Seolleung Station Korean restaurant for boneless gamjatang: Haeseonok

What kind of gamjatang restaurant is Haeseonok Seolleung Branch?

Haeseonok Seolleung Branch is a boneless gamjatang (spicy pork bone soup) restaurant on the first floor of 5 Eonju-ro 98-gil in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. These days, between work and daily stress, doesn't the end of the workday just call for good food and a cold drink? Not long ago I went with a friend I get along with, partly to blow off steam, to Haeseonok in Yeoksam, which I'd heard so much buzz about.

Honestly, when I think of gamjatang I picture that loud, worn-down old-school place, but the moment I walked in, my eyes lit up at how sleek and clean it was! And on top of that, boneless gamjatang I could enjoy without getting a drop of broth on my hands — it was the perfect healing spot for after work. Today I'll share the story of how I experienced it firsthand and fell for it.

Where Haeseonok is and how to get there from Seolleung Station

Haeseonok Seolleung Branch sits in a salaryworker alley between Seolleung and Yeoksam stations, so accessibility is top-notch. It's an easy walk from the subway station, making it a no-stress pick for an after-work meetup spot.

These days, making plans in the middle of Gangnam often means stress over parking or location, but among the gamjatang restaurants near Seolleung Station, I'd give this one a passing grade on location alone.

"Is this really a gamjatang place?" Haeseonok's clean, stylish interior

The moment I stepped into Haeseonok Seolleung Branch, my first thought was, "Wow, this is exactly the vibe women in their 30s would love!" With tables gleaming without a trace of grease and modern yet warm lighting, it felt less like a gamjatang joint and more like a stylish dining bar.

The tables were spaced generously apart, which was great for chatting comfortably with my friend, and from the entrance on, I got the impression it was truly clean — no worries about smells sticking to your clothes. It's a space that fits perfectly for date nights, tidy gatherings, or anyone who prefers a gamjatang tour in the Yeoksam area.

Haeseonok's signature dishes and why boneless gamjatang is different

The biggest reason Haeseonok stands out is the combination of gamjatang enjoyed 100% boneless, paired with a lineup of crispy pancake-style side dishes. They add convenience to 40 years of deep broth-making know-how, presenting boneless gamjatang so you don't have to bother picking bones out.

• Popular menu: boneless gamjatang, neungi herbal gamjatang
• Pancake menu: seafood pancake, plump shrimp pancake
• Also available: West Sea female blue crab dish

No need to get sauce all over your fingers picking bones apart or end up disheveled — you just scoop it up cleanly with a spoon, which makes it totally fitting for a formal occasion, a blind date, or a tidy dinner out.

Eating the boneless gamjatang with the seafood and shrimp pancake set

The two of us went all in and ordered boneless gamjatang along with the seafood pancake and shrimp pancake set to share. The moment the food arrived, the generous visuals had me reaching for my camera.

Boneless gamjatang: broth and meat

The moment I took a spoonful of the rich, deep broth, I couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, this is genuinely clean and deep without any muddiness!"

The well-simmered broth was loaded with tender 100% boneless meat and napa cabbage greens, and spooning it over rice and mixing it up was pure happiness. With no bones to pick, the pace of eating never broke — we could chat away and take our time enjoying it.

Seafood pancake

The seafood pancake, fresh off the pan, was the textbook definition of crispy outside, moist inside. It was generously packed with seafood, so every bite burst with a springy texture and savory flavor — a perfect match for the spicy gamjatang broth.

Shrimp pancake

The shrimp pancake, loaded with plump, chubby shrimp meat, was a heart-stopper just to look at! One bite and the sweetness of the shrimp bursting through, combined with the savory egg coating, made it a standout whether as a drinking snack or a side to the meal. That perfect combo of sweet-salty and spicy-savory made it instantly clear why Haeseonok has become such a buzzed-about gamjatang spot in Yeoksam-dong.

Who Haeseonok suits best

• Everyone on Team Boneless who's avoided gamjatang because picking bones felt like a hassle
• Anyone looking for a hygienic, stylish interior among the gamjatang restaurants near Seolleung Station
• Office workers in their 30s who want to unwind with good food and a light drink with a friend after work
• Anyone who wants to try the winning combo of Yeoksam-area gamjatang with crispy, high-quality pancakes
• Anyone in Yeoksam-dong looking for a gamjatang spot with the kind of thoughtful service that even includes mouthwash and floss after the meal

A fresh finish: mouthwash and floss in the restroom

Near the restroom at Haeseonok Seolleung Branch, disposable mouthwash and floss are neatly laid out. I went there to wrap up after a satisfying meal, and it was there that I was struck once again by how thoughtful the owner is.

After eating gamjatang or pajeon-style dishes, you often worry about residue or smell lingering in your mouth, right? Thanks to being able to rinse cleanly with mouthwash and use floss right after the meal, the whole experience finished off perfectly refreshing. A small detail like this really seems to win visitors over completely.

If you're craving a warm, hearty meal to soothe a tiring day after work, don't hesitate — head straight to Haeseonok in Yeoksam! With great taste, atmosphere, and thoughtful service all in one place, I have a feeling I'll be back again soon with friends.