Jongno Korean restaurant for squid salad with gomtang: Wolhadong

Whenever the weather turns cool like this, I find myself craving a bowl of clear gomtang (Korean beef soup) broth to warm me from the inside out.

I was near Anguk Station not long ago and heard about Wolhadong, which recreates Joseon-era cooking methods in a modern way to serve a clean, clear gomtang. I was so pleased with this easy-on-the-stomach meal that I had to share my visit to Wolhadong.

Wolhadong near Anguk Station: location and parking

Wolhadong sits deep in an Insadong alley near Anguk Station on Subway Line 3. Walk a little way from the station along the lane, and you will spot the restaurant's modest standing sign amid hanok alleys that carry the charm of time.

Because it is in an alley, the restaurant does not have its own parking. If you are driving, I recommend using the nearby Suun Hall Parking Lot at 457 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

It is only about a 120 m walk from the lot, so you can get there in no time. Public transport is convenient, though, so taking the subway or bus and enjoying the alley atmosphere on foot would be lovely too.

Hanok atmosphere and seating

The moment I entered, the warm, tidy atmosphere unique to a hanok caught my eye. Soft lighting and wooden interiors came together to make the space feel wonderfully calming.

The interior was laid out more efficiently than I expected. There are neat bar tables and solo seats, so it seems like a great place to come for a meal by yourself too.

Along with tables for two and four, Wolhadong offers group seating and private bookings for 20 to 30 people on weekday evenings. I would recommend it for wedding-invitation gatherings, company dinners, or dates as well.

The moon-jar-inspired decor and Korean-style objects placed throughout gave the space a polished yet sophisticated impression.

Ordering Wolha Gomtang and squid salad

Wolhadong's signature dishes are its clear, deeply flavored Wolha Gomtang, spicy Hong Gomtang, and Sambok Jeongol, a nourishing hot pot.

Side dishes include tender cold boiled pork and spicy-sour squid salad. Each table has a QR ordering system, so you can browse the menu and order conveniently.

We ordered a bowl of the signature Wolha Gomtang (₩12,000), a half portion of spicy-sour squid salad (₩10,000) that makes a great accompaniment, and a Chilsung Cider Zero (₩3,000) for a refreshing finish.

I liked that sides such as squid salad and cold boiled pork are sold in half portions, making it easy for two people to try a variety of things.

By the way, there is also an event where you receive a tasting portion of the popular cold boiled pork side for writing a Naver photo review.

The taste of clear Wolha Gomtang

Our order arrived in a neat spread that felt like a traditional soban, or small dining table. I could feel the care put into every dish, so I was excited before even taking a bite.

Wolha Gomtang

Served in a tidy bowl resembling a moon jar, Wolha Gomtang stood out from the broth onward. They say the stock uses cheonggeunjang, a fermented-radish paste, based on techniques from Sangayorok and Suunjapbang, Joseon-era cookbooks. Perhaps that is why it had none of that murky heaviness; it was clear and clean from the first sip to the last.

There was no meaty odor or greasiness, so it sat comfortably, and the meat was beautifully tender. The rice was also deliciously textured, cooked from a blend of Sindongjin, Koshihikari, and barley rice.

Half portion of spicy-sour squid salad

Tender blanched squid and crisp vegetables came generously dressed in a spicy-sour seasoning full of savory flavor.

It added a welcome point of contrast to what could otherwise be an ordinary gomtang meal and really woke up my appetite. The sweet-spicy sauce paired beautifully with the clear broth, and I enjoyed every last bite.

The oyster kimchi and seokbakji, a cubed radish kimchi, both made in-house with 100% Korean ingredients, elevated the gomtang even further.

A refined meal near Anguk Station

Wolhadong near Anguk Station is a Korean restaurant that thoughtfully serves healthy, deeply flavored food rooted in traditional cooking methods. It felt like a wholesome, neatly prepared restorative meal for modern diners worn out by overly stimulating food.

The tranquil hanok atmosphere and delicious meal made for such a satisfying time.

If you enjoy refined Korean food or are looking for a date spot, solo meal, or gathering place near Anguk Station, I recommend visiting Wolhadong for a warming bowl of gomtang.