
Photo: Dohyuk You · Unsplash License (Unsplash)
KVIBE IDOLS › Food guides › Korean dishes explained › 설렁탕·곰탕 (seolleongtang, gomtang)
🍜 Korean dishes explained
Seolleongtang & Gomtang설렁탕·곰탕 · seolleongtang, gomtang
What is it?
Seolleongtang is beef bones boiled for hours into a milky white broth; gomtang uses more meat for a clearer, richer broth. Both arrive unsalted — you add salt, pepper and green onion — and come with kimchi and kkakdugi radish.
How to eat it
- Taste first, then add salt little by little.
- Pour some kkakdugi juice in for tang.
- Many old shops open early — great breakfast.
- Typical price
- ₩12,000–18,000
How to order · Say it in Korean소금 좀 주세요. 파 더 주세요.Sogeum jom juseyo. Pa deo juseyo.Some salt please, and more green onion.
Where to try it
Seoul's oldest restaurants (Jongno & Euljiro)Eat at Seoul's oldest restaurants: Imun Seolnongtang (since 1904), Cheongjinok haejangguk (1937), Jinokhwa dak…
Myeongdong street food and where to eatMyeongdong street food stalls plus two legendary restaurants: Myeongdong Kyoja kalguksu (since 1966) and Hadon…
Insadong & Ikseon-dong: where to eatWhere to eat in Insadong and Ikseon-dong: Sanchon temple food, vegan Korean at Osegyehyang, Imun Seolnongtang …FAQ
What is the difference?
Seolleongtang leans on bones (milky); gomtang leans on meat (clearer).
Is it good for a first-timer?
Yes — it is mild and not spicy.
Korean dishes explained
What Is Bibimbap?Bibimbap explained: rice topped with seasoned vegetables, beef, egg and gochujang. How to mix it, dolsot vs Je…
What Is Tteokbokki?Tteokbokki explained: chewy rice cakes in sweet-spicy gochujang sauce. Street-stall vs pot (jeukseok) tteokbok…
What Is Samgyeopsal?Samgyeopsal explained: thick pork belly grilled at your table. How to wrap ssam with lettuce, ssamjang and gar…
What Is Bulgogi?Bulgogi explained: thin beef in a sweet soy, pear and garlic marinade. Soup-style vs crispy bassak bulgogi, pr…
What Is Kimchi Jjigae?Kimchi jjigae explained: a bubbling stew of aged kimchi, pork and tofu — Korea's everyday comfort food. Spice …
What Is Naengmyeon?Naengmyeon explained: buckwheat noodles in icy beef broth (mul) or spicy sauce (bibim). Pyongyang vs Hamheung …Places are long-running, well-known institutions checked against public listings (Michelin Guide, Wikipedia, tourism sites) in October 2026. No paid placements. Hours and prices change, so check the map app before you go.