Imun Seolnongtang — Restaurant in Seoul

Saw a lot of mentions of this in reviews and SM's that I decided to try it out myself. First thing to note, it can be a bit hard to find since it is tucked in an alleyway. And then when you enter the alleyway, the trees cover the sign of the restaurant. So it can be somewhat of an adventure if you are into that sort of stuff.

As a solo diner, I was grateful they had those solo seats, kinda reminiscent of Covid's social distancing era. Additionally, for non Korean speakers, there is a QR code to scan, which shows what the menu is, along with pictures and descriptions. It was much helpful to order straight from the website.

I guess they knew I was not native (though it was easy since I don't look Korean one bit), that they separated the chives/spring onions from the dish and gave it in a metal container as an option. I do know the man who was sitting beside me had his already with it inside his bowl.

Now for the life of me, I cannot comprehend how Koreans can stay so slim and yet eat such large portions. But when in Korea, do as the Koreans do and finish your food, which I am proud to say I did, though my waistline might say otherwise.

For the dish, I got ox bone soup which had the different cuts, along with noodles and rice, which first comes out as bland at first. But you have the option to add salt, pepper and paprika which is available on all the tables as well as add the spring onions. I think that is the beauty of it, since the dishes can be customised to your own tastebuds. I saw an uncle in front of me add his kimchi juice into the broth, which i copied, and it made it so so so much better.

Would definitely...

Imun Seolleongtang is a renowned restaurant specializing in seolleongtang, a traditional Korean soup. Established in the 1930s, it has been serving Seoul residents for approximately 120 years, maintaining its status as a culinary landmark.

Seolleongtang is a type of gukbap (rice soup) and a traditional local dish of Seoul. It is made by simmering beef bones for an extended period to create a rich, milky broth, which is then served with rice. Seolleongtang contains somyeon (thin wheat noodles) ,rice and pieces of beef. Known as one of Korea’s iconic nutritious dishes, seolleongtang has a mild and subtle flavor. Customers typically season it to their taste by adding salt or green onions.

Additionally, seolleongtang is commonly paired with radish kimchi (kkakdugi) and regular kimchi, which also help adjust the flavor. Koreans particularly enjoy eating gukbap during cold weather, finding it warm and comforting.

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First of all. This is AMAZING place

My frustrations with other “reviewers”. Are you guys expecting americanized dish? Is that what people are wanting from here? (Based on neg views I saw).

2 sides (김치 and 깍두기) were amazing. What more you want from 설렁탕집? Lol.

My suggestion is try making it yourselves. Then you will appreciate the odor and taste. Worthy Michelin guide (not sure if it is or if they are worthy of a muchelin star though).

You have to add salt and sliced green onions yourselves.

And i promise you that seolnongtang doesnt taste “good” just because you add alot of salt.

Thank you owners for amazing place.

Fyi - this place is bit hidden. You have to go into a “sketchy” looking street. Guaranteed that you are safer on that street than any average American or European streets.

Price is 14000 won per dish now :( (menu pic outdated). Also just like any korean restaurants tell them what you want. They aint gonna hover over or check on you to...