Itaewon galbitang and grilled bulgogi restaurant: Nuri Maeul Gamjatang

A 24-hour gamjatang restaurant right by Itaewon Station: Nuri Maeul Gamjatang

Itaewon gamjatang (pork bone stew) spot: Nuri Maeul Gamjatang Itaewon Branch. I had plans in Itaewon, which is always packed with people, and heard a 24-hour gamjatang restaurant with lines out the door had just opened right in front of Itaewon Station — so I ran straight over.

It's a gamjatang specialty brand with 22 years of history, which makes it feel even more trustworthy. The secret seasoning and hearty broth are apparently the hook that's kept people coming back for years—

Finding Nuri Maeul Gamjatang Itaewon Branch on the 2nd floor

It's just a 1-minute walk from Itaewon Station Exit 4, so accessibility is excellent. The restaurant is on the 2nd floor of the building!

Interior, group seating and rental conditions at Nuri Maeul Gamjatang

The interior of Nuri Maeul Gamjatang Itaewon Branch is clean and pleasant. Even though it was well past lunchtime, there were still plenty of customers, but the staff handled everyone efficiently and quickly, so the meal felt relaxed.

The space feels neatly arranged — a modern mix of wood and white that's well balanced. The restaurant is spacious too, so it looks like a good spot for group gatherings. Venue rental is available too! Full rental for 60 or more people, partial rental for 40 or more.

Robot serving and the self-serve side dish bar

A robot brings the basic side dishes to your table, and if you need more, you can help yourself to water and refills at the self-serve bar.

Cheongyang chili, radish kimchi, napa kimchi — simple, no-frills side dishes!

For parking, you'll need to use a paid lot nearby (no on-site parking). Itaewon subway station is right out front too, so coming on foot would be even more convenient.

Ordering bone haejangguk (special), galbitang (special) and grilled bulgogi

Nuri Maeul Gamjatang takes pride in its rich broth simmered for over 6 hours! We ordered three dishes: the bone haejangguk (special), galbitang (special), and bulgogi. (I was starving that day, so it turned into a bit of a feast, haha.)

Even though it's a gamjatang specialty restaurant, there's a wide range of single dishes, meat menus, plus various noodle add-ins and fried rice, so everyone can find something they like regardless of preference.

Bone haejangguk so piled with meat the bones barely show

The bone haejangguk lived up to what I'd heard — just looking at it, the broth was intensely rich and the bowl was piled so full it looked ready to spill over. The meat was tender and fell off the bone easily, and the deep broth soaked into it well, making this a dish that cures a hangover while also inviting you to drink again. There was so much meat on the bones that you couldn't even see them — just pure happiness.

Grilled bulgogi full of smoky flavor

The grilled bulgogi arrived full of smoky char! You could smell that grilled aroma wafting up even before the plate was set down, and the portion was generous for the price.

Toss in as much cheongyang chili as you like for a spicy version, and wrapping it in perilla leaves makes it even more special — a salty-style bulgogi.

Galbitang (special): deep broth with no pepper needed

I ordered the galbitang without high expectations, but the broth was really refreshing, and it came with several small rib bones that were easy to pick clean without cutting.

Normally I need to dump in pepper like it's a pepper soup for galbitang to satisfy me, but Nuri Maeul's galbitang was plenty deep and flavorful just as served!

Naver review event and who Nuri Maeul Gamjatang suits

Write a Naver review and they'll give you sujebi or ramen noodle add-ins!

• Anyone looking for a good gamjatang restaurant in Itaewon
• Anyone who wants to eat other dishes alongside gamjatang
• Anyone looking for a 24-hour restaurant in Itaewon

Nuri Maeul Gamjatang Itaewon Branch: address, hours and parking

Nuri Maeul Gamjatang Itaewon Branch is located on the 2nd floor at 128-3 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, and is open 24 hours a day, every day.