[Teacher Li Youqun]The Gentle Flavor Hiding in Korea’s Alleys: “Seolleongtang”

Originally published onby Li Youqun

A renowned Seolleongtang spot hides in Seoul’s Yeonhui-dong

Korean cuisine often gives the impression of being heavily flavored. I remember when I used to hang out at Dongdaemun Market late at night for work—there was always a moment after midnight when the indoor air would be thick with the pungent smell of spicy rice cakes and kimchi. That aroma has stayed with me ever since.

Yet, there is also a type of Korean food that is surprisingly light. On this trip to Seoul, I was determined to have a bowl of seolleongtang. Just after arriving from Incheon Airport in the evening, I headed straight for “Bonjour Table” in Yeonhui-dong.

Seolleongtang should actually be called “Seonnongtang.” Legend has it that it was created during the Joseon Dynasty when King Seongjong visited the Seonnongje (Farmer’s Worship Ceremony) and served a meal to the people. Its defining feature is the milky-white broth simmered for hours from beef bones, seasoned in an extremely simple way—just salt and green onions. Though the name “seolleongtang” is somewhat a mistranslation, its association with the soup’s white appearance adds a touch of romance.

Most people coming to Seoul for seolleongtang might head to the more touristy or supernatural-themed spots (laughs). But when I travel, I always prefer small local eateries. “Bonjour Table” is not very big—it’s the kind of casual Korean eatery run by a mother and her three daughters. When we walked in, we were their first customers of the evening. One daughter lazily sat at a table, playing with her phone, while the mother warmly greeted us and showed us to our seats.

The menu was entirely conceived by the mother and daughters. Although it’s already a well-known spot in Yeonhui-dong, the menu is only in Korean. But that wasn’t an issue, since my goal was seolleongtang and the famous Korean-style beef and leek bibimbap. What attracted me most was that none of the dishes use any chemical seasonings.

Right after we ordered, the gloomy sky finally gave in and poured down heavy rain. As the cool evening set in, a steaming bowl of hot seolleongtang arrived. The milky-white broth made from beef bones, accompanied by rising steam, truly lived up to its name. I deliberately scooped out just the clear broth for my first sip, and it was indeed mild, sweet, and soothing. At first, I thought it was a bit plain, but the more I drank, the richer and more addictive it became. The saltiness was just right. The beef was premium Korean hanwoo, and the bibimbap was topped with a homemade soy sauce—no chemical seasonings. That’s what gives the food here such a naturally delicious taste. Sipping on seolleongtang along with some Korean beer, the sound of rain outside serving as pleasant background music, and watching the fading sunlight—it was a peaceful moment that soothed both my stomach and soul.

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As the sky grew darker, more guests arrived. But unlike typical traditional Korean eateries, this place had mostly young, stylish women, all unusually quiet, dining elegantly. The wooden interior, paired with colorful potted plants visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows, gave off a uniquely Seoul-like hipster vibe.

Strongly flavored foods may surprise you at first bite, but they don’t necessarily leave a lasting impression. Usually, after eating them twice, I give up. But this seolleongtang—I could drink it for a whole week. Just like fashion, overly flashy or trendy things don’t always age well. In the end, the item that stays in your wardrobe forever is still that plain white T-shirt.

Address: 192-29 Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (11-gil 53, Yeonhui-ro)
Picking up a date?Address: 192-29 (11th floor)53)
Phone: 02-337-9850

Li Youqun / International Fashion Director
A leading figure in the Chinese fashion circle, holding the record for the most founding editor-in-chief positions in fashion magazines. Actively involved in the entertainment industry, he is a go-to fashion expert on shows like “Women’s Talk” and a stylist for international brands and top celebrities. Centered around fashion, he is the only representative in China with a diverse portfolio including editor-in-chief, fashion director, stylist, and author.
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