Yonggeumok

A visit to Yonggeumok in Tongin-dong, Jongno-gu, is more than just a meal—it's an encounter with history. This legendary establishment, which boasts over 80 years of tradition, is renowned for preserving the authentic style of Seoul's Chueotang (loach soup). ​I highly recommend ordering their signature Seoul Chutang and the accompanying Minari Jeon (water parsley pancake). Unlike the thicker, more common Southern style, Yonggeumok's Chutang is characterized by its clear, refreshing broth. It’s generously topped with fresh water parsley (Minari) and scallions, resulting in a clean yet deeply savory flavor. You can customize the taste by adding chili powder and perilla seed powder to your liking. ​The Minari Jeon was an absolute highlight. 🌿 The aromatic Minari was pan-fried to a perfect crispness, offering a delightful texture and a fresh, clean contrast to the hot soup. The natural fragrance of the water parsley ensured the pancake was light and not greasy. ​If you are looking for a taste of Seoul's culinary heritage and a genuinely heartwarming, deep flavor, a visit to Yonggeumok is a must. It is truly the place to experience the essence of traditional Seoul-style Chutang!

Our favourite place to eat in our entire trip to Seoul! Will definitely be back. The entrance feels like a secret pathway into someone’s home. The food was absolutely filled with oldworld charm. We had vege broth and fried eel. It was like a Korean grandmother raised me and nourished me till I became a full grown man in a span of 20 minutes. You need this.

The 70 years old restaurant, had only 3 menus which is namdo style fish soup(the grind fish soup) , Seoul style fish soup ( you can should whole fish or grind fish). Seoul style a bit spicy, whole fish you can feel a tiny bone if you doesn't like that kind of feeling should order grind fish instead. The side dishes was good taste, the deep fried fish was very good.

A very decent place for chuuhtang. They have two types of chuuhtang: Seoul and Namdo, the former is the spicier. First time, I tried the Seoul version. Overall a decent take on the dish. I just don't like, however, the extra stuff they put in the dish that takes it away from the traditional flavor...mushrooms and intestines. Should be simply the mikuraji and cabbage. Few weeks later, I went back to try the Namdo version. SUPER! One of the best versions. Make sure to add enough scallions, green peppers, wild sesame, Sancho powder, and lastly, diced garlic. The best Korean comfort food. Few things to note: There is another Yong-Geum-Og restaurant in Jung-gu, which is run by a relative. But the food there can't compare. This store has the Michelin Star and the original food.

Long history and specialty menu probably made this place a Michelin pick for several years. Korean folk food but made it agreeable by foreigners is my opinion of this restaurant's success. My visa card doesn't charge the transaction fee, but there was ~3% credit card surcharge by this restaurant without any mention of it. The highest surcharge so far in Korea.

Amazing food and so friendly!!! Truly a wonderful experience!!!

The restaurant is as delicious as it is known as bib gourmand. But if you go only with male, you will eat an out of date rice.

special and traditional food and very friendly staff here