Mugyo-dong Bugeo-guk
While deciding where to eat in Euljiro, Seoul, we narrowed it down to a Kalguksu (Korean noodles) restaurant and the famous Bugeo-guk (dried pollack soup). In the end, we chose the Mugyo-dong Bugeo-guk (City center, Seoul) spot so my husband could try something completely new.
Even on weekend mornings, this place draws plenty of diners looking to nurse their hangovers with a warm, comforting bowl of soup. I was there for the same reason, hoping to recover from the previous night’s indulgence.
Since 1968
You don’t need to worry about the quality of the food here, it’s been a staple at this location for over 50 years, a testament to its consistency and reputation.
Reviews often mention the long lines. On weekdays, lunchtime queues can be especially daunting, and even on weekends, diners start lining up as early as 7 a.m. when the restaurant opens.
We visited on a Saturday around 11:00 a.m. and found three groups ahead of us in line, which wasn’t bad at all. Thankfully, the wait wasn’t too long, and the line moved quickly.
If you’re in a rush, takeout is also an option. They’ll pour the soup into plastic containers, allow it to cool slightly, and seal it for you to bring home.
Soup appears to be boiled in a huge pot like this and then served in individual bowls when orders come in.
To enter the restaurant, make sure your entire party is present, as they won’t seat incomplete groups.
The restaurant has a single-item menu, so ordering is straightforward, your bowls of Bugeo-guk are automatically prepared based on the number of people in your group. My husband and I ordered two bowls of soup.
Side dishes are already on the table, and you can serve yourself as much as you’d like onto the small plates provided. The selection includes cucumber pickles, seasoned chives, and kimchi.
Bugeo-guk 9,500 won
If you enjoy salted shrimp, it’s a great addition to the soup—though I personally waited until I’d eaten about half before adding some.
From what I overheard at the next table, the staff is happy to refill anything (soup, rice) upon request. I didn’t ask for more since the portions were sufficient for me.
The soup here is special because it’s made with Korean ox bone broth, which gives it a rich, deeply flavorful base. Combined with dried pollack fish and tofu, the broth is hearty yet delicate, striking a perfect balance.
I could see why this dish is so beloved and why people are willing to queue for it. The flavors were completely to my liking, simple, comforting, and satisfying.
3 Side dishes
Among the side dishes, the cucumber pickle had a subtle sweetness that paired well with the soup, but for me, the kimchi was the star. Its tangy, spicy crunch was the perfect complement to the savory broth.
By 11:30 am, the line outside had grown significantly longer. It was clear that Mugyo-dong Bugeo-guk is a crowd favorite, and for good reason.
Is Mugyo-dong Bugeo-guk deserving of its designation as part of Seoul’s Future Heritage? Without a doubt. This humble bowl of soup carries decades of history and flavor, making it a must-try experience for anyone visiting the city.
Address : 38 Eulji-ro 1-gil, Mugyo-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Phone : +82-2-777-3891
Operation Hours : Monday-Friday : 07:00-20:00 , Saturday-Sunday : 07:00-15:00)
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Source : https://blog.naver.com/gimtansan/223089233619
Writer : gimtansan
Special thanks to gimtansan
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