Imun Seolnongtang

Imun Seolnongtang is recognised as the oldest operating restaurant in Seoul. Its origins go back to the early 1900s, during the Korean Empire, and in 2011 the Seoul Metropolitan Government settled on 1904 as its founding date. It has survived Japanese colonial rule, the Korean War and decades of redevelopment, and it was named a Seoul Future Heritage site in 2013. It is listed in the 2026 Michelin Guide.

The restaurant serves essentially one dish, seolleongtang, a milky white soup of beef bones simmered for around 17 hours in large cast-iron pots, with the fat skimmed off to keep the broth clean. It arrives in a heavy bowl with thin slices of beef, noodles and rice, and is seasoned at the table with salt and chopped spring onion to taste. Kimchi and kkakdugi radish kimchi are served alongside, and many diners add a little of the kimchi juice to the broth. The restaurant also serves suyuk, thinly sliced boiled beef, and a dressed version known as suyuk muchim, both good for sharing with a drink.

The restaurant has attracted a remarkable list of regulars over the years, including Sohn Kee-chung, the marathon runner who won Olympic gold in 1936, and a series of politicians and sporting heroes. Today the customers are mainly office workers, older Seoulites and curious visitors. The dining room is simple, service is quick and prices are low, which makes it an easy introduction to one of Seoul's oldest comfort foods.

It suits solo travellers, older visitors, families and anyone looking for a gentle, warming meal, especially in winter. The restaurant opens from 08:00 every day, with a break in the mid-afternoon, so it is a good breakfast choice; lunchtime is busiest. Bookings are handled directly, though most diners simply walk in. Cards are accepted.

A kitchen fire in October 2023 led to a temporary closure for repairs, but the restaurant has since reopened and remains a fixture of the area.

The restaurant is on Ujeongguk-ro in Gyeonji-dong, a few minutes' walk from Jonggak Station on Line 1 and Anguk Station on Line 3. Jogyesa Temple is on the same street, Insadong is around the corner, and the Cheonggyecheon stream and Gwanghwamun are within easy walking distance.