Imun Seolnongtang

Step into a piece of living history at Imun Seolnongtang, the oldest restaurant in Seoul. Since 1904, this unassuming spot in the Jongno district has been serving up bowls of soul-warming ox bone soup using the exact same methods that have sustained generations of locals. There’s no pretense here—just pure, time-honored tradition in every spoonful.

The star of the show is the seolnongtang, a milky-white soup that gets its rich, comforting depth from ox bones simmered for an impressive 17 hours. Each bowl arrives with tender slices of beef, chewy wheat noodles, and rice, creating a complete meal in one satisfying package. The broth is intentionally left unseasoned, inviting you to customize it with salt, pepper, and generous heaps of fresh green onions at your table.

This is the kind of place where the line at the door moves quickly and the atmosphere is no-fuss. Come hungry and ready for a straightforward, honest meal. It’s perfect for those seeking an authentic taste of Korean comfort food without any of the modern-day flourishes. Just one heads up—if organ meats aren’t your thing, let the staff know when ordering and they’ll hold the spleen.

Whether you’re fueling up for a day of exploring Seoul or simply craving a bowl of something wholesome and warming, Imun Seolnongtang delivers exactly what it promises: a genuine taste of history that hasn’t changed in over a century.