🐖 Yeongsu’s Gamjatguk – A Comforting Bowl of Pork Bone Soup Near Dobongsan Station
There are some places you don’t visit all the time—but when you do, you wonder why you ever stayed away. For me, Yeongsu’s Gamjatguk is exactly that. Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood near Dobongsan Station, it’s a spot I return to when I need something hearty, warm, and satisfying.
I first discovered this place years ago after a hike up Dobongsan Mountain. Since then, it’s become a bit of a ritual—a steaming pot of gamjatguk (pork bone soup) followed by a peaceful stroll along the nearby mountain stream. If you’re a fan of deep, savory broths and tender pork, this one’s worth the extra steps.
📍 Location & Basic Info
- Yeongsu’s Gamjatguk (Main Branch)
📍 86, Dobong-ro 181-gil, Dobong-gu, Seoul
🚉 Approx. 10-minute walk from Dobongsan Station
⏰ Hours: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Last order 8:00 PM)
❌ Closed on Tuesdays
🚗 Parking: Limited spots nearby – check with the staff on arrival
It’s not on a main street or near the station’s exit—it’s quietly located at the foot of the mountain trail, in the kind of place only locals or long-time fans would know about.
🍲 Not Your Typical Gamjatang
At first glance, the dish here doesn’t look like the usual thick gamjatang stew. Instead, the broth is a bit clearer, almost like a soup. But don’t be fooled—what it lacks in thickness, it makes up for in depth of flavor.
The broth is light but rich. It’s the kind of soup you can keep sipping without feeling weighed down or overly salty. It honestly feels healthy, which is rare to say about pork bone soup!
🫘 The Secret Weapon: Crushed Soybeans
What makes Yeongsu’s Gamjatguk truly unique is their generous use of crushed soybeans. These little white granules float gently in the broth, giving it a subtle, nutty flavor and helping to tame any of the strong porky aroma that gamjatang sometimes has.
The soybeans make the soup taste cleaner, creamier, and more balanced, almost like a homemade remedy. It’s one of those small touches that makes a big difference.
🍖 Tender Meat, Generous Portions
They don’t sell single portions here. The smallest size is labeled “Small” (소), and it’s meant for at least two people. ₩30,000 for the pot, and if you add a bottle of soju, you’re looking at ₩35,000 total.
You’ll get 3–4 hefty pork bones, and each one is loaded with plenty of tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. The flavor is deep, and the meat is clean—likely because they use fresh, domestic pork spine, not imported cuts. There’s none of that unpleasant smell or toughness you might associate with cheaper gamjatang joints.
🥬 Banchan That Stands Out
The side dishes here deserve their own mention. You’ll get:
- Geotjeori-style kimchi – freshly made, crisp, and slightly spicy
- Sweet & tangy cubed radish kimchi (kkakdugi) – refreshing and addictive
Both are made in-house, and you can taste the difference. They’re simple, but they’re good enough to eat by themselves while you wait for the main dish to arrive.
🍚 Fried Rice Is a Must
As with any proper gamjatang meal, you end with bokkeumbap (fried rice). Once you’re done picking meat off the bones, ask the staff to fry up the remaining broth with rice, seaweed, and sesame oil. It’s savory, toasty, and the perfect way to soak up every last bit of flavor.
Even if you’re full, trust me—you’ll want to make room for it.
🌿 Bonus: A Scenic Walk After Your Meal
What I love most about this spot isn’t just the food—it’s the location. After your meal, you can walk just a few steps and find yourself at a mountain stream with crystal-clear water and views of Dobongsan. It’s a perfect digestion walk, and it really completes the experience.
✅ Why You Should Visit
- ✔️ Crushed soybeans make the broth lighter, creamier, and cleaner
- ✔️ Domestic pork spine = tender meat with no funky smell
- ✔️ Great after a hike or even as a destination itself
- ✔️ Banchan is made in-house and tastes amazing
- ✔️ Peaceful location, slightly hidden, with beautiful scenery nearby
Yeongsu’s Gamjatguk might not be the most famous place in Seoul, but it’s one of those hidden gems that delivers comfort and quality with every bowl. Whether you’re coming down from Dobongsan or just craving a soulful meal, this is the kind of spot that makes you feel at home.
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