Gangnam Korean restaurant for a solo gamjatang set: Haeseonok

I love gamjatang (pork bone soup), especially in cool autumn weather like this—it is just perfect, right? But it is usually a dish shared around a big pot, so I was often sad to give it up when dining alone even if I was craving it.

Then a coworker recommended Haeseonok Seolleung Branch, a popular spot near Seolleung Station where I could get a good-value set for one, so off I went. I had once given up after encountering a long wait at weekday lunchtime, but this time I did an opening run on a relatively quiet Sunday, which suits Seolleung's office district!.

Location and access to Haeseonok Seolleung Branch

I took a bus from Daechi-dong, and it was only a minute from the stop, so it was easy to find. It is also within walking distance of Exit 5 of Seolleung Station, near the KT Gangnam Branch, Sangnok Hall, and Josun Palace, so it looked ideal for nearby office workers at lunchtime.

A spacious setting that felt easy for solo dining

When you think of a well-known gamjatang place, it is easy to picture somewhere a little old and bustling, but this was more spacious and pleasant than I expected. The tables were generously spaced too, so eating alone did not feel awkward.

There seemed to be many office workers at lunch and plenty of people coming for work dinners or gatherings in the evening. Since the menu is hearty Korean food, the atmosphere also suited a family meal or drinks. Above all, the owner was kind, which made the meal even nicer.

From gamjatang to blue crab dishes

The signature meals included neungi medicinal-herb gamjatang and charcoal-grilled spicy braised pork bones, while dishes cooked bubbling at the table included blue crab stew and steamed blue crab. I liked being able to choose both meat and seafood in one place.

There were shrimp and seafood pancakes as sides, plus set combinations that paired nicely with a main. For anyone who has wanted pancake but hesitated because they were alone, this good-value menu would be very welcome.

They brought out well-matched side dishes such as shredded radish salad, pickled garlic scapes, and kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi), all clean-tasting and not overly seasoned. The shredded radish salad was especially nicely fermented and went so well with the spicy, savory broth. I went back to the self-service bar for more several times. When the side dishes are this good, your anticipation rises before the main even arrives, right?

Good-value boneless gamjatang and seafood pancake set

That day, I ordered the good-value boneless gamjatang and seafood pancake set. Picking meat off the bone has its own appeal, of course, but it was so convenient to eat just the meat neatly without having to separate every piece. It was exactly right for someone like me who finds picking bones tedious.

More than anything, I was happy that single portions are sold, making solo dining possible. If you are looking for a warm, filling lunch near Seolleung Station, that alone makes this worth recommending.

Rather than being simply fiery and intense, this Seolleung lunch spot first delivered a nutty, thick flavor, as though soybean powder and perilla seed powder had been added. The first taste was spicy, but a deeper savory nuttiness came through afterward, making me keep reaching for another spoonful.

A deep flavor drawn from the meat is important, and Haeseonok says it uses Korean pork backbones and prepares everything in-house, from trimming and boiling to seasoning and simmering. The explanation that it carries on 40 years of cooking know-how suddenly made sense.

There were plenty of mung bean sprouts for a nice texture, and the meat was tender with no off smell. The more I chewed, the more nutty meat flavor came through, so it was great with rice and satisfying even dipped simply in wasabi soy sauce.

Ordering the seafood pancake alongside it made me even happier. It arrived golden-brown, crisp outside and moist inside, so it was perfect to alternate between the two. One piece of seafood pancake followed by a spoonful of spicy broth, and I just kept going back for more.

It makes a wonderful hearty lunch combination, and I think it would also pair nicely with makgeolli (Korean rice wine) or soju as an evening snack. Haeseonok also has no corkage fee, so it seems like a good option for anyone wanting a pleasant drink after work.

From solo meals to work dinners near Seolleung Station

After visiting myself, I thought it was a Korean restaurant near Seolleung Station that works perfectly for everything from solo meals to work dinners. There was boneless meat that was easy to eat alone, while the broth was spicy yet carried the savory nuttiness of soybean and perilla seed powders, giving it another kind of charm. The side dishes were tidy, the owner was kind, and I felt good throughout the meal.

I would recommend it to office workers looking for a good lunch spot, people who love gamjatang but have felt uneasy about eating it alone, and anyone who wants a drink with warm soup after work. Next time, I am planning to return for the blue crab stew. When you are craving a filling, deeply savory meal around Seolleung Station, stop by Haeseonok.