Pork gomtang restaurant in Myeongdong with anchovy kimchi: Yangjaeok

I properly enjoyed pork gomtang (pork bone soup) and bossam (boiled pork wraps) at Yangjaeok Lotte Department Store Main Branch, a Korean restaurant near Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station. Yangjaeok carefully cooks only chilled Korean pork (hanwoo... I mean handon, Korean pork) to get a clear, clean broth and tender, deeply flavored meat. I'd been craving a clear, clean pork gomtang for a while, so I went to find one. It was hearty and delicious, generous in portion — honestly beyond what I expected.

Where is Yangjaeok on basement level 1 of Lotte Department Store Main Branch?

Yangjaeok Lotte Department Store Main Branch sits on the basement floor of Lotte Department Store's Main Branch. This Korean restaurant near Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station simmers deep meat broth daily and serves it as a carefully put-together meal. Along with the pork gomtang, they also prepare a range of soft, clean soup dishes with real care.

Being inside Lotte Department Store Main Branch, it's convenient for a meal after shopping, and it's also an easy stop since it's close to both Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station and Myeongdong.

The restaurant is located at the very back of the Food Avenue inside the department store. Walking further in, you'll finally come across it. Head straight to the back of the food court on B1 of the Myeongdong Lotte Department Store and there it is. Since it's a standalone restaurant rather than a food court stall, it's more comfortable to enjoy a meal here.

What the Yangjaeok dining room and seating are like

A spacious, clean space that works for solo dining, a hearty meal for nearby office workers, or a quick bite while shopping. Yangjaeok seemed especially perfect for whenever you're craving a satisfying meal.

Pork gomtang made with real sincerity. Back home in Daegu I hadn't really noticed, but once I moved up to Seoul, pork gomtang restaurants turned out to be everywhere. I tried it once and got hooked on the flavor — it comes to mind every so often now. You can check the menu right from the entrance.

A comfortable space with a sense of traditional Korean aesthetics. I visited a bit early for a weekday dinner, and it was nice and quiet.

Customers ranged from Koreans to foreign visitors. I heard it's popular for lunch among nearby office workers too, and sure enough, solo dining seats were available.

Yangjaeok menu and prices

At Yangjaeok Lotte Department Store Main Branch, the pork gomtang rice set is ₩20,000, the spicy pork gomtang rice set is also ₩20,000, and a small bossam is ₩15,000. There's a wide range beyond the main rice sets too — à la carte dishes, sides, alcohol, and drinks. I went with one of each rice set based on preference, plus bossam on the side.

The food came out as a neat, well-arranged spread. Ordering a rice set meant enjoying a generous meal with various side dishes.

A wide range of menu items using Korean pork — from pork gomtang to bossam to makguksu (buckwheat noodles).

With the seasons changing, I kept craving a hot bowl of soup. The clear, clean pork gomtang rice set, the sharp and spicy version, and tender, moist bossam — I got to enjoy them all properly.

Pork gomtang rice set (20,000 won) with Yangjaeok's anchovy pepper kimchi

The pork gomtang rice set (₩20,000) comes with stir-fried pork, rice, tofu, and basic side dishes. Using only Korean pork, the broth is clear and clean, with tender meat and deep flavor.

Basic side dishes that pair nicely — stir-fried pork that anyone would like, and savory tofu.

A clear, clean style of pork gomtang. Made with only chilled Korean pork cooked with real care, there's no gamey taste at all. I could properly taste the natural flavor.

I first tried it plain, then dug in properly with the fluffy, well-cooked rice. It's delicious with the various side dishes too, but adding Yangjaeok's own secret anchovy pepper kimchi to the meat made for a real standout combination.

Spicy pork gomtang rice set (20,000 won), packed with ugeoji

The spicy pork gomtang rice set (₩20,000) also comes with stir-fried pork, rice, tofu, and basic side dishes. It's a spicy yet clean gomtang made by stir-frying Yangjaeok's special sauce with ugeoji (dried radish greens) before simmering.

Pairing the savory tofu with the stir-fried pork is delicious too.

A completely different feel from the clear pork gomtang. Spicy yet clean, with a nice sharp kick.

Loaded with ugeoji, which makes it even more delicious. It really felt like I'd had a proper hot soup meal. As the weather gets colder, this seems like it'll only get more popular.

Small bossam (15,000 won): is the small size enough to share?

Yangjaeok's bossam is ₩15,000 for a small, and even at that size the portion was generous — no shortage at all. Thickly sliced, which makes it even more delicious. Paired with the gomtang, it makes for a rich, satisfying meal.

Thick-cut yet tender, which makes it taste even better.

Is Yangjaeok worth a visit near Myeongdong?

A spacious, clean space and a delicious, generous meal at Yangjaeok Lotte Department Store Main Branch, a Korean restaurant near Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station. I could really taste the clear, clean broth and the tender, deeply flavorful meat.

The clear pork gomtang, the sharp spicy pork gomtang, and the thick-cut bossam all delivered. There's a variety of other menu items too, so you can pick based on your preference. It seems perfect whenever you're craving a proper Korean meal, or just want something hot and soupy.