Cheongjinok
청진옥 · Soups & Stews
ABOUT
Cheongjinok is a historic Seoul restaurant that has specialized in Korean haejangguk since 1937. Located in Jongno, it is known for a traditional beef-bone broth simmered for many hours with soybean paste, vegetables, beef offal, and seonji, a Korean dish made from coagulated beef blood. The result is a hearty, savory soup served as a complete meal with rice. The restaurant has a long connection with Jongno's old haejangguk dining culture and was designated a Seoul Future Heritage site in 2013. Its main attraction is not an elaborate menu or modern dining experience, but a distinctive bowl of traditional Seoul-style soup. Travelers who enjoy rich broths and are curious about Korean food traditions will find it an interesting stop near Gwanghwamun and Jonggak.
WHAT LOCALS SAY
Cheongjinok is best known for its hearty haejangguk, combining beef broth, vegetables, beef offal, and seonji. Diners who enjoy traditional Korean soups often appreciate the savory broth and generous variety of ingredients. However, seonji and offal have distinctive textures and flavors, so this is a more adventurous choice for first-time visitors than a simple beef soup. The restaurant has a practical, old-school atmosphere suited to breakfast, lunch, or a warming meal after a late night. Its long history is part of the appeal, and historical photographs help tell the story of the restaurant. It is more of a traditional soup house than a polished destination restaurant, so visitors should come primarily for the food and its place in Seoul's dining history. Opinions on the experience are not entirely uniform. While many diners visit specifically for the traditional soup, some reviews mention strong offal aromas, chewy textures, or inconsistent experiences. If you are unfamiliar with Korean blood sausage-style ingredients or beef offal, consider this before ordering.
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PRACTICAL INFO
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you go.
6AM–10PM
NO BREAK TIME
OPEN DAILY
₩12,000–₩25,000 / serving
Cheongjinok is located at 32 Jong-ro 3-gil in Jongno, within walking distance of Jonggak Station and Gwanghwamun Station. It opens early at 6:00 AM, making it a useful option for an early Korean breakfast. The current listed closing time is 10:00 PM, with last order at 9:30 PM. If you are driving, check nearby parking options and any restaurant parking validation before arrival. The signature haejangguk contains beef offal and seonji, which is coagulated beef blood. If you prefer not to eat intestines, ask whether they can be left out before ordering; the Jongno district's English guide specifically suggests saying, “Changja ppae-juseyo” (“Please leave out the intestines”). If you are unsure about seonji, ask the staff what is included in the regular and special bowls. This is a good stop for travelers who want to try a traditional Korean soup, but less suitable if you prefer mild flavors or avoid offal.
서울 종로구 종로3길 32 1-2층32, Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-1690
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