Don Gol Yakbang Seongsu (돈골약방 성수점) offers a distinctive take on traditional Korean pork soup in one of Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods. Known for its clear broth made with Korean pork and four traditional herbal ingredients, the restaurant specializes in Boyak Gomtang, spicy Cheongyang Gomtang, and perilla oil buckwheat noodles. Its modern interior, affordable menu, and convenient location near Seongsu Station make it an appealing stop for visitors seeking everyday Korean comfort food.
The following article uses published menu information and restaurant listings checked in November 2026. A standard Boyak Gomtang is listed at ₩7,900, while current listings show daily service from 11:00 to 21:00 with a break from 15:00 to 17:00.
Don Gol Yakbang Seongsu (돈골약방 성수점) is a Korean pork soup restaurant near Seongsu Station in Seoul. Its signature Boyak Gomtang features clear pork broth prepared with four traditional herbal ingredients. With affordable meals, a modern dining room, and several soup variations, it offers a convenient introduction to Korean comfort food.
Don Gol Yakbang Seongsu specializes in clear Korean pork gomtang rather than the spicy pork-bone stew known as gamjatang. Its signature herbal soup, Cheongyang chili variation, and pork-topped perilla oil buckwheat noodles offer different ways to enjoy Korean pork. The restaurant is particularly convenient for solo diners and visitors exploring Seongsu-dong.
Seongsu-dong (성수동) — a former industrial neighborhood transformed into a fashionable destination for cafés and independent shops — is also home to restaurants serving traditional Korean food.
Among them, Don Gol Yakbang offers a straightforward alternative to elaborate dining experiences: warm soup, tender pork, and familiar Korean flavors. Its herbal broth and budget-friendly pricing make it worth considering for a casual lunch or dinner.
Table of Contents
What Is Don Gol Yakbang Seongsu?
What to Order at Don Gol Yakbang Seongsu?
How Much Does Don Gol Yakbang Seongsu Cost?
How Do You Get to Don Gol Yakbang Seongsu?
Is Don Gol Yakbang Seongsu Worth Visiting?
What Are Similar Restaurants in Seongsu?
Frequently Asked Questions
A Comforting Korean Meal in Seongsu
Quick Verdict
Quick Verdict
Who Should Visit
Solo diners, couples, Korean soup lovers, and visitors seeking affordable traditional Korean food
Who Should Skip
Vegetarians, diners avoiding pork, or visitors seeking barbecue and strongly seasoned stews
Best Dish to Order
Boyak Gomtang (보약곰탕)
Price Range
₩ — Budget-friendly, with main bowls generally around ₩7,900–₩12,900
Reservation Required
Walk-ins are practical; confirm reservations directly for groups
Restaurant Information
Restaurant Name: Don Gol Yakbang Seongsu (돈골약방 성수점)
Address (English): 1F, 28 Seongsuil-ro 8-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Address (Korean): 서울특별시 성동구 성수일로8길 28, 1층
Nearest Subway: Seongsu Station, Line 2, Exit 1 — approximately 3–5 minutes on foot
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:00–21:00
Break Time: 15:00–17:00
Last Order: Listed as 20:30
Phone: 0507-1390-1751 (listed contact)
Price Range: Approximately ₩7,900–₩12,900 for main dishes; shared plates cost more
English Menu Available: Multilingual kiosk options have been reported; confirm on arrival
Reservations: Contact the restaurant to confirm availability and booking arrangements
Information verified: November 2026, using publicly available listings
What Is Don Gol Yakbang Seongsu?
Don Gol Yakbang is a Korean restaurant specializing in clear pork gomtang prepared with traditional herbal ingredients. Unlike restaurants centered on grilled meat or heavily seasoned stews, its menu emphasizes the natural flavor of pork and a carefully seasoned broth.
Gomtang (곰탕) — a traditional Korean slow-simmered meat soup — is commonly associated with beef. The Korea Tourism Organization’s explanation of gomtang introduces it as one of Korea’s representative soup dishes.
Don Gol Yakbang applies this familiar Korean comfort-food concept to pork.
Its signature Boyak Gomtang (보약곰탕) — herbal pork soup — uses Korean pork and four traditional ingredients identified in its menu description: bokbunja (복분자), Korean black raspberry; yaganmun (야관문), a traditional herbal plant; eumyanggwak (음양곽), Epimedium; and hasuo (하수오), fleeceflower root.
The name boyak evokes traditional restorative food, although the herbal ingredients should not be interpreted as evidence of medical benefits.
The restaurant’s concept is best understood as everyday Korean dining with a herbal-inspired culinary identity.
Don Gol Yakbang serves several pork-based dishes, but three options best demonstrate the restaurant’s range: its original herbal soup, the spicy Cheongyang variation, and perilla oil buckwheat noodles.
1. Boyak Gomtang (보약곰탕) — Herbal Pork Soup
Boyak Gomtang is the signature dish and the most straightforward choice for first-time visitors.
The soup features a clear, savory broth with sliced Korean pork and rice. Its seasoning is relatively gentle, allowing the pork’s natural flavor to remain prominent.
Despite its herbal ingredients, the soup is designed as an accessible Korean meal rather than an intensely bitter herbal tonic.
It is particularly suitable for diners who prefer mild food or want to discover traditional Korean soup culture.
Makguksu (막국수) — Korean buckwheat noodles — is known for its earthy flavor and pleasantly firm texture.
Don Gol Yakbang’s version combines noodles with deulgireum (들기름) — aromatic Korean perilla seed oil — along with ground perilla, fresh minari, and boiled pork.
The result is nutty, savory, and refreshing rather than spicy.
Don Gol Yakbang is relatively affordable for a restaurant in Seongsu, where visitors often encounter specialty cafés and trend-focused dining concepts.
Its menu includes individual rice-and-soup meals, noodle dishes, and larger pork plates.
The following are published menu prices checked in November 2026.
Menu
Listed Price
Boyak Gomtang
₩7,900
Special Boyak Gomtang
₩9,900
Cheongyang Boyak Gomtang
₩8,900
Special Cheongyang Boyak Gomtang
₩10,900
Perilla Oil Makguksu with Pork
₩10,000
Cold Boiled Pork Wraps
₩18,000
Prices may change, and this is not the complete menu.
A solo diner can generally plan for approximately ₩8,000–₩13,000 for a main dish. For two people, ordering two soup bowls or combining soup with noodles offers a relatively economical meal.
Larger pork plates are better suited to sharing. Suyuk (수육) — tender boiled pork served in slices — is especially familiar in Korean dining culture.
Don Gol Yakbang Seongsu is located at 28 Seongsuil-ro 8-gil, approximately a three-to-five-minute walk from Seongsu Station on Seoul Subway Line 2.
Exit 1 is the most convenient starting point. From there, follow the nearby streets toward Seongsuil-ro 8-gil and locate the restaurant on the ground floor.
Its relatively convenient position makes it easy to combine a meal with shopping, visiting pop-up stores, or exploring the area’s cafés.
Seongsu has become especially recognizable for its combination of old industrial architecture and contemporary retail culture. The Official Seoul Tourism Guide to Seongsu Yeonbang offers additional background on the neighborhood’s transformation.
Inside Don Gol Yakbang, the dining atmosphere is modern and casual. Reports describe a spacious interior, bar-style seating suited to solo diners, and self-service ordering through tabletop kiosks.
For the smoothest visit, avoid the afternoon break between 15:00 and 17:00. Check updated hours before arriving, especially on public holidays.
Is Don Gol Yakbang Seongsu Worth Visiting?
Don Gol Yakbang is worth considering if you want a reasonably priced Korean meal centered on clear pork broth rather than elaborate presentation.
Its strongest appeal is the combination of a distinctive herbal-inspired soup, approachable pricing, and convenient subway access.
The restaurant is particularly suitable for travelers unfamiliar with Korean soup dishes. The original gomtang offers a gentle introduction, while the Cheongyang version gives spice lovers an alternative.
The noodles also broaden its appeal to visitors who prefer something other than soup.
However, diners looking for grilled samgyeopsal, intensely spicy gamjatang, or a long multi-course dining experience may find the restaurant less suited to their preferences.
The herbal concept also should not be confused with proven therapeutic effects. Its value as a dining destination lies in flavor, convenience, and Korean food culture.
Overall, Don Gol Yakbang works best as an everyday lunch or casual dinner stop during a visit to Seongsu.
What Are Similar Restaurants in Seongsu?
Travelers who enjoy Korean soup can explore other variations of gomtang throughout Seongsu.
One nearby alternative is Neungdong Minari Seongsu, which specializes in beef gomtang topped with minari (미나리) — Korean water parsley.
The comparison highlights two different approaches to clear Korean soup.
Don Gol Yakbang emphasizes pork and a blend of traditional herbal ingredients, while Neungdong Minari features beef and the refreshing aroma of water parsley.
Another option is to explore spicy gamjatang (감자탕) — Korean pork-bone stew — if you prefer a richer, more heavily seasoned dish.
Boyak Gomtang combines Korea’s established tradition of meat-based soup with a culinary use of traditional herbal ingredients. Unlike rich, spicy pork-bone stews, Don Gol Yakbang’s signature dish emphasizes clear broth and tender pork served with rice. Its name reflects a traditional restorative-food concept rather than a clinically proven medicinal effect.
2. What are the key ingredients in Don Gol Yakbang’s signature soup?
The signature soup centers on Korean pork and a clear broth, accompanied by four traditional herbal ingredients. Restaurant menu descriptions identify bokbunja, yaganmun, eumyanggwak, and hasuo. These ingredients distinguish the soup’s culinary concept, while the pork provides its main savory character. The restaurant has not established specific medical benefits from this combination.
3. How spicy is the food at Don Gol Yakbang Seongsu?
The original Boyak Gomtang is generally mild, approximately 1 out of 10 on a subjective international spice scale. Cheongyang Boyak Gomtang is noticeably hotter and may feel around 4–6 out of 10, depending on individual tolerance. Visitors sensitive to chili should begin with the original soup.
4. What should first-time visitors know before dining?
First-time visitors should know that Don Gol Yakbang specializes in individual Korean soup meals and offers tabletop kiosk ordering. Rice accompanies the traditional gomtang experience, and side dishes may be available from a self-service area. Check the restaurant’s break time, current menu, and ordering-language options before visiting.
5. Is Don Gol Yakbang suitable for solo travelers?
Yes. Don Gol Yakbang Seongsu offers individual gomtang bowls and has been described as having seating suitable for solo customers. Its casual atmosphere and kiosk ordering make it a practical option for travelers eating alone. The restaurant is also conveniently located within walking distance of Seongsu Station.
A Comforting Korean Meal in Seongsu
Don Gol Yakbang Seongsu offers a different side of one of Seoul’s most fashionable neighborhoods.
Instead of focusing on elaborate dining trends, it brings together traditional Korean pork soup, herbal-inspired broth, and affordable everyday meals.
Start with Boyak Gomtang to appreciate the restaurant’s signature style, or choose perilla oil buckwheat noodles for a nutty, refreshing alternative.
If you’re planning a food-focused day in Seongsu, consider adding Don Gol Yakbang to your itinerary and discovering another expression of Korean comfort food.
Before visiting, verify the latest opening hours, prices, and menu availability through the restaurant’s current listing or direct contact.
