Hangover rib soup for two and iced matcha, Seomyeon: Gang Galbitang

Today I'm introducing a Busan Seomyeon gukbap (rice soup) favorite near Bujeon Market: Gang Galbitang Seomyeon.

This isn't a one-and-done place for me. I've been coming back steadily since last June, so I'm a true regular. Whenever I want a hangover cure or a filling lunch in Seomyeon, this is the place I think of and end up at.

Where is Gang Galbitang Seomyeon, and is it comfortable for solo diners?

Gang Galbitang Seomyeon is right next to Bujeon Market, so it's easy to reach, and it's a great spot for a gukbap meal in Seomyeon. The inside is clean and pleasant overall!

The tables are wide so you can eat comfortably, and there are also counter tables facing the wall, so eating alone feels no problem at all.

How to order at Gang Galbitang Seomyeon, and the meal kit terms

You can order at the kiosk by the entrance or at the counter, and everything on the menu is available for takeout! What really caught my eye was the galbitang meal kit.

The meal kit keeps for up to 3 months frozen, and I'm told buying 4 or more gets you free shipping nationwide. If you buy one after eating in the restaurant there's a discount too, so it's a nice way to enjoy it easily at home.

This day I ordered 2 servings of Gang Galbitang, an iced oolong tea and an iced matcha.

Side dishes and the self-serve bar

The staff sets out basic side dishes at the start, and if you run short you can help yourself at the self-serve bar. Next to it there's a water purifier, a coffee machine and even an ice maker, so it was very convenient.

How does the galbitang taste? A regular's honest review

The galbitang comes with rice included, plus chorogjam (Chinese artichoke pickle), kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi), spicy green chili, doenjang (soybean paste) and a meat dipping sauce, and they bring tongs and scissors so the ribs are easy to handle. When the soup arrived a moment later, it looked the part from the first glance.

Best of all, the cutlery is individually wrapped, so it felt like they care about hygiene too.

Hanwoo bone broth boiled every morning

The broth alone says it all. They use Hanwoo (Korean beef) bone broth that they boil themselves every morning, and it's deep and rich yet clean-tasting.

Rich but not greasy, it's perfect for a hangover! It's addictive, and you keep spooning it up. If you're looking for a gukbap place in Busan Seomyeon, I bet this broth alone will convince you.

Big ribs with no gamey smell

The galbitang is also generously loaded with ribs. They're big, the meat comes off the bone tenderly, and there's no gamey smell, just a clean taste.

The rib meat is tasty dipped in the broth, and dipping it in the meat sauce gives you a different charm again.

Pro tip: add the medium-thick noodles

If you add the medium-thick noodle option to the galbitang, you get Jeju-style pork noodle (gogi guksu) noodles in the bowl. The portion is really generous, almost like a large size.

If you want to eat until you're full, I strongly recommend adding the noodles!

Drinks that go with galbitang: iced oolong tea and iced matcha

The iced oolong tea and iced matcha at Gang Galbitang Seomyeon are a sneaky treat too. They look like highballs, so they're great for photos, and they paired well with the rib soup!

They're perfect for cleansing your palate after the meal. I especially recommend this combo in summer.

Wrap-up

I highly recommend Gang Galbitang Seomyeon, a gukbap favorite in Busan Seomyeon!