Around Seoul’s Mapo and Gongdeok stations, you can find various renowned eateries. The Mapo and Gongdeok areas are representative office-dense areas of Seoul, and Gongdeok Market is known for its diverse range of eateries. It’s easy to find well-known restaurants nearby.
Particularly in Mapo, there’s a place famous for being one of the top three seolleongtang (ox bone soup) restaurants: “Mapo Yangji Seolleongtang, Mapo Ok, Hanyang Seolleongtang.” This time, I visited the restaurant “Mapo Ok,” which has even earned a mention in the Michelin Guide.
“Since 1949, Mapo Ok – A Restaurant with Deep-Seated Heritage”
Mapo Ok has been in operation since it first opened its doors in 1949, maintaining its business to this day. Over 70 years of history have been preserved at this restaurant, which has been operated by three generations. Thanks to this long history, the place has also been designated as a Future Heritage of Seoul.
Moreover, it has gained recognition for its taste and has even been listed in the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand section.
“A Simple Menu Focused on Seolleongtang”
As it’s known for its seolleongtang, the menu is relatively simple and centered around this dish. At the time of my visit, a bowl of Yangji Seolleongtang was priced at 14,000 KRW, which might be considered somewhat on the higher side, but the portion was ample enough for a satisfying meal. (As of 2022, due to inflation, the price has increased to 16,000 KRW per bowl.)
Compared to other seolleongtang dishes, you can feel that there is a generous amount of meat in Mapo Ok’s dish, which may justify the slightly higher price.
“A Harmony of Tender Meat and Refreshing Broth”
The meat in the seolleongtang, in particular, had an exceptionally tender taste. It’s said that they use only Hanwoo (Korean beef) to make the seolleongtang. The broth is also made using only beef bones, brisket, and brisket point, without any other bones.
Thanks to this approach, although it may be relatively expensive, you can have a hearty meal. The taste, the quantity, and the quality of the meat together may have contributed to Mapo Ok’s designation as one of the top three seolleongtang restaurants in Mapo.
When you’re in the mood for a hearty and warm bowl of seolleongtang, this is a great place to visit.
“Seoul Mapo: Mapo Ok – One of the Top Three Seolleongtang Restaurants”
- Address: 1st Floor, 312 Tojeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Operating Hours: (Mon-Fri) 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, (Sat-Sun, Holidays) 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Phone Number: 02-716-6661