Gamjatang (Korean Pork Bone Soup) : The Korean Comfort Food I Always Recommend to Friends Visiting Seoul
After living in Seoul for more than 30 years, one of the Korean dishes I've eaten more often than almost any other is Gamjatang (Korean Pork Bone Soup).
Whenever I needed a hearty meal after a night out, or when meeting friends for dinner, Gamjatang was usually our first choice.
For me, it's more than just a meal—it's comfort food that brings back countless memories.
Interestingly, I never realized how special this dish was until I started introducing it to my foreign friends. Many of them would say,
"I've never had anything like this before. It feels like a dish you can only truly experience in Korea."
They're right. While Korean barbecue and bibimbap are famous around the world, Gamjatang is still one of Korea's hidden culinary gems. It's not easy to find outside Korea, which makes it an unforgettable experience for many travelers.
If you're planning a trip to Korea and want to eat like a local rather than just visiting tourist restaurants, I highly recommend trying Gamjatang at least once.
What Is Gamjatang?
The name can be a little confusing because "gamja" means potato in Korean.
Many first-time visitors assume potatoes are the main ingredient, but the real star of the dish is slow-cooked pork backbone.
The bones are simmered for hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender. Potatoes, napa greens (or dried cabbage leaves), perilla seed powder, garlic, green onions, and Korean spices are added to create a rich, flavorful broth.
One of the best parts is pulling the meat off the bone yourself. It's a little messy, but that's exactly how Koreans enjoy it.
Gamjatang is known as one of Korea's most popular comfort foods and is especially famous as a hangover meal after drinking.
Why Do Koreans Love Gamjatang?
After eating it for years, I think the biggest reason is its warm, rich broth.
Whenever the weather gets cold or it's raining outside, Gamjatang is one of the first dishes that comes to mind.
It's also a meal that naturally brings people together.
Instead of eating quickly, everyone sits around the steaming pot, talks, laughs, and slowly enjoys the meat and soup together.
That's why Gamjatang feels less like fast food and more like a shared dining experience.
Of course, it's also one of Korea's most popular hangover foods.
After a late night with friends, a bowl of hot Gamjatang somehow makes you feel refreshed again.
What's Inside Gamjatang?
Although recipes vary slightly from restaurant to restaurant, most Gamjatang includes:
Pork backbone
Potatoes
Napa greens or dried cabbage leaves
Perilla seed powder
Perilla leaves
Garlic
Green onions
Korean chili peppers
Some restaurants make it extra spicy, while others serve a milder version for customers who prefer less heat.
When Is the Best Time to Eat Gamjatang?
After a Night of Drinking
This is probably when I've eaten it the most.
The rich soup and tender meat make it one of Korea's favorite hangover meals.
Dinner with Friends
Gamjatang is usually served in a large shared pot, making it perfect for groups.
In Korea, it's common to enjoy it during casual dinners, family gatherings, or company dinners.
During Winter
Few meals are as satisfying as a steaming pot of Gamjatang on a cold winter evening.
After living through many Seoul winters, it's still one of the dishes I crave the most.
How I Like to Eat Gamjatang
Whenever I introduce Gamjatang to foreign friends, I always give them the same advice.
First, enjoy the meat with the soup.
Then order a bowl of rice to eat with the broth.
Finally—and this is the part you shouldn't miss—order fried rice.
Many Korean restaurants use the remaining broth to stir-fry rice with roasted seaweed, sesame oil, kimchi, and vegetables.
For many locals, the fried rice at the end is just as important as the soup itself.
Personally, I almost never leave a Gamjatang restaurant without ordering it.
Best Gamjatang Restaurants in Seoul
1. Original 24-Hour Gamjatang (Seongsu)
This long-running local restaurant has been popular with Seoul residents for many years.
The broth is rich, and the portions are generous.
Average Price
Small: ₩32,000
Medium: ₩40,000
Large: ₩48,000
How to Get There
About a 7–10 minute walk from Seongsu Station (Subway Line 2).
2. Ibadom Gamjatang (Multiple Locations)
One of Korea's best-known Gamjatang restaurant chains.
If it's your first time trying Gamjatang, this is a safe and reliable choice.
Average Price
Pork Bone Soup (Individual): ₩11,000–13,000
Small Gamjatang: Around ₩34,000
Locations
Branches can be found throughout Seoul, including Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeongdong.
3. Jomaru Gamjatang (Gangnam, Jamsil & More)
Known for its rich broth and fragrant perilla seed flavor.
Popular with both families and locals.
Average Price
Individual Pork Bone Soup: Around ₩11,000
Small Gamjatang: From ₩33,000
How to Get There
Multiple locations across Seoul, most within a short walk from subway stations.
4. Cheonggiwa Gamjatang (Jongno)
A long-established local favorite in central Seoul.
Compared to tourist areas, you'll find more office workers and local residents dining here.
Average Price
Individual Pork Bone Soup: ₩10,000–12,000
Small Gamjatang: Starting around ₩30,000
How to Get There
About a 5-minute walk from Jonggak Station (Subway Line 1).
How Much Does Gamjatang Cost?
In Seoul, these are the typical prices you can expect:
Individual Pork Bone Soup: ₩10,000–13,000
Small Gamjatang: ₩30,000–35,000
Medium: Around ₩40,000
Large: Around ₩50,000
A shared pot usually serves two to four people comfortably.
Helpful Tips for First-Time Visitors
Don't be afraid to pick up the bones with your hands—this is completely normal in Korea.
If you don't enjoy spicy food, ask whether a milder version is available.
Always order the fried rice at the end if the restaurant offers it.
Kimchi and cubed radish kimchi are usually served as complimentary side dishes.
Final Thoughts
If someone asked me to choose just one Korean comfort food that I've eaten throughout my life in Seoul, Gamjatang would probably be my answer.
I've enjoyed it after long nights with friends, during cold winters, and on countless casual dinners over the years.
Korea has many famous dishes, but if you want to experience the kind of food that locals actually eat on a regular basis, Gamjatang is hard to beat.
The next time you visit Korea, don't limit yourself to famous barbecue restaurants or trendy cafés.
Step into a neighborhood Gamjatang restaurant, order a steaming pot, and enjoy one of the most authentic meals Korea has to offer.
You may discover that some of the best travel memories come from the simplest local experiences.
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