While Mapo isn’t a usual destination for me, I decided to explore its culinary offerings and stumbled upon Mapo-ok (Mapo, Seoul), a renowned spot for Seolleongtang (Korean ox bone soup) featured in the Michelin Guide. First opened in 1949, this family-run eatery is now in its third generation, serving comforting bowls of soup that have earned them a loyal following.

Since 1949

Located a 5-minute walk from Mapo Station (Exit 1), Mapo-ok is easy to find. Although it’s known for drawing crowds, I arrived at 2:00 pm and was pleased to find no line. Perfect timing for a leisurely lunch.

Menu

I opted for the special Yangji Seolleongtang, which comes with extra meat compared to the standard version. Alongside the soup, we were served kimchi and radish kimchi, as is customary at Seolleongtang restaurants.

Kimchi at Seolleongtang eateries is often a highlight, and Mapo-ok didn’t disappoint. 

Upon request, we also received green onion kimchi and extra fermented kimchi, which come in single servings with a note that refills are not available. The exclusivity made us even more curious, and we were glad we tried them. The aged kimchi was phenomenal, and the green onion kimchi added a refreshing zing.

Yangji seolleongtang (special)  23,000 won

The star of the meal, the Yangji Seolleongtang, was everything I hoped for. The broth was so deeply flavorful that I didn’t feel the need to season it with the salt and pepper provided.

It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed soup and Soju together for lunch, and this meal reminded me just how delightful the pairing can be.

Tender, juicy, and plentiful, the beef in the soup was of outstanding quality. The combination of noodles, rice, and beef made for a hearty and satisfying meal.

While the richness of the meat might feel a bit heavy for some, it paired perfectly with a bottle of Soju, making for a nostalgic and indulgent lunch.

Mapo-ok offers a top-tier Seolleongtang experience that lives up to its reputation. While the price is on the higher side, the quality of the ingredients, the depth of the broth, and the fantastic kimchi make it well worth it.

Address : 50-14 Yonggang-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-716-6661

Operation Hours : Monday-Friday : 07:00 - 21:00, Weekends : 07:00 - 17:00

Instagram : Check out more photos

Source : https://blog.naver.com/luv-sunny/223111630066

Writer : luv-sunny

Special thanks to luv-sunny

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