🍖Anmok Gangnam-Yeoksam – Michelin Bib Gourmand Pork Soup Arrives in Seoul

 When it comes to comfort food in Korea, few dishes rival the deep satisfaction of dwaeji gukbap (돼지국밥, pork soup with rice). For decades, this dish has been a soul-warming staple in Busan, with locals debating which restaurant makes the richest broth, the softest meat, or the most addictive side dishes. Among them, Anmok (안목) has stood out, earning a coveted spot on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list in both 2024 and 2025. Until recently, the only way to taste Anmok’s famous pork soup was to travel to Busan’s Namcheon neighborhood. But in August 2025, Anmok opened its first Seoul location in Gangnam-Yeoksam, bringing its Michelin-recognized flavors right to the capital.

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📍 Location & Atmosphere

Anmok Gangnam-Yeoksam sits at 520 Eonju-ro, 1st floor, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, between Yeoksam and Seolleung Station. From the outside, it looks nothing like a traditional gukbap joint. Instead, it resembles a modern Korean restaurant — tall ceilings, sleek wooden interiors, warm lighting, and even private rooms named after iconic Busan neighborhoods like Seomyeon and Choryang.

The vibe feels upscale and polished: wide tables, neatly dressed staff, and a clean, open kitchen where steaming bowls of gukbap bubble away. It’s a far cry from the cramped, no-frills eateries of Busan. Anmok Seoul is designed to appeal not only to die-hard gukbap lovers but also to young professionals, couples, and even international visitors looking for a more refined introduction to this Busan classic.

Do note, though — this refinement comes with demand. Ever since opening, long waiting lines have been the norm. Luckily, Anmok partners with CatchTable, an app that lets you queue virtually and receive entry notifications on your phone. For peak hours, making a reservation is highly recommended.

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🥢 Signature Dish – Pork Soup with Rice (돼지국밥)

The heart of Anmok is, of course, its dwaeji gukbap. Unlike some Busan spots that load their broth with spicy dadaegi (chili paste), Anmok serves a clean, milky-white broth simmered for over 24 hours with pork bones. The result is a deep yet elegant soup — rich with umami, but not heavy or greasy.

Each bowl comes with tender slices of pork, delicately balancing fat and lean cuts. The meat is soft, juicy, and free of the unpleasant odor that sometimes lingers in poorly prepared gukbap. Floating alongside are chopped scallions, adding freshness and a gentle bite.

The rice is torium-style (토렴식) — pre-mixed into the hot broth before serving, so every grain soaks up the flavors. This technique, increasingly rare in Seoul, adds depth to the eating experience. For those who prefer rice on the side, the touchscreen kiosks allow you to select a separate serving option.

👉 Pro tip: While Anmok’s base broth is already flavorful, customizing is part of the fun. Add minced garlic, salted shrimp (saeujeot), or a spoonful of dadaegi from the self-service bar to tailor the soup to your taste.

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🍖 The 1-Person Set – Gukbap + Boiled Pork

One of the most popular choices is the 1-person set (₩23,000), which includes a bowl of gukbap and a plate of suyuk (boiled pork slices). Unlike typical suyuk that often features just one cut, Anmok serves a mix of hangjeongsal (pork jowl) and gabrisal (pork neck).

• Gabrisal is leaner, with a clean pork flavor and subtle chew.

• Hangjeongsal, on the other hand, is marbled with fat, giving it a nutty, buttery richness that melts in your mouth.

The suyuk comes with dipping sauces and pairs beautifully with sides like kimchi, garlic, and spicy ssamjang. Many guests find themselves alternating between spoonfuls of gukbap and bites of suyuk — a rhythm that feels both indulgent and comforting.

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🍲 Other Menu Highlights

Anmok is not just about one bowl of soup. Its menu offers several regional variations of gukbap and side dishes:

• Seokkeo Gukbap (섞어국밥, ₩13,500) – A mix of pork cuts, offering diverse textures in one bowl.

• Meorikogi Gukbap (머리고기국밥, ₩14,000) – Pork head meat, prized for its chewy texture.

• Eolkeun-i Hobak Gukbap (얼큰이호박국밥, ₩15,000) – A spicy variation with zucchini and pork, perfect for those who crave heat.

• Hangjeong Gabri Gukbap (항정가브리국밥, ₩17,000) – Premium cuts of jowl and neck for a more luxurious bowl.

• Cold Suyuk (냉수육, ₩35,000) – Chilled slices of pork served with seasoned chives — refreshing, especially in summer.

• Seafood Pancakes (새우전, 관자전, ₩19,000–20,000) – Crispy on the outside, soft and savory inside, perfect for sharing.

For drinks, Anmok even offers its own house-brewed spirits and pairs surprisingly well with wine, as many guests discovered during the opening event. It’s clear the restaurant aims to position itself not just as a casual eatery, but as a modern dining venue where gukbap can be enjoyed with sophistication.

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🥬 Side Dishes & Customization

No Korean meal is complete without banchan (side dishes), and Anmok excels in this department. Kimchi and kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi) are crisp, refreshing, and perfectly balanced — neither too sour nor too salty. At the self-service bar, guests can freely refill kimchi, pickled radish, spicy chives, and condiments like saeujeot and dadaegi.

This self-serve element not only ensures freshness but also lets diners personalize their bowls. Want your gukbap clean and simple? Stick with the white broth. Craving spice? Add a spoonful of dadaegi and stir for a fiery red kick.

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🍶 Dining Experience

Eating at Anmok feels like participating in a ritual. The meal usually begins with steaming hot gukbap, followed by dipping suyuk into sauces, then refreshing your palate with kimchi before going back for another spoonful of broth. Many diners describe it as satisfying yet surprisingly elegant, a reminder that simple food, when done right, can carry Michelin-worthy weight.

While the price is higher than typical gukbap shops (₩13,000+ vs. ₩8,000–₩9,000 in Busan), most agree it’s justified by the refined broth, premium cuts of pork, upscale ambiance, and location in the heart of Gangnam.

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🌟 Overall Impression

Anmok Gangnam-Yeoksam is more than just another branch of a famous Busan restaurant. It represents the elevation of gukbap from humble street food to a dish that commands respect on the Michelin stage.

• The broth is rich yet clean, layered with depth.

• The meat is soft, flavorful, and thoughtfully chosen.

• The atmosphere makes it suitable not just for casual meals but also for business lunches, family dinners, or even hosting international guests.

Yes, there’s often a wait. Yes, it costs more than the average gukbap bowl. But what Anmok offers is heritage with refinement — the comfort of Busan flavors, polished for Gangnam’s modern dining scene.

👉 If you’re a fan of Korean comfort food, a seeker of Michelin-level experiences, or simply curious about why Busan locals are so obsessed with gukbap, Anmok is a must-visit in Seoul.

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🗂️ Essential Info

• 📍 Address: 520 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (1F)

• 🚉 Nearest Stations: Yeoksam Station (Line 2), Seolleung Station (Line 2/9)

• 🕒 Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00–22:00 (Break time 15:00–17:00), Closed Sundays

• 💸 Price: Gukbap from ₩13,000, 1-person set ₩23,000, suyuk ₩16,000+

• 📲 Reservations: Highly recommended via CatchTable

• 🚗 Parking: Free for 30 mins, ₩1,000 per 10 mins afterward (₩2,000 per 10 mins after 1 hour)
  
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