Mapo Yangji Ox Bone Soup

so delicious on a cold day. no fuss, quick service, no queue, quick turnover of customers. Beef is so tender and tasty, soup smooth and delicious as well. place itself frequented by locals. worth coming!!

- CT CT -

If you’re looking to experience an authentic taste of traditional Korean Seolleongtang (beef bone soup), Mapo Yangji Seolleongtang is an excellent choice. Unlike many Korean dishes, seolleongtang has relatively few franchise chains, and the flavor differences between restaurants are often subtle. However, this place stands out. It is not a franchise — there are only two locations in Seoul, and this branch is the original. Since 1974, it has been known as a place to enjoy a comforting, restorative meal — what Koreans call “haejang,” meaning food that helps your body recover after a long night or when you feel worn out. The soup here is clean, light, yet full of rich beef aroma, clearly different from mass-produced versions. You can season the broth with salt, pepper, chili powder, and green onions to suit your taste, though it is excellent even as served. Another highlight is the trio of house-made kimchi: cubed radish kimchi (kkakdugi), napa cabbage kimchi, and the less common scallion kimchi. All are fresh and carefully maintained. If you want to experience true Korean comfort food culture, this restaurant in Gongdeok is absolutely worth the trip. Parking is available, and the subway access is very convenient.

- horac 34 -

Ox bone Soup taste really good, staff are very nice and helpful, value for money and portion are generous. Very traditional taste, will definitely come back again !

- Rita -

Date: 13 Feb 2025 (Thu) Dine-in, 2 persons for Dinner The ox-bone soup is very #HOMEY and tastes especially good after a day of skiing and tiredness. We ordered the (1) original Ox Bone Soup, (2) original Ox Bone Soup with extra portion of beef slices, and (3) a bottle of Kelly beer. The soup is fresh, meaty and milky, which is so good to eat with rice. The kimchi prepared by the shop is also a must-try, especially the chives and the turnips kimchi. You can see the kimchi is so yummy and being consumed so fast as you enter the shop and see the big boxes containing the kimchi. The shop is also close to the exits of Gongdeok station (within 5-minutes walk). Will definitely revisit next time we return to Seoul.

- Noguchi Rexsu -

Their soups are amazing, but their kimchi is even better. Their kimchi could be a little garlic-y for foreigners but this is what locals dig. I'd recommend getting there ahead of the lunch time (11:30 or earlier) to beat the crowd. They have limited parking available. Quick service and hence fast turnover.

- Will Heo -

Very delicious ox bone soup and ox knee soup Can eat this every week Kimchi, marinated daikons and leeks are free

- Maria Chan -

A simple, but wholesome meal that was perfect for the cold weather. Sometimes I get a little intimidated walking into local restaurants, as my Korean isn’t great, but all the staff was friendly, and had my seolleongtang on the table in 15 seconds after ordering. The restaurant was lively, and I enjoyed the vibe as I ate my soup. I will definitely come back!

- N D -

Was slightly intimidated by this place as I didn’t speak any Korean, and this was my first meal in Seoul. However, the staff made me feel welcome and were helpful. Despite having it in the middle of summer, the hot Seollangtang gave me comfort. The heat from the soup was also a good contrast against the strong air conditioning in the shop. Food arrived but promptly, and it was still bubbling from being just boiled. The broth was light, naturally flavoured, with no added sodium. Accompanied by meat slices that was not tough nor gamey, but slightly stripped of flavour. Condiments are available for you to adjust the flavour of the dish to your preference. Overall, a great encounter and warm experience. Worth a visit!

- Wayne Leong -