Traditionally for most Korean meals, some form of soup is almost always there as Koreans have a particular fondness for soup throughout the year. For Seoul visitors though, this time of the year when temperatures are still a bit nippy is a great time to warm up with a nice Korean soup or stew, so here are a few local favorite joints to check out.

1. “H”-ok jib near Seodaemun for Kimchi Jjigae
Can’t get enough kimchi? Check out “H”-ok jib near Seodaemun for one of the city’s best kimchi jjigae, or kimchi stews. The kimchi jjigae here wins raves for its deep jjigae broth from the long-simmered kimchi which pairs well with the high quality pork slices. They take particular pride in their meticulously prepared kimchi which is aged to be well fermented. As a tip, order some ramen noodles to put into the jjigae to enjoy it as the Koreans do but keep in mind that you can enjoy as many bowls of rice to your heart’s content here. The large and spacious renovated hanok which the restaurant is housed in makes it great for large groups as well.

2. “Y”-yang Center in Myeongdong for samgyetang
Of course, “T”-sokchon near Gyeongbokgung Palace is the best known samgyetang restaurant in Seoul but another well-known samgyetang restaurant among Seoul residents is “Y”-yang Center in Myeongdong which has been in operation since 1960. The samgyetang here is very deep but clean in flavor making it a favorite for young and old. The chickens are from a farm directly owned by the restaurant and the sansam samgyetang featuring wild ginseng powder is a particular favorite. Their rotisserie chicken is equally as famous here featuring a succulent whole chicken with a crisp and non-greasy exterior.

3. “C” Jin Ok in Jongno for haejangguk
Many Koreans love to have a drink which is reflected in our cuisine in the dish haejangguk which literally means “hangover soup”. In particular, C-jin ok is best known for their haejangguk which they have been serving since 1937! Since then three generations of the same family have specialized in serving this special soup made from ox bones that have been boiled for over 24 hours and then joined together with soybean sprouts, vegetables, spices, and congealed ox blood. The soup is nutrient-rich and extremely flavorful which is what draws crowds to this 24 hour place daily.

4. “H”dong kwan in Myeongdong for Gomtang
Gomtang is a long-simmered soup of beef and this is the representative place in Seoul. Having been in operation for over 70 years now, the gomtang here is still expertly made each day by the same family and only served until around 4PM or until the soup runs out. It’s a bit pricey but there’s no doubt the soup is of high quality and sure to warm and fill you up.

5. “D”baegee jib in Jongno for various ddookbaegi jjigaes
The traditional Korean pots of “ddookbaegi” are great for soups and stews as they hold their hot temperature longer than normal pots. “D” Baegee jib in Jongno is known for their bubbling jjigaes which includes options such as dwenjang jjigae or soybean paste stew and soondubu jjigae or soft tofu stew. The soup comes with rice and various root side dishes you can mix together to make a nice and healthy bibimbap on the side. The beloved house is also known for its inexpensive prices so try avoiding lunch or dinner hours to skip the lines.