As temperatures in Seoul have dropped below freezing this week, the need for a hearty, warming dish has never been greater. One comforting option that locals swear by during the cold months is suyuk jeongol, a boiled beef hot pot that is both satisfying and perfect for braving the chill. If you're planning to indulge in this traditional Korean dish this weekend, here are two must-visit restaurants that offer their own delicious takes on suyuk jeongol.

Neungdong Minari's suyuk jeongol (Hong Yoo/ The Korea Herald)
Neungdong Minari's suyuk jeongol (Hong Yoo/ The Korea Herald)

Neungdong Minari

For anyone craving a classic suyuk jeongol, Neungdong Minari is a top contender. Located in Yongsan, Seoul, the restaurant is well-known for its signature suyuk jeongol, but it also offers a delightful dining experience thanks to its retro ambiance. The two-story, standalone building is a throwback to traditional Korean eateries, with its warm and nostalgic decor, making it a perfect spot to enjoy comfort food in a cozy setting.

However, be prepared for a long wait. On weekends, it is common for people to wait around two hours before being seated. The restaurant offers a limited selection of side dishes that perfectly complement its menu, including kimchi, minari (water celery) salad and squid jeotgal (fermented squid).

Neungdong Minari's yukhoe bibimbap (Hong Yoo/ The Korea Herald)
Neungdong Minari's yukhoe bibimbap (Hong Yoo/ The Korea Herald)

While the suyuk jeongol is the highlight, another dish to try is the yukhoe bibimbap (raw beef bibimbap), which features fresh raw beef, a light sauce and plenty of minari, making it a refreshing and flavorful addition to the meal. For a table with more than two people, ordering one suyuk jeongol and adding a yukhoe bibimbap to complete the meal is highly recommended.

A small-size suyuk jeongol costs 48,000 won ($33.02) and yukhoe bibimbap costs 15,000 won.

Suyuk jeongol at Neungdong Minari is known for its clear yet flavorful broth that has a subtle spicy kick, which prevents it from becoming monotonous. The boiled beef is sliced to an ideal thickness and is tender, having been slow-cooked to perfection. A generous amount of minari adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor that enhances the richness of the stew. For those who love minari, this dish is highly recommended. Additionally, customers can request free broth refills if the stew begins to dry out, and towards the end of the meal, noodles can be added to the broth for an extra comforting touch.

Operating hours for Neungdong Minari is from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Friday and from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Iyeo Gomtang's sukyuk jeongol (Hong Yoo/ The Korea Herald)
Iyeo Gomtang's sukyuk jeongol (Hong Yoo/ The Korea Herald)

Iyeo Gomtang

If the long wait at Neungdong Minari is too much to handle, Iyeo Gomtang in Yongsan, Seoul offers a great alternative. Located in a standalone building with its own parking lot, this restaurant is also convenient for diners who drive.

While Iyeo Gomtang is famous for its gomtang (beef bone soup), its suyuk jeongol is also popular. Instead of minari, Iyeo Gomtang uses garlic chives to flavor the stew, which gives it a distinct taste. The restaurant offers the dish in a single size, priced at 49,000 won.

The stew at Iyeo Gomtang is rich and meaty, with a generous portion of tender boiled beef. The focus here is on the meat, making it a great option for those who love a hearty, substantial dish. After enjoying the meat and vegetables, diners can add potato noodles to the stew, which provides a chewy, bouncy texture that absorbs the flavors of the broth. If noodles aren’t your preference, the restaurant also offers an option to finish the meal with rice porridge at an addiitonal charge.

Iyeo Gomtang offers two types of kimchi-- radish kimchi and cabbage kimchi, both of which pair perfectly with the rich stew.

Iyeo Gomtang is open 24 hours, except Sundays when it closes at 10 p.m.

Both Neungdong Minari and Iyeo Gomtang offer their own unique take on suyuk jeongol, each bringing something different to the table. If you don’t mind the wait, Neungdong Minari is the perfect choice. The dish here is lighter, more aromatic, and features a fragrant minari that adds a refreshing element to the stew. On the other hand, if you want a meatier, more substantial version of the dish with no wait time, Iyeo Gomtang is a great alternative. Its rich, hearty beef stew will satisfy any meat lover, and the option to finish with potato noodles or rice porridge makes it an appealing choice for those looking for a cozy, filling meal.

No matter which you choose, both restaurants offer a perfect way to warm up and enjoy a delicious Korean comfort food experience during the cold winter months in Seoul.