Restaurant
Mingles
Chef Mingoo Kang's tasting-menu restaurant in Gangnam, holder of three Michelin stars, which reworks Korean fermented sauces and seasonal produce with modern technique.
Hadongkwan
A Myeongdong restaurant serving gomtang, a clear beef soup with brisket and tripe, since 1939, open from early morning until the soup runs out.
At a glance
- Type
- Gomtang beef soup
- Area
- Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea
- Price
- $ · Budget
Good to know
- Since 1939
- Breakfast and lunch
- Closed Sundays
- Cards accepted
Why we recommend it
Hadongkwan has been serving gomtang since 1939, which makes it one of the oldest restaurants in central Seoul. Gomtang is a clear, savoury soup made by simmering beef for hours, and it is one of the classic comfort dishes of the capital. The restaurant does almost nothing else, and it has kept doing it in much the same way for more than 80 years. It is listed in the 2026 Michelin Guide.
The soup arrives in a heavy brass bowl, with rice already sitting in the hot broth and thin slices of beef brisket on top. Depending on what you order, you may also get offal and tripe. A generous handful of chopped spring onion goes in at the table, along with salt to taste. The essential side dish is kkakdugi, Seoul-style cubed radish kimchi, which is crunchy, slightly sweet and sour, and some regulars add a splash of its juice to the soup. The broth is clean and gentle rather than rich, the kind of food that makes an ideal breakfast after a long flight or a late night.
The restaurant opens early, from 07:00, and serves until mid-afternoon, closing when the day's soup has sold out, so do not leave it too late. It is closed on Sundays. At peak times, around midday, a queue forms, but tables turn over quickly. Credit cards are accepted.
Hadongkwan suits solo travellers, early risers, older travellers and anyone who prefers mild food. Children usually like the simple flavours too. The atmosphere is functional, with office workers and long-time regulars eating quickly, and it offers a glimpse of a Myeongdong that predates the cosmetics boom. If you want to try the dish without queuing, arrive for breakfast between 07:00 and 09:00.
Bowls usually come in a regular size and a larger portion with more meat, so check the menu on the wall before you order.
The restaurant is on Myeongdong 9-gil, a few minutes' walk from Euljiro 1-ga Station on Line 2 and Myeongdong Station on Line 4. Myeongdong Kyoja is around the corner, so this is a good street for classic Seoul food, and Myeongdong Cathedral and the Cheonggyecheon stream are both a short walk away.
Hadongkwan FAQs
What is gomtang?
A clear soup made by simmering beef for hours, served with rice, sliced brisket and sometimes offal.
When is Hadongkwan open?
From 07:00 until mid-afternoon, Monday to Saturday, closing when the soup runs out; it is closed on Sundays.
How long has it been open?
It was established in 1939.
What is served with the soup?
Kkakdugi, Seoul-style cubed radish kimchi, along with chopped spring onions and salt.
Is the food spicy?
No. The soup is mild; only the kimchi has some heat.
When is the best time to go?
Breakfast between 07:00 and 09:00 usually avoids the midday queue.
Does it accept cards?
Yes. Credit cards are accepted.
How do you get there?
Walk a few minutes from Euljiro 1-ga Station on Line 2 or Myeongdong Station on Line 4.