Shank rib soup to the last drop, Gwangjin: Achasan Tong Galbitang

Where is Achasan Tong Galbitang and when is it open?

Achasan Tong Galbitang is near Achasan Station in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, and it's open daily 11:00–22:00 (do check the last order time!). It's a short walk from Achasan Station on Line 5, so access is really good. It's also perfectly placed for a post-hike meal after climbing Achasan.

Atmosphere and waiting at Achasan Tong Galbitang

The exterior is homey yet neat, with real good-restaurant vibes. I heard there can be a wait at weekday peak times and on weekends, so we went a little early and luckily got a seat right away. The inside is clean and the tables are nicely spaced, so it looks great for family meals or gatherings too.

We went outside lunchtime, and the crowd that had packed the place had cleared out. After climbing Achasan, a bowl of galbitang is a good way to get some protein and a hearty meal.

They say celebrities have visited this place too.

What did we order at Achasan Tong Galbitang? Shank whole-rib soup

As soon as we sat down I studied the menu carefully. There were so many tempting dishes, from the basic whole-rib soup to spicy braised short ribs, but what caught my eye was the 'aronsatae tong galbitang' (whole-rib soup with beef shank)!

Galbitang is already great, and this one comes loaded with chewy, tender shank too. How could it not be delicious? I ordered without a second thought.

How are the kimchi and kkakdugi at Achasan Tong Galbitang?

After you order, the side dishes are set out first. You know that at a galbitang place, kimchi and kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi) matter as much as the meat, right? The kimchi and kkakdugi here are good!

They were nicely fermented, cool and crunchy, a perfect match for the meaty broth. I was sure of it the moment I tasted the sides.

First impression of the shank whole-rib soup

The shank whole-rib soup at Achasan Tong Galbitang has a whole rib in it, so it passes on looks alone! Thinly, prettily sliced shank fills one side of the earthenware bowl, and just looking at it made me feel full. It was also piled with chopped scallions, and the broth's refreshing aroma hit my nose.

Tender whole rib that slips off the bone

First I lifted the big rib. With just a light touch of the tongs, the meat separated softly from the bone. It was so well simmered that there was no need to tear it with force.

I cut it into bite-size pieces and dipped it in the house soy sauce, and it melted in my mouth. Full of juices, it bursts with nutty flavor with every chew. There's no toughness at all, so it's great for older folks and kids too.

Chewy, clean-tasting beef shank

And the highlight of this dish: the shank! Shank easily turns dry if it's boiled wrong, but Achasan Tong Galbitang's skill is really impressive. The tendon (seuji) bits here and there were chewy like jelly, and the lean meat was moist and clean-tasting.

Shank! If the whole rib handles the soft, rich, nutty side, the shank handles the chewy, clean side, so it was great fun alternating between the two meats. The portion was generous too, and I got to experience the magic of meat that keeps coming no matter how much you eat.

How is the broth at Achasan Tong Galbitang?

After eating a fair amount of the meat, I properly savored the broth. It's clear and transparent with the fat skimmed off, yet so deep and rich in flavor. It doesn't taste of artificial seasoning; I could taste deep savoriness from meat and bones simmered for a long time with care.

It really soothes your insides, and an "ahh~" slipped out the moment I sipped it. I immediately understood why people coming back from Achasan hikes make this a must-stop. It's honestly great as a hangover cure, and it's the kind of enchanting broth that also calls for a drink.

Rice in the broth, kkakdugi on top, and an empty bowl

Having tasted the broth, it's time to add rice, right? Keep a few pieces of meat, stir in a bowl of rice, and top it with kkakdugi... you all know, right? The taste you know is the scariest!

The cool, crunchy kkakdugi softly balances the heaviness of the broth and makes it easy to keep going. Even though I was really full, I left the bowl clean without a drop of broth. I should have taken a clean-bowl photo, but I was too busy eating, haha.

Who is Achasan Tong Galbitang for?

If you're looking for a proper meal near Achasan, or want a hearty meaty broth to restore your strength, I enthusiastically recommend Achasan Tong Galbitang, the Achasan Station favorite! I'll definitely be back soon for a family meal with my parents.