Welcome to Kovolution!
Today, I want to share my honest review of a true local hotspot in Seoul. If you are looking for authentic Korean local food near Seoul Station, you must visit Ilmijip (일미집), a 50-year-old traditional Gamjatang (Pork Bone Stew) restaurant located in Huam-dong.
📌 Ilmijip Quick Summary (Save for Your Trip!)
Address: 1-1 Huam-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Near Seoul Station / Huam-dong)
Signature Menu: Gamjatang (Pork Bone Stew)
Price Range: Gamjatang Set Meal (Solo) 9,000 KRW / Gamjatang Small (For 2) 21,000 KRW
Why Visit: 50 years of tradition, highly recommended by locals and Korean celebrities.
Why Ilmijip is a Must-Visit Near Seoul Station
As a food blogger, I visit many restaurants, but this place has a massive reputation. It has been featured on famous Korean TV programs, including Welcome, First Time in Korea? and Wednesday Food Talk.
📍 Exterior & Authentic Retro Vibe
As soon as you arrive, the faded red brick building and the huge sign reading "50-Year Traditional Original Ilmijip" immediately catch your eye! Hahaha.
While there are many fancy, grand restaurants these days, I personally love the unique aura that these shabby, old-school buildings give off. Even before stepping inside, my trust in this being a "true local hotspot" skyrocketed! ㅋㅋㅋ
📺 TV Appearances & Celebrity Hotspot
When you walk inside, the walls are completely covered with proof of its fame! Hahaha.
First, you'll see captured screens from major broadcasting programs like Welcome, First Time in Korea? and Wednesday Food Talk.
Right next to them, the wall is tightly packed with signatures from famous celebrities! Hahaha. So many recognizable names have visited. It truly lives up to its title as Huam-dong's most famous Gamjatang restaurant.
🍲 Menu & Gamjatang (Small) Review
Sitting down, I checked the menu. The main dish, Gamjatang, comes in Large, Medium, and Small sizes. They also have a Gamjatang set meal (9,000 KRW) which is perfect for solo diners! Hahaha.
Since there were two of us, we ordered the Gamjatang 'Small' (21,000 KRW)!
Usually, even if you order the smallest size at a Gamjatang restaurant, it comes in a massive, wide hot pot that can feel a bit overwhelming. But at Ilmijip, it comes in a cute, deep little pot with the meat and potatoes piled up like a mountain! Hahaha.
It looks incredibly appetizing visually, and the portion is perfectly satisfying for two people to enjoy without feeling burdened.
When it started bubbling, I pulled out a huge bone. The meat had soaked up the broth perfectly and was glistening! ㅠㅠ It was boiled so tenderly that the meat fell right off the bone with just a touch of the chopsticks. The broth wasn't thick or heavy at all—it was very clean and refreshing, so I literally inhaled it with my face in the bowl! Hahaha.
The Taste: Clean and Deep Broth
The Ultimate K-Dessert: Fried Rice
As we were finishing the Gamjatang, we couldn't skip the ultimate Korean dining tradition: the "K-Dessert" Fried Rice (3,000 KRW).
When you order it, the staff takes the pot to the kitchen, stir-fries the rice, and brings it back. Scraping up the slightly crisped fried rice mixed with savory seaweed flakes and the leftover meat broth was pure perfection. Even though I was full, the taste was irresistible. We cleared the pot so completely that it didn't even need washing!
📝 Final Verdict
From the retro building filled with 50 years of history to the clean, deep broth of the Gamjatang, and the flawless fried rice finish! I instantly understood why famous celebrities and broadcasting stations rush to visit this place. Hahaha.
I especially loved that the small size came in a compact pot, making it so approachable and easy to enjoy! Hahaha.
If you're looking for a hearty, truly delicious Gamjatang spot near Huam-dong or Seoul Station, I highly, highly recommend the main branch of 'Ilmijip'! I'm definitely going back next time to enjoy it with a glass of Soju! Hahaha. Intention to revisit: 10,000%!!!
📌 Editor's Note for Foodies Traveling to Seoul If you are looking for an authentic local culinary experience near Seoul Station, visiting Ilmijip (일미집) in Huam-dong is an absolute must. With over 50 years of tradition, this legendary spot serves a unique style of Gamjatang (Pork Bone Stew) featuring an incredibly clean, refreshing broth and melt-in-your-mouth tender meat. It’s highly loved by locals and celebrities alike, making it the perfect comfort food stop. Don't forget to wrap up your meal with their signature "K-Dessert" fried rice!