Imun Seollongtang Review – Seoul’s Oldest Restaurant Since 1904

Hwan here, and welcome back to my table! Today, I want to take you to a special place. It’s more than just a restaurant. In fact, it’s a living piece of Seoul’s history: Imun Seollongtang. As a Korean guy, I love exploring our country’s hidden culinary gems. Therefore, I’m excited to share my personal experience at this incredible spot with you.

This is a truly historic location. It’s not just another restaurant review; instead, it’s an encounter with history. Imun Seollongtang is right at the entrance of Insadong, a famous traditional street in the heart of Seoul.

Dining room with wooden tables and partitions

The restaurant holds the title of the city’s oldest, with a legacy spanning over a century. You can feel this history the moment you walk in.

Long-Lasting Small Business plaque (Baeknyeon Gage)

The building itself is a part of the city’s story. For this reason, it is designated as a Seoul Future Heritage. What’s more, it has also been recognized by the Michelin Guide. This proves its unwavering commitment to quality and tradition.

Michelin 2025 plaque displayed at Imun Seollongtang

The atmosphere inside is bustling but cozy. It has a classic, no-frills vibe. This tells you they’ve been doing one thing perfectly for a very long time. For instance, you’ll see everyone from businesspeople in suits to young families. Local office workers especially love this place. As a result, they often come here for a hearty lunch. They also come for a comforting bowl of hangover soup, which is a time-honored tradition for many Koreans after a night out. The sense of community and shared history is truly palpable.

Imun Seollongtang’s Signature Dish: A Deep Dive into Seollongtang

Beef slices resting in a pale broth with spring onions

The star of the show here is the Seollongtang. For those unfamiliar, it’s a rich, milky-white beef bone soup that has simmered for countless hours. The magic of this dish lies in its beautiful simplicity. For one thing, the broth is incredibly clean and deep. It’s not greasy at all. This pure, unadulterated flavor lets you appreciate the essence of the beef bones. You can always judge a good seollongtang by its broth. Here at Imun, the broth has a subtle, almost sweet undertone. Consequently, this speaks to the quality and extensive simmering process. It is a flavor you won’t soon forget.

Beef submerged in a steaming white broth – Imun Seollongtang

When my bowl arrived, it was steaming hot and filled with tender slices of beef and soft somyeon noodles. The tradition here is to season it yourself. This is, in essence, a key part of the experience.

Peppered seollongtang with scallions at Imun Seollongtang

I add a pinch of sea salt and a few dashes of black pepper. In addition, I add a generous handful of finely chopped green onions. A word of caution, however: the amount of green onion you add is also key! While a little bit adds a wonderful fresh flavor, adding too much can overpower the subtle taste of the broth.

Chopped green onions in a perforated canister

The salt provided is coarse and takes a while to dissolve. So, be sure to add it little by little. If you add too much at once, the soup can become surprisingly salty over time!

Coarse sea salt for seasoning seollongtang

You get to be the chef, customizing it to your exact taste. Once it’s perfect, I pour in a bowl of rice. I then let it soak up all that incredible broth. Each spoonful is like a warm, savory hug. Ultimately, it’s a meal that truly soothes you from the inside out.

Somyeon noodles and beef in a clean white broth – Imun Seollongtang

The Essential Side Dishes and Flavor Balance

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You can’t talk about Imun Seollongtang without mentioning the side dishes. Both the fantastic kimchi and kkakdugi (diced radish kimchi) are crucial. They arrive in a large pot at your table. You serve yourself.

Kkakdugi radish kimchi cubes at Imun Seollongtang

House-made kimchi at Imun Seollongtang’s self-serve station

The kimchi here is legendary. It is crisp, perfectly fermented, and has just the right amount of spice. This helps cut through the richness of the soup. The kkakdugi is a particular highlight. Its crunchy texture and tangy-sweet flavor provide a perfect counterpoint. Therefore, the balance between the mild broth and the sharp, spicy kimchi is what makes this meal so unforgettable.

Spoonful of rice topped with kkakdugi over beef-bone soup

Exploring the Menu at Imun Seollongtang

While the classic soup is the main attraction, the menu at Imun Seollongtang offers other stellar options. They showcase their mastery of beef. Here is a quick guide to what you can order:

Menu board at Imun Seollongtang with seollongtang and dogani-tang prices

설농탕 (Seollongtang): (14,000 KRW). This is the classic bowl. It has tender beef slices and noodles. Therefore, it’s perfect for a first-timer.
특설농탕 (Special Seollongtang): (17,000 KRW). This bowl is for a bigger appetite. It has an extra generous portion of meat, making it a more substantial meal.
수육 (Suyuk): (44,000 KRW). This platter of boiled beef slices is for sharing. The meat is impossibly tender and full of savory flavor. It comes with a simple dipping sauce, which enhances its natural taste. For many Koreans, a platter of suyuk is perfectly paired with a cold bottle of soju. The delicate flavor of the beef and the crisp, clean taste of soju make for an excellent combination.
도가니탕 (Dogani-tang): (17,000 KRW). This soup is a unique choice. It is made from beef cartilage. It has a chewy, jelly-like texture that many find delicious. In addition, it is a collagen-rich dish.

Please note that prices are subject to change.

Tips for Visiting Imun Seollongtang

Getting to this historic spot is part of the experience. The restaurant is easily accessible. You can, for example, use public transportation. Jonggak Station (Line 1) is a very short walk away, making it the most convenient option. Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5) is a slightly longer walk, but it’s still very manageable. It offers a great chance to explore the area on foot.

Sign noting daily prep break from 15:00 to 16:30

This place has great hours. The restaurant opens early at 8:00 AM, and it stays open until 9:00 PM. However, there is a break time from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. These generous hours make it a perfect spot for an authentic Korean breakfast, a late lunch, or an early dinner.

Visiting Imun Seollongtang is a unique experience. It isn’t just about a meal. Instead, it’s about stepping back in time. You enjoy a dish that has been loved for generations. It’s an example of how simple, well-made food becomes an iconic part of a city’s culture.