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Okdong Sik: A Deep Dive into Seoul’s Unique Pyeongyang-Style Pork Gomtang

Greetings, fellow food adventurers! Today, we’re embarking on a culinary journey to a place renowned for its distinctive approach to a seemingly common dish: Pork Gomtang. While pork soup is ubiquitous in Korea, the preparation method at Okdong Sik is anything but ordinary, making it a celebrated destination even with its infamous long waiting lines.

Discovering Okdong Sik: Location and First Impressions

Nestled on the first floor of a residential building in Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Okdong Sik is a testament to culinary passion. Despite arriving during lunch, a queue of eager diners had already formed. Thankfully, their efficient KakaoTalk waiting system allowed me to register my number and explore the neighborhood while awaiting my turn. Although I’d heard stories of waits exceeding an hour, I was pleasantly surprised to be seated in about 30 minutes on this particular day.

The interior of Okdong Sik immediately brings to mind a traditional Japanese ramen shop. A narrow, elongated space features a central bar-style counter that offers a direct view into the kitchen, creating an intimate and engaging dining experience. Here, orders are taken swiftly, and the piping hot Gomtang is served almost immediately – a true “fast food” experience in terms of speed, though certainly not in quality!

The Star Dish: Okdong Sik’s Unique Pork Gomtang

A Broth Like No Other

The first glance at the Pork Gomtang is captivating. The broth is remarkably clear, so transparent that you can see the bottom of the bowl. Finely chopped scallions, sprinkled on top, float like serene water lilies. What truly sets Okdong Sik apart is its broth-making technique. They use front and hind leg meat from premium Berkshire K pork, which, along with various other ingredients, is not simply boiled but *extracted* in a traditional medicinal pot (yak-tang-gi). This extraction method yields a beautifully clear, pure broth made solely from meat, without any bones, hence its specific name, Pork Gomtang.

Tender Slices and Subtle Aromas

The pork slices in the Gomtang are a marvel of precision, thinly cut by a meat slicer. A regular serving contains 100g, while a larger portion boasts 200g. The Berkshire K pork, identifiable by its black hair (a characteristic of black pigs), offers an incredibly soft and tender texture, moist and entirely devoid of any toughness. It’s almost like a shabu-shabu experience as the thin slices absorb the hot broth.

The initial taste of the broth is incredibly light and clean, with a delightful umami that lingers subtly. The pork’s inherent aroma is gentle yet distinct, reminiscent of a clean, savory broth made with just salt and perhaps ginger. Intriguingly, it evokes the delicate flavors of chicken broth and even the clear, refined essence of Pyeongyang-style cold noodle broth. The gentle hint of root or herbal notes from the yak-tang-gi extraction adds a grounding depth, balancing the lightness without overpowering it. The seasoning is remarkably mild, letting the natural flavors shine through rather than relying on strong salts or artificial enhancements.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Style

No meal at Okdong Sik is complete without its excellent accompaniments. The house-special Gochuji (spicy chili relish) – finely chopped Cheongyang peppers seasoned with chili powder – offers a sharp, invigorating kick that perfectly complements the rich, tender pork. A small glass of “Golden Head Soju” (잔술) provides a refreshing counterpoint, ideal for savoring alongside the hearty soup.

The Kkakdugi (radish kimchi) is another highlight. It strikes a perfect balance of light sourness and subtle sweetness, with a hint of aged kimchi aroma. Interestingly, Okdong Sik also employs a unique serving method for the rice: rather than using hot rice that can make the broth cloudy with starch, they use cold rice that is then warmed in the hot broth (a technique called “tolyeom”). This ensures the broth remains pristine and clear, while the rice grains maintain their elasticity and absorb the flavors beautifully.

A Culinary Masterpiece

Okdong Sik’s Pork Gomtang is more than just a meal; it’s a meticulously crafted experience. Its successful differentiation in a competitive market, elevating a familiar dish to a premium and unique offering, is truly commendable. The reviewer even coined it “Pyeongyang Pork Gomtang,” drawing parallels to the subtle yet profound depth found in Pyeongyang-style cuisine.

From the innovative broth extraction to the delicate meat preparation and thoughtful accompaniments, Okdong Sik creates a harmonious and memorable dining experience. It’s a testament to how meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality can transform a traditional dish into a modern culinary triumph. If you’re seeking a refined, deeply satisfying, and uniquely prepared pork soup experience in Seoul, Okdong Sik is an absolute must-visit.