Somunnan Seongsu Gamjatang is the busy local restaurant where Seongsu-dong refuels. After a day of cafes and pop-up shopping, young locals and families crowd in for big pots of gamjatang, the spicy Korean stew of pork bones, potatoes and greens. It is hearty, affordable and made for sharing.
This guide explains the dish, how to order, where to find it and when to go. For cafes nearby, see our guide to trendy Seoul cafes and restaurants.
What Is Gamjatang?
Gamjatang is a stew built on pork spine bones simmered until the meat falls off. The broth is spicy and deep red, thickened with ground perilla seeds and cooked with potatoes, napa cabbage greens (ugeoji) and green onions. You pick meat off the bones, sip the broth and, at the end, fry rice in the leftover sauce. It is a classic late-night and hangover food in Korea.
What to Order at Somunnan Seongsu Gamjatang
- Gamjatang (pot) – sized for two or more; the signature.
- Gamjaguk meal – a single-serving bowl with rice, good for solo diners.
- Add-ons – extra ugeoji greens, sujebi (hand-torn noodles) or ramyeon noodles.
- Fried rice – order it at the end, cooked in the remaining broth.
Somunnan Seongsu Gamjatang Address, Hours and Directions
- Address: annex at 4 Yeonmujang 7-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울 성동구 연무장7길 4); the main shop is nearby
- Phone: 02-465-6580
- Hours: long hours and open year-round; call ahead on holidays
- Subway: Seongsu Station (Line 2) – a short walk
Tips for Visiting
- Come hungry and with friends. Portions are generous.
- Peak times: it is busy from morning, and lines form at dinner and on weekends.
- Spice level: the broth is moderately spicy; ask for water and kimchi refills freely.
- Before you eat: explore Daelim Changgo and Cafe Onion Seongsu.
Why Locals Keep Coming Back
Seongsu is full of new, trendy places, but Somunnan Seongsu Gamjatang is the kind of reliable, no-frills restaurant every neighborhood needs. It gives visitors an honest taste of everyday Korean comfort food in the middle of Seoul’s most fashionable district.
FAQ
Is gamjatang made with potato?
Yes, potatoes are part of it, though the name is often linked to the pork spine bones as well.
Can I eat gamjatang alone?
Order the single-serving gamjaguk meal instead of a large pot.
Is it very spicy?
Moderately. Most visitors who enjoy kimchi find it comfortable.
Source: Korea Charts – Somunnan Seongsu Gamjatang
Featured image: Photo: 이문희 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0). Photos illustrate the area or dish and may not show the venue itself. Details checked October 2026; confirm hours on Naver Map before visiting.