OWL Magazine Korea

Gwanghwamun Beef Soup Restaurant: ‘Naju So Naju Gomtang’

“Naju So Naju Gomtang” is a Naju-style beef soup restaurant operated as a franchise. It’s a restaurant not commonly found in other areas, especially in the Gwanghwamun and Jongno areas.

As the name suggests, the flagship menu item is “Naju Gomtang,” making it a great place to visit when you’re craving a warm bowl of soup.

“Seoul Gwanghwamun Beef Soup Restaurant: Naju So Naju Gomtang”

The Gwanghwamun branch of Naju So Naju Gomtang is conveniently located on a main road, making it relatively easy to find. Situated between Saemunan Church and the Four Seasons Hotel, its location along the main road makes it easy to locate the entrance.

The restaurant spans two floors, allowing it to accommodate a large number of guests at once, which is an advantage. During this visit, I dined on the first floor without going upstairs. Overall, the atmosphere was clean and cozy. Especially during dinner hours, it felt even more serene.

“Naju So Naju Gomtang’s Menu”

The menu includes Naju Gomtang, Galbitang (short rib soup), Suyuk (boiled pork slices), Jjimgalbi (steamed ribs), Yukhoe (beef tartare), Hongeo Muchim (fermented skate), and more. The menu and prices are as follows:

  • Naju Gomtang: 10,000 KRW
  • Special Gomtang: 12,000 KRW
  • Naju Galbitang: 14,000 KRW
  • Nakji Galbitang: 18,000 KRW
  • Jeonbok Galbitang: 18,000 KRW
  • Jeonbok Nakji Galbitang: 22,000 KRW
  • Suyuk (Medium): 30,000 KRW
  • Suyuk (Large): 40,000 KRW
  • Jjimgalbi (Medium): 40,000 KRW
  • Jjimgalbi (Large): 60,000 KRW
  • Yukhoe: 20,000 KRW
  • Hongeo Muchim: 10,000 KRW
  • Mandu (Dumplings): 6,000 KRW

“Naju Gomtang: 10,000 KRW”

During this visit, I simply ordered a regular-sized bowl of Naju Gomtang. At 10,000 KRW per bowl, it falls within a reasonable price range considering the cost of living in the Gwanghwamun area. Especially with recent sharp price increases, paying 10,000 KRW for a meal is starting to feel like a natural occurrence.

“You Can Find Many Wise Sayings at Naju So Naju Gomtang”

Frames hung in Naju So Naju Gomtang display various wise sayings. Especially, the message from parents to their children titled “My Son!” was impressive. This is a phrase that can be shared with anyone, and it left an even deeper impression.

“Self-Service Free Dongdongju (Traditional Korean Rice Wine)”

The restaurant also provides Dongdongju for free in a self-service manner. It’s offered free of charge, but you have to pour it yourself. However, if you leave any Dongdongju behind, there’s a fine of 3,000 KRW, so you need to be careful. Personally, I don’t drink alcohol much, so I didn’t pour any Dongdongju.

Overall, it’s a great place to visit when you’re in the mood for a warm bowl of soup. Even with a regular-sized order, there’s plenty of meat, making it a hearty meal.

“Seoul Gwanghwamun Restaurant: Naju So Naju Gomtang”

  • Address: 87-1 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
  • Phone Number: 02-735-9871
  • Operating Hours: (Every Day) 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM