Yonggeumok
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1932 |
| Founder | Hong Gi-nyeo |
| Headquarters | Seoul , South Korea |
Area served | Seoul, South Korea |
Key people | Shin Dong-min (current manager) |
| Products | Pond loach soup (chueo-tang) |
Yonggeumok () stands as a historic Korean dining establishment based in Seoul, South Korea. It holds the distinction of being the third oldest continually operating restaurant in Seoul, having been founded in 1932, and is renowned for its signature pond loach soup. Managed by three successive generations of the same family, Yonggeumok currently operates two outlets: the original site located in Da-dong, Jung District, and a secondary branch in Tongin-dong. The Da-dong location is the older and more established venue. Recognized as a prominent destination for visitors, Yonggeumok has earned a Bib Gourmand accolade from the Michelin Guide and was honored as a Seoul Future Heritage site in 2013.
Description
The name Yonggeumok translates to "house of flowing gold," symbolizing aspirations for prosperity. Initially unnamed, the restaurant reportedly received its name from a customer, possibly the poet Byeon Yeong-ro.
Specializing in Seoul-style chueo-tang (locally referred to as chu-tang), this traditional soup features a broth prepared from boiled beef, combined with red pepper flakes, tofu, tofu skin, mushrooms, noodles, and whole pond loaches known for their small, delicate bones. Unlike other establishments that serve chueo-tang as a blended paste, Yonggeumok preserves the whole fish to maintain authenticity. The dish is complemented by a generous amount of scallions and enjoyed widespread popularity until the 1950s.
Both Yonggeumok branches offer largely similar menus; however, the Da-dong outlet incorporates tripe into its broth following the original recipe more closely, whereas the Tongin-dong branch utilizes beef bones. These two locations function with a degree of operational independence.
History
Established in 1932 by Hong Gi-nyeo (), then a newlywed in her early twenties, the restaurant's first location was situated in what is now Mugyo-dong (currently occupied by The Exchange Seoul; ). Founded during the Japanese colonial era, it leveraged the plentiful supply of loaches from the nearby Cheonggyecheon stream. The restaurant quickly became popular, with Hong gaining recognition for her culinary skills. At its height, the establishment occupied an area of approximately .
The restaurant closed in 1960 due to financial struggles and redevelopment of the neighborhood. However, responding to customer demand, it reopened at its present Da-dong site—a traditional hanok-style building measuring about , which was formerly used as staff quarters. The two locations are approximately apart. After Hong's passing in 1982, management transitioned to her youngest daughter-in-law, Han Jeong-ja (). Around 1997, Han inaugurated another branch initially located in Mugyo-dong before relocating it to Tongin-dong about ten years later. The Da-dong branch is currently managed by Shin Dong-min (), Hong’s grandson, who left his career in construction to continue the family business.
Located in central Seoul, Yonggeumok has served many distinguished guests. Historical newspaper clippings displayed within document visits by notable figures. Although unconfirmed, reports indicate that Kim Il Sung’s younger brother Kim Yong-ju dined here following his return from China. During the 1953 Korean War armistice negotiations, an interpreter for Kim Il Sung asked about the restaurant’s operational status. In 1973 inter-Korean talks, North Korean delegate Pak Song-chol inquired if Yonggeumok remained open. North Korean Prime Minister Yon Hyong-muk visited twice in 1990. Former South Korean National Assembly Speaker Lee Man-seop was also among its patrons; his photograph is exhibited at the venue. In 2017, President Moon Jae-in highlighted Yonggeumok’s chueo-tang at a Blue House event attended by trade union representatives to emphasize its connection to working-class culture.
In 2013, Yonggeumok was officially designated as a Seoul Future Heritage site and continues to attract loyal patrons, some of whom have frequented it since the 1960s.
By 2018, potential successors within the family were identified for both branches. Despite modest profits and a relatively small clientele, preserving the family tradition remains a priority for management. The pandemic sharply decreased daily customers from approximately 200 to half that figure. Concurrently, redevelopment pressures in Da-dong have raised concerns about possible reconstruction affecting the restaurant’s building.
See also
- Imun Seolnongtang – Recognized as the longest-standing restaurant currently operating in both Seoul and South Korea
External links
- Official website for the Tongin-dong branch (Korean)
- Visitor guide (English)