Yongsan clear gomtang set and private seats for two: Baekok Yongsan

These days, whenever I feel a bit run down or crave a warm, clear broth, gomtang (clear beef bone soup) is the first thing that comes to mind. A while ago I was passing by Yongsan with a friend, and craving a clean, deep-flavored clear gomtang, we stopped by Baekok Yongsan.

Not only did we get a hearty, warming meal, but the restaurant's atmosphere was so upscale and tidy that I was satisfied the whole time — so I wanted to share a detailed review!

Inside Baekok Yongsan: two floors with wide table spacing

Baekok Yongsan is fairly spacious, spread across two floors. Everything is kept clean and pleasant, which made a great first impression.

Above all, the wide spacing between tables was a real plus. It's great for chatting comfortably with a friend over a meal, and there's also space set up for a more private dining experience — making it a solid choice for gatherings or a relaxed solo meal alike.

What comes in the clear gomtang set? Gomtang, cabbage mandu and a drink

That day we ordered the well-rounded clear gomtang set. The set comes with clear gomtang, cabbage mandu (dumplings), and a drink — a nicely complete package.

How is the clear gomtang at Baekok Yongsan?

First, the main dish, clear gomtang, exceeded expectations. The broth was packed with a generous amount of meat, and there was plenty of rice too, so the soup alone left me feeling very full. The broth was clean and light without any excess, so I could enjoy it to the last spoonful without it feeling heavy.

Soon the clear gomtang arrived in a ttukbae-gi (stone pot), still steaming. When I gave the broth a little stir with my spoon, I was honestly surprised by how much meat was packed inside. Along with the meat, there was plenty of rice, so even a grown man could feel completely full from this one bowl. The broth itself was clean and light without excess, not overpowering at all, yet still carrying the deep, rich flavor of the meat stock.

Cabbage mandu, dumplings wrapped in cabbage leaves

The cabbage mandu that came with the set was visually unique and appealing from the start. Wrapped in crisp cabbage instead of the usual mandu skin, it looked pretty, and inside was packed generously with carefully minced meat, so the juices burst out with every bite. It had a healthy yet savory, light flavor that made it the perfect side dish to pair with the gomtang.

Mushroom-and-onion banchan, the side dish that pairs with gomtang

As they say, the basics of a good restaurant lie in its side dishes, and what banchan (side dishes) a gomtang restaurant serves is a very important factor. The mushroom-onion banchan served as a default side at Baekok Yongsan was quite the standout.

The salty, crisp, savory-seasoned mushroom and onion paired perfectly with the warm, light gomtang. It cut through any slight greasiness you might feel from the meat broth, helping keep the meal enjoyable and never tiresome right to the end — truly the unsung hero of the table.

Is Baekok Yongsan worth it? A filling meal over conversation with a friend

With a friend, I left Baekok Yongsan with my stomach full and comforted by the clear, light gomtang! The generous amount of meat, the excellent broth, the unique cabbage mandu set, and the thoughtfully tidy atmosphere of the restaurant were all lacking in nothing — this is a place I'd love to visit again if I get the chance.

If you're near Yongsan and want a proper meal with a warm, clear bowl of soup, or you're looking for a spot that's good for conversation and offers privacy, I highly recommend stopping by Baekok Yongsan!

Baekok Yongsan address and visit info

• Restaurant: Baekok Yongsan
• Location: 11-76 Hangangdae-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 1st floor, South Korea
• Recommended menu: Clear gomtang set (clear gomtang + cabbage mandu + drink)
• Features: Spacious two-floor layout / wide table spacing and private seating available / generous meat portions