Jongno Korean restaurant: mild and spicy pork gomtang at Wolhadong

I had the chance to visit Wolhadong, a hanok gomtang restaurant in Anguk-dong, Jongno! I saved this place the moment I found it, and I finally got to go with my husband ✨

Pork gomtang in a hanok near Anguk Station

📍If you are looking for a great restaurant near Anguk Station, a hanok restaurant in Jongno, or pork gomtang, make a note of this place right now. You can try beautifully prepared pork gomtang in a space that preserves the hanok just as it is, with recipes recreated from Joseon-era cookbooks 🍲

As soon as you walk in, there is a phrase on the wall that says, “With the wisdom of Joseon, we create Wolhadong’s own special flavor.” Apparently, the cooking methods in the Joseon-era cookbooks Suunjapbang and Sangayorok have been faithfully recreated here. The key, especially for the gomtang, is a sauce called cheonggeunjang—a fermented-radish paste combined with the salty liquid produced while making the gomtang broth. They say that is what gives the soup its clear yet deep flavor, and reading that made me even more excited 👀

Inside Wolhadong, with the hanok framework intact

The interior preserves the hanok framework, so you can see the rafters and large wooden ceiling beams as they are.

There are counter seats as well as tables divided up almost like private rooms, so it seemed great for both dates and family gatherings.

You order through a QR code, so you can place your order right away without waiting for a staff member.

Sharing Wolha Gomtang and Hong Gomtang

🥣 Wolha Gomtang — ₩12,000 🌶️ Hong Gomtang (spicy) — ₩13,500 We ordered two bowls of gomtang—one mild and one spicy—and shared them.

Wolha Gomtang

Its defining feature is the clear rather than milky broth. There was absolutely no porky smell, and its clean, gently seasoned flavor was perfect for anyone who does not like strongly seasoned food.

There were plenty of generously sliced boiled pork pieces on top, so it did not feel short on ingredients at all. It comes in the tangbap style, with rice already in the soup, so every spoonful brings up rice, meat, and broth together—that is the best part!

Hong Gomtang

This is the standard Wolha Gomtang topped with a punchy seasoning. It starts out gently seasoned, but the aromatic heat gradually builds as you eat. It is based on Cheongyang chili peppers, so I recommend this one if you love that bright, spicy kick.

Personally, if you go as a pair, I totally recommend ordering one of each and alternating between them 🧡

The radish kimchi served alongside was sweet-tart and crunchy, and it did a great job cutting through any richness, haha.

What I liked about Wolhadong

• The broth is gently seasoned and clean, making it a wonderful fit for anyone who does not like intense soup flavors. It tastes so clean with no unwanted smell at all that mild-flavor fans will definitely be happy.
• If you want something spicy, I recommend the Hong Gomtang. Its Cheongyang chili pepper base starts mild, then builds into a punchy heat, so even those who enjoy bold flavors should be satisfied.
• The preserved hanok interior gives the place half its appeal all by itself. With the rafters and beams exposed, it is lovely for photos and works beautifully as a date spot too.
• The cheonggeunjang, recreated using a Joseon-era cooking method, gives the broth a distinctly deep flavor that sets it apart from other gomtang restaurants.
• At ₩12,000–₩13,500, it feels satisfying for the price when you consider the hanok atmosphere and carefully made broth.
• If you are going as two, I highly recommend ordering one Wolha Gomtang and one Hong Gomtang to share. You get both mild and spicy flavors, and the satisfaction doubles.

I would strongly recommend this place to anyone who wants to properly enjoy a simple, comforting Korean meal, or have a quiet meal in a hanok atmosphere. Next time, I want to try the sambok jeongol and the spicy vinegar-dressed squid too, so I can enjoy an even wider variety of dishes 🍲