Kimberly Lim Legaspi
Google
Parksanbal is a small, cash-only spot that keeps things incredibly simple , it only serves one dish: Korean beef soup. Your only decision is whether you want it spicy or not spicy. That’s it. And honestly, that’s part of the charm.
The soup itself is rich and comforting. Simmered for hours using beef bones, the broth comes out cloudy and flavorful, with a deep, savory taste. There’s a mix of soft noodles, tender rice, and just a modest amount of meat. While it’s not overloaded with beef, the overall balance of flavors and textures works well. The rice in the broth especially stands out soft, savory, and filling.
Korean beef soup, known as gukbap (국밥), is a soul-warming dish with centuries of history. “Guk” means soup and “bap” means rice, and this meal has long been a staple in Korean households for its heartiness and restorative qualities. The version served at Parksanbal draws from the gomguk or gomtang tradition a milky broth simmered from beef bones for hours (or even days), extracting collagen and marrow to give it that rich, comforting depth.
Alongside the soup, you’ll get a small spread of traditional Korean side dishes: roasted seaweed, a fluffy Korean omelette, ssamjang (a soybean chili paste), Korean hot peppers, and kkakdugi a cubed radish kimchi that adds a nice crunch and tangy kick to the meal.
This dish has deep roots in Korean food culture. Known as gukbap (literally “soup with rice”), it’s a staple comfort food across the country, especially popular in cities like Busan. It’s working-class food in the best way humble, filling, and made with love and patience.
The space is pretty minimal no frills, just a few tables and a calm, unfussy vibe. It’s $20 for the set, which feels reasonable for the portion and overall experience. Definitely a good pick if you’re looking for a quiet, solid meal with traditional roots.