[City Hall / Namdaemun] Geumsunggwan Naju Gomtang, a place with more delicious Korean beef naju gomtang than Naju HONGDAE, Korea

Discover Geumsunggwan Naju Gomtang, a hidden gem near City Hall and Namdaemun, offering a more delicious Korean beef Naju Gomtang than Naju itself. Perfect for a comforting meal after a long journey.

After a long trip, especially one to Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, the last thing you want to do is cook dinner. All you crave is a hot, comforting bowl of something delicious to unwind. That's exactly when I head to Geumsunggwan Naju Gomtang (금성관 나주곰탕) near Hoehyeon Station.

The inviting exterior of Geumsunggwan Naju Gomtang

The Vibe: Spacious and Popular

Geumsunggwan Naju Gomtang boasts a spacious interior, and even before the end of the week, it quickly fills up with people. It's a popular spot, and you'll often see many customers opting for takeout, a testament to its beloved flavor. It's the kind of place where you want to share the taste with your loved ones.

The spacious and clean interior of Geumsunggwan Naju Gomtang

The Menu: Authentic Naju Gomtang and More

The menu is clean and straightforward, focusing on their specialty: Naju Gomtang. This clear and deeply meaty soup is made with Korean beef slaughtered within three days, domestic vegetables, and Sinsan sea salt. The description alone makes it sound incredibly appealing.

We ordered the Hanwoo Special Gomtang and the Hampyeong Yukhoe (beef tartare), which is from Hampyeong, a region next to Naju. The amount of meat and the visuals are incredible. Naju Gomtang is typically served with rice already rolled into the soup, which is surprisingly good.

A generous bowl of Hanwoo Special Gomtang

The lightness of the broth is perfect for soothing travel fatigue. While there's a famous Korean beef stew restaurant nearby, I personally prefer this place and will definitely come back.

The Sides: Fresh Kimchi and Delicious Yukhoe

One of the key highlights here is the kimchi. Unlike places where kimchi sits on the table waiting for customers, here, it's delivered fresh when customers arrive, ensuring it's at its coolest and most delicious state. Both the kimchi and kkakdugi (diced radish kimchi) are incredibly flavorful – enough for three meals!

Freshly served kimchi and kkakdugi

The Hampyeong Yukhoe feels incredibly fresh. After tasting this, I don't think I can eat raw sashimi at Gwangjang Market anymore.

A Surprise Treat: All-You-Can-Drink Dongdongju

My only disappointment was that they didn't sell makgeolli (rice wine). However, to my surprise, they offer all-you-can-drink dongdongju (a type of traditional Korean rice wine) from 11 AM to 2 PM, and it's free! This is truly amazing. The dongdongju is glistening, milky, and copper-colored – the ultimate snack and a fantastic drink.

All-you-can-drink dongdongju

Geumsunggwan Naju Gomtang truly feels like a taste of Jeolla-do in Seoul. I used to think restaurants in famous tourist areas like City Hall, Myeongdong, or Hongdae were often overrated, but this place completely changed my mind. It's a restaurant I would definitely visit again, especially to enjoy the clear broth and delicious meat.

Your Quick Guide to Geumsunggwan Naju Gomtang

Name: Geumsunggwan Naju Gomtang (금성관 나주곰탕)
Address: 서울 중구 남대문로 29 청남빌딩
How to Get There: Located near Hoehyeon Station. Use Google Maps for precise directions.
Hours: Weekdays 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM; Weekends 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last order 30 minutes before closing)
Contact: 0507-1341-7898

A Local's Guide: 3 Ways to Explore City Hall & Namdaemun Area

After enjoying your delicious Naju Gomtang, explore the historic and vibrant City Hall and Namdaemun area with these curated courses.

Course 1: A Time of History and Flavor

Namdaemun Geumsungwan: Start here to enjoy the famous Naju Gomtang, representing the flavors of Namdaemun Market. It's known for its unique structure, expanded by taking over neighboring private houses.
Namdaemun Market (남대문시장): Experience a variety of traditional foods and goods. Take a stroll through the market to get a feel for the local flavor.
Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문): Easily accessible on foot, this is a great place to get a sense of Seoul's history and culture.

Course 2: Relaxing in the City Center

City View Cafe: Located near Seoul City Hall, this cafe offers a beautiful view of the city center.
Baekmidang (백미당): Namyang Dairy's premium dessert cafe, where you can try their unique desserts.
Seoul City Hall Park (서울시청 공원): A quiet place to enjoy nature in the center of the city.

Course 3: Walks of Culture and Art

Namdaemun-ro (남대문로): Stroll along this alleyway with a variety of shops and cultural spaces to experience the local culture.
Jeonju Jujudang (전주주주당): A restaurant inside Namdaemun Market where you can try Jeonju-style stewed galchi (hairtail fish).
National Theater of Korea (국립극장): A great place to see traditional Korean art, accessible on foot.

These destinations are easily accessible on foot or a short public transportation ride, and each is a hidden gem. Come and experience the charm of our neighborhood!