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Seoul Maeuntang

Seoul Maeuntang

서울매운탕

Stew

About

Beloved Gwangjang Market spot serving clean and deeply savory fresh cod stew topped with plenty of minari.

Tucked inside Jongno’s bustling Gwangjang Market, right along the lively alley near the yukhoe strip, Seoul Maeuntang has anchored the same spot since 1989. The atmosphere is quintessential old-school market dining: compact quarters with around ten closely spaced tables indoors, flanked by outdoor seating where patrons lean into the classic open-air *yabang* street vibe. Just outside the entrance, the owner preps fresh fish while giant burners boil down preliminary pots, sending savoury steam drifting into the alleyway. The focused menu revolves around fresh fish stews, led decisively by *saengdaegu maeuntang* (fresh Pacific cod spicy stew), alongside a seasonal summer *mineo maeuntang* (croaker stew). What sets this broth apart from harsher versions is its restrained, remarkably clean profile. Enriched with small shrimp, bean sprouts, and tofu, the soup remains clear yet delivers a deep, restorative punch without cloying pungency. Thick heaps of water parsley (*minari*) and crown daisy crown the pot, lending an earthy, herbal perfume that cuts through the heat. Generous cuts of fresh cod remain remarkably soft and tender, showing none of the fishiness that often plagues frozen seafood. Silky cod milt (*goni*) comes tucked into the broth by default, dipping cleanly into wasabi soy sauce, while pollack roe (*myeongran*) can be added for extra texture. Side dishes are deliberately restrained: a sharp domestic kimchi and savoury salted squid (*ojing-eo jeotgal*), which often vanishes over hot bowls of freshly cooked rice before the main pot even finishes bubbling at the table. Operating daily from 10:00 to 21:00, it is the kind of unpretentious market institution where locals seek out hangover relief, only to end up ordering another round of soju on the sidewalk.

Menu

  • Fresh Cod Stew생대구매운탕₩15,000
  • Croaker Fish Stew민어매운탕₩21,000
  • 생태매운탕(2인)₩30,000

Local tips

  • Outdoor seating is available in good weather for a lively street-stall atmosphere.
  • Fish roe (myeongran) is not included by default and must be added separately.
  • The restaurant can get crowded during lunch and peak dining hours with possible waits.

Details

Nearest station
Jongno 5-ga Station
Phone
02-2267-6960

Opening hours

Sunday
10:00–21:00
Monday
10:00–21:00
Tuesday
10:00–21:00
Wednesday
10:00–21:00
Thursday
10:00–21:00
Friday
10:00–21:00
Saturday
10:00–21:00

Daily 10:00 - 21:00

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