Goyang Korean restaurant for clear and spicy gomtang: Doonjeong

Doonjeong (도온정) in Hyang-dong, Deogyang-gu, Goyang, is a Korean restaurant I first visited for gopchang jeongol (beef offal hot pot), then returned to several times when I craved its clear Korean beef gomtang (beef bone soup). This time, the two of us tried two spicy gomtang varieties that were different from what we usually ordered.

Why did I return for the clear Korean beef gomtang?

At first, I went along because an acquaintance suggested going for gopchang jeongol. I returned because I remembered enjoying it, and later the clear Korean beef gomtang became what I ordered most often. Even during a period when morning sickness left me without much appetite, I remember eating well when my husband brought home clear Korean beef gomtang.

Doonjeong offers a range of Korean dishes, with clear gomtang made with Korean native beef cow as its signature. It says it uses Korean native beef cow and domestically sourced ingredients including rice, kimchi, and kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi). The clear gomtang I had was light and clean rather than heavy or overly rich, while still carrying the deep flavor of Korean beef.

What is the atmosphere like for a meal with family or friends?

The restaurant had a warm, comfortable atmosphere. I felt it would work well for a filling meal alone or for a meal with family or friends. We had also visited for dinner with family members we had not seen in a while.

What did the two of us order on this visit?

After my morning sickness had passed, I visited with my husband for the first time in a while. I ordered spicy Korean beef gomtang, he ordered spicy tripe gomtang, and we added a half portion of dressed meat to share.

How was spicy Korean beef gomtang different from the clear version?

I liked the spicy Korean beef gomtang for its spicy yet clean broth. It was not a broth that was only hot; the deep flavor of Korean beef gomtang formed its base, so it went well with rice mixed in, and I kept reaching for spoonfuls of the broth on its own.

While the clear gomtang was light and clean, the spicy Korean beef gomtang added heat, making it a little bolder and more filling. I think I would choose this dish on a day when I wanted spicy, warming broth.

What flavors did the spicy tripe gomtang have?

We each tried a spoonful of the spicy tripe gomtang my husband ordered. The spicy broth complemented tripe's distinctive nutty, rich flavor, giving us something different from the Korean beef gomtang I had ordered.

I had mainly eaten the clear Korean beef gomtang until then, so I did not have especially high expectations for the other gomtang options, but the spicy dishes suited my taste well this time.

Was the half portion of dressed meat enough for two?

Since gomtang alone felt a little lacking, we ordered a half portion of dressed meat. It was the right amount for the two of us to share alongside our gomtang.

Eating the dressed meat between bites of spicy gomtang added the meat's texture and seasoning. It gave us more variety than eating gomtang alone, so I was glad we ordered it together.

From the gopchang jeongol I first tried to the clear Korean beef gomtang I often returned for, and now the two spicy gomtang dishes, everything suited my taste. I am curious about the other dishes next time, but when I want a light broth, I think I will order the clear Korean beef gomtang again.