically made by simmering anchovies, kelp, or chicken, creating a deep flavor, and is seasoned with soy sauce or salt. The characteristic of Kalguksu is the harmony between the noodles and the broth, allowing you to enjoy a rich taste.

Other Kalguksu
▶ Other Kalguksu Restaurants in Seoul: "Gohyang Kalguksu" at Gwangjang Market, "Bukchon Kalguksu" in Insadong.


2. Aesung Hoegwan Hanu Gomtang  🍚

   

Gomtang

   - Location: City Hall Station  
   - Description
 A beef bone soup restaurant known for its rich and deep broth flavor. The beef flavor is unforgettable once tasted.

▶ Ingredients and Cooking Method for Gomtang
The basic ingredients for Gomtang are beef and bones. Generally, shank, brisket, and beef bones are used to create a deep and rich broth. The cooking method is simple but time-consuming. First, the bones are cleaned and soaked in cold water to remove blood. Then, they are boiled with water for a long time to extract the broth. This process enhances the flavor of the broth and adds tenderness to the meat.
Gomtang is rich in protein and contains plenty of calcium and collagen from the bones, making it good for health. The deep flavor of the broth particularly helps with fatigue recovery and has a warming effect on the body. Therefore, many people turn to Gomtang when they have a cold or feel unwell.

▶ Recommended Gomtang Restaurants in Seoul
"Hadongkwan" near COEX Mall, "Wonnim Gomtang" in Chungmuro.





3. Taehyang

 

Jajangmyeon

   - Location: near Seoul Station
   - Description

 A Chinese restaurant with over 70 years of tradition, offering a variety of Chinese dishes. Jajangmyeon and sweet and sour pork are particularly popular.

▶ Jjajangmyeon
Making Jjajangmyeon is simple. First, boil the noodles. Then, add oil to a pan and stir-fry pork and vegetables. Add black bean paste to the stir-fried ingredients, mix well, and add a little water to create the sauce. Finally, pour the sauce over the boiled noodles to complete a delicious Jjajangmyeon.


fried dumplings

▶ Side dishes to enjoy with Jjajangmyeon
There are side dishes that go well with Jjajangmyeon. The most common are 'fried dumplings' and 'sweet and sour pork'. Fried dumplings with a crispy texture complement Jjajangmyeon well, and sweet and sour pork with its sweet sauce balances the salty taste of Jjajangmyeon. Additionally, eating it with 'kimchi' or 'pickled radish' enhances the taste.




4. Mokmyeoksanbang

Mokmyeoksanbang bibimbap
   - Location: Namsan Tower
   - Description
 A place where you can experience traditional Korean flavors, especially known for its bibimbap and bulgogi. The food is neat and delicious, attracting many tourists.


Other Bibimbap

▶ Bibimbap
Bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish where various ingredients are placed on top of rice and mixed with red pepper paste and sesame oil. The taste is created by the harmony of various elements. The softness of the rice, the crispness of the vegetables, the flavor of the meat, and the spiciness of the red pepper paste come together to create a symphony of flavors in the mouth. Particularly, the red pepper paste is the key sauce in bibimbap, enhancing the flavor with a balance of spiciness and sweetness. The nutty aroma of sesame oil also deepens the taste of bibimbap.

▶ How to Enjoy Bibimbap
To enjoy bibimbap even more, there are a few tips. First, it's important to mix the ingredients well before eating. Add a suitable amount of red pepper paste and sesame oil, and mix everything thoroughly



Tips for Finding Old Restaurants in Seoul

Seoul has many old restaurants. To find them, it's good to refer to lists of traditional local foods or famous restaurants. Also, getting recommendations from locals is a great way. Each area in Seoul has its unique eateries, so researching before planning your trip is beneficial.



I highly recommend visiting old eateries during your Seoul trip. They offer a valuable experience where you can feel the history and culture of the area beyond just a meal. Enjoy the charm of Seoul with delicious food!