Top 10 Must-Try Korean Soups for Winter – From TV Show Kitchens to Your Travel List

Korean winters call for steaming hot bowls of soup — and Korean TV food shows have uncovered the absolute best ones across the country. Here are 10 legendary Korean soups you need to try on your next winter trip to Korea.

💡 Every restaurant on this list has been featured on national Korean television — vetted by professional food researchers and beloved by millions of Korean viewers.

1. 소머리곰탕 (Ox Head Soup) – Yeongcheon

Pohang Halmae-jip has been perfecting this milky-white bone broth for 70 years across 3 generations. Slow-simmered ox head in a massive cauldron, served via the traditional toreum (pouring) method. Only 9,000 KRW (~).

2. 생대구맑은탕 (Fresh Cod Clear Soup) – Yangpyeong

Yasanhaechon — recommended by singer Seol Woon-do. Crystal-clear broth with tender fresh cod. No MSG, pure ingredients only.

3. 생아귀탕 (Fresh Monkfish Soup) – Gangnam, Seoul

Imja offers three styles: clear, spicy, or perilla seed broth. Fresh monkfish liver served FREE as a side — a rare delicacy.

4. 추어매운탕 (Spicy Loach Soup) – Goyang

Haengju Chueotang near Haengju Fortress. Unlike typical thick chueotang, this is clear, refreshing, and spicy. Handmade sujebi included.

5. 한우 사골 칼국수 (Korean Beef Bone Kalguksu) – Bucheon

Gukbo 1st — unlimited Korean beef bone broth noodles + bossam for just 13,900 KRW (~).

6. 손두부 전골 (Handmade Tofu Hot Pot) – Chuncheon

Seomyeon Sondubu-jip — Grandma Yang-suk makes tofu from scratch every morning. Pure mountain comfort food.

7. 갈비탕 (Short Rib Soup) – Seoul

A Korean classic found at traditional restaurants across Seoul. Rich beef broth with tender short ribs and glass noodles.

8. 김치찌개 (Kimchi Stew)

Korea’s most beloved everyday soup. Best versions use aged kimchi (묵은지) fermented for over a year with pork belly.

9. 삼계탕 (Ginseng Chicken Soup)

Whole young chicken stuffed with ginseng, rice, jujubes, and garlic. Traditionally eaten on the hottest summer days but wonderful year-round.

10. 해물탕 (Seafood Hot Pot)

Massive pot overflowing with crab, shrimp, clams, octopus, and vegetables in spicy broth. Best enjoyed at coastal cities like Busan and Sokcho.

🍲 Planning a winter trip to Korea? Save this list — your stomach will thank you!

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