Geumseonggwan Naju Gomtang Review
If you’re in Seoul and craving a traditional Korean beef soup that warms the soul, Geumseonggwan Naju Gomtang is among the go-to spots to experience Naju Gomtang – a simple yet deeply satisfying soup dish rooted in Korean tradition. Naju Gomtang is a representative Korean beef bone soup (곰탕) that showcases clear but flavourful broth and tender meat, often paired with rice and classic banchan (side dishes).
This particular restaurant was just beside our hotel and it was our nightly takeaway for hearty beef soup to warm our souls.
What Is Naju Gomtang?
Naju Gomtang is a traditional Korean beef soup where the broth made by simmering high-quality cuts of beef and sometimes bones for an extended time comes out clear, savoury and rich in umami. This sets it apart from bone-only soups like seolleongtang, giving it a lighter but still deeply satisfying flavour profile.
The dish is typically served with steaming broth, generous pieces of tender beef, rice on the side or in the bowl, and a set of classic Korean banchan such as cabbage kimchi and radish kimchi that add brightness and acidity to the meal.
Broth & Meat — The Heart of the Dish
What truly defines Naju Gomtang is the broth. It’s simmered until savoury and rich, yet crystal clear, a sign that the focus is on meat quality and slow extraction of flavour, not heaviness. A sip delivers warming umami that pairs beautifully when you drop in a scoop of rice.
The beef itself, thinly sliced or tender chunks depending on the restaurant is usually easy to eat and not overly fatty. Combined with the broth’s clean profile, it creates a comforting balance that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Sides & Accompaniments
No Korean soup experience is complete without banchan. The standard set (kimchi cabbage, kimchi radish) provides acidity and crunch that cut through the broth’s richness. The kimchi and pickled radish are flavourful, they use more garlic in their kimchi, which deepens the flavour making it our favourite kimchi by far.
Some locals even prefer to add a splash of kimchi juice to their gomtang, a personal preference that gives a different flavour profile.
If you’re exploring Seoul and you are in the Namdaemun and Myeongdong areas, and want a warm, nourishing meal grounded in Korean tradition, Geumseonggwan Naju Gomtang is well worth a stop. This was our go-to stop during the cold winter nights after a day of sight-seeing and shopping, this beef soup delivers authentic comfort with every spoonful.
Rating: 4.25 / 5
Geumseonggwan Naju Gomtang
29 Namdaemun-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WRotX4av6ZVsLb6bA
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