Yeongju Seomorigukbap: 100-Year Hanok & 20-Year Secret Recipe
Discover 20-year traditional Seomorigukbap in a 100-year-old Hanok. Stroll down a peaceful rural road in Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and you'll spot a historic house, over a century old. This was once an old apothecary where the owner's late husband cared for people's ailments. Now, a 71-year-old grandmother is left alone.
In Sunheung-myeon, Yeongju, there's a restaurant serving Seomorigukbap with an unchanging taste for 20 years, located in a 100-year-old traditional house. Every dawn, they light a fire under a traditional iron pot, meticulously simmering the broth, adding rice water and ginseng as a secret ingredient for a deep, savory flavor. They operate for only 3 hours a day, until 2 PM, so checking their hours before visiting is essential.
In this tranquil old house, once an apothecary, a warm bowl of gukbap, made with a grandmother's touch, offers more than just a meal – it provides comfort and memories. If you're looking for a special meal during your trip to Yeongju, this place is worth noting.
Item: Details
Location: Gyeongbuk Yeongju-si Sunheung-myeon Sunheung-ro 57
Recommended for: Travelers seeking deeply flavorful gukbap in the atmosphere of a traditional Hanok.
Things to Confirm: Business hours are daily from 11 AM to 2 PM (subject to change).
Important Note: Due to short operating hours, it is necessary to check official announcements before visiting.
This place is especially suitable for those who want to taste traditional Seomorigukbap, made with a grandmother's devotion, amidst a tranquil rural landscape. Travelers who wish to experience old-world charm and enjoy a leisurely meal will find it highly satisfying.
However, as business hours are short and subject to change, it's crucial to confirm the latest information via phone inquiry or official announcement before visiting. Especially on weekends or public holidays, many visitors may flock here, so it's advisable to plan ahead.
Seomorigukbap at a 100-Year Hanok: Sunheung Seomorigukbap
Signature Menu and Features
The Seomorigukbap here is characterized by its deep, rich broth, made with a 20-year-old secret recipe. Every day from 5 AM, ox head (with blood drained) and beef leg bones are simmered for a long time in a traditional iron pot, deepening the broth's flavor.
Notably, they boil the meat in rice water to eliminate the beef's characteristic gamey odor and maximize its savory depth. Furthermore, dried and sliced ginseng, a specialty product of Yeongju, is added to create a unique flavor that balances subtle aroma with health benefits.
The soft yet chewy beef toppings are generous, enhancing satisfaction. The crispy kimchi and kkakdugi, which pair perfectly with the clear, deeply savory broth, further elevate the gukbap's flavor.
Location and Directions
Sunheung Seomorigukbap is located at Gyeongbuk Yeongju-si Sunheung-myeon Sunheung-ro 57. It takes about 15-20 minutes by car from Yeongju city center, and you can arrive while enjoying the charm of a traditional house along a peaceful rural road.
When using public transportation, you'll need to take a bus towards Sunheung-myeon from Yeongju Station or Yeongju Intercity Bus Terminal. However, as bus intervals can be long, using a private car is more convenient. Nearby, there are major tourist attractions in Yeongju, such as Sosu Seowon and Buseoksa Temple, making it a good route to explore together.
Upon entering the Hanok courtyard, visitors are greeted by a scene imbued with traces of time. The space, once an old apothecary, has now transformed into a gukbap restaurant filled with a grandmother's warm touch, offering a cozy and familiar atmosphere to those who visit.
Things to Confirm Before Visiting
This place operates for only 3 hours a day, from 11 AM to 2 PM. Due to the short business hours, they may close early if ingredients run out, so if you plan to visit for a late lunch, it's best to call ahead to confirm.
Parking is available in the restaurant's front yard or on nearby shoulders, and there is no separate reservation system. It was also featured on 'Heo Young-man's Baekban Tour,' so visitor numbers may have increased after the broadcast; it's recommended to visit with a relaxed mindset.
Sunheung Seomorigukbap in Yeongju is more than just a restaurant; it's a special place where the stories held within a 100-year-old Hanok blend with a grandmother's 20 years of devotion. If you wish to nourish your body and soul with a warm bowl of gukbap and savor old memories, head to Sunheung-myeon, Yeongju.
Last updated: June 29, 2026. This content is based on publicly available visitor information and travel diary data. Operating hours, fees, and reservation conditions may vary based on on-site and official announcements.