Yong Geum Ok
A legendary Seoul eatery since 1932, renowned for its authentic chueotang (mudfish soup) and traditional Korean dining experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Yong Geum Ok
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Seoul eatery since 1932, renowned for its authentic chueotang (mudfish soup) and traditional Korean dining experience.
Off-Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and ensure better service.
Original Location
For the original Michelin-rated Yonggeumok, head to the location near Tongin Market.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Korean
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+82 2-777-1689
Address
24-2 Dadong-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Website
yongkeumok.modoo.at/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Chueotang Experience
Savor centuries-old Korean tradition with authentic chueotang (mudfish soup), served since 1932.
Traditional Floor Seating
Experience authentic Korean dining by sitting on heated floors (ondol) in a historic setting.
Pan-Fried Delicacies
Complement your soup with expertly prepared pan-fried dishes, a perfect pairing.
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Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Off-Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and ensure better service.
Original Location
For the original Michelin-rated Yonggeumok, head to the location near Tongin Market.
Sharing Soup Bowls
Consider ordering multiple bowls of chueotang to share for a variety of flavors.
Floor Seating Comfort
Seating is on heated floors, which might be difficult for some guests.
Tips
from all over the internet
Off-Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and ensure better service.
Original Location
For the original Michelin-rated Yonggeumok, head to the location near Tongin Market.
Sharing Soup Bowls
Consider ordering multiple bowls of chueotang to share for a variety of flavors.
Floor Seating Comfort
Seating is on heated floors, which might be difficult for some guests.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Yong Geum Ok is celebrated for its authentic and flavorful chueotang, a dish perfected over decades by three generations. Diners appreciate the traditional floor seating and the delicious banchan. However, some reviewers note that the taste might not be exceptional for all palates, and the atmosphere can sometimes feel unwelcoming or the service lacking, with one reviewer specifically pointing out this location is not the original Michelin-rated one.
"One of the owner can speak Chinese, we order 3 bowls for 6 pax and a plate of fried fish x12. Per set comes with rice x1 n noodle x1. Seats are on the heated floor. Abit diffcult for aged. Will be bck..Tks"
Ng Jyemiin
"great seoul-style chueotang (mudfish/loach soup). spicy and full of flavors. i wish the noodles were more al dente though. otherwise can’t complain about anything else. i have yet to try the original version."
A P
"Awesome place for korean original soup Chouel Tang, pan fried food and some other stuff. Established in 1940s and still operate until now!"
Kunat Chongcharoenpaisarn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Chueotang is a traditional Korean soup made from mudfish or loach, known for its rich and savory flavor, often seasoned with spices.
This location is one of the oldest eateries, but another Yonggeumok near Tongin Market is cited as the original and Michelin-rated establishment.
The restaurant offers traditional Korean floor seating on heated floors (ondol), which provides an authentic dining experience.
The primary specialty is chueotang, a fish-based soup. It's unlikely to have extensive vegetarian options, but banchan may offer some.
Specific operating hours are not provided, but visiting during off-peak times is recommended to avoid crowds.
One reviewer mentioned that one of the owners can speak Chinese, but English proficiency is not guaranteed.
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The 10 Oldest Restaurants in Seoul
While Yong Geum Ok may be six years Hyeongje Chueotang’s junior, the upstart is a revered geriatric in Seoul’s culinary scene and rivals Hyeongje Chueotang for best chueotang (mudfish soup) in Seoul. Opened in 1932, in the heart of what was downtown Seoul, Yong Geum Ok continues to serve up their own special version of chueotang, which three generations of chueotang masters have spent almost a century perfecting. Unlike the other two aging chueotang dispensaries battling it out for the top dish in Seoul, Yong Geum Ok serves their mudfish soup with noodles.
A 48-Hour Seoul Itinerary: Experience the Best of Seoul’s Autumnal Beauty
Try Yonggeumok (용금옥), which has been around since 1932, making it one of Seoul’s oldest eateries specialising in chueotang. Being a traditional Korean restaurant, expect to sit on the floor while you dig into authentic Korean nosh in its modest interiors.
Top 10 Oldest Korean Restaurants in Seoul
Opened in 1932, it also serves mudfish soup and it is located in the heart of Seoul, near Cheonggyecheon stream and City Hall which makes the place even more attractive.
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