Myeongdong is a food haven and tucked away in one corner of the bustling neighbourhood is Hadongkwan, a family-owned shop that has been serving bowls of gomtang beef bone soup since 1939.
Walking along the street, Hadongkwan may be indistinguishable from the other stories except that you will find red and square Michelin signs lined up in a row on the outside, marking it out for its Bib Gourmand status.
Hadongkwan, Bib Gourmand Gomtang Beef Bone Soup in Myeongdong
The traditional beef bone soup served here at Hadongkwan is the product of years of refinement and hours upon hours of boiling the broth with large quantities of beef.
The broth is served in large bronze bowls and comes with rice soaked inside. This creates a comforting porridge that is feels nourishing and sustenance-giving. It is the perfect meal on a cold Seoul day.
And since Hadongkwan opens early in the morning at 7 am, it an ideal spot if you are looking for something to warm up the start of your day on a cold wintery morning.
Hadongkwan Food Menu
The menu at Hadongkwan is straightforward. They know what they are good at. There are only six menu items – four versions of gomtang and two dishes of boiled beef which get sold by the weight.
A bowl of Normal Beef Soup starts at 15,000 won. The Special Beef Soup, which comes with tripe, costs 18,000 won. For those who are big fans of gomtang, there is the Special Plus Beef Soup and Ultimate Beef Soup for 25,000 and 30,000 won respectively.
Gomtang: Light, Clear Broth
The gomtang broth is clear and light. It is similar to seolleongtang but clearer.
When you taste it on its own, it may seem a bit bland. However, that is because it is left to you to decide how you would like to salt it.
Take a spoonful of salt from the canister on the table and salt it to your own taste.
Accompanying the bowl of beef soup, you will get kimchi, spring onions and a dipping sauce for the beef.
What we liked about the gomtang at Hadongkwan is that it is cooked fresh. It will appeal to those who prefer a light – almost bland – broth with very subtle flavors.
If you find the beef soup too bland, you can always add in the salt, spring onions and even the kimchi to flavor the soup.
Do take note that Hadongkwan is closed on Sundays. It also pays to go early as it closes once the broth runs out for the day.
Where: 12 Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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