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Insaeng Seolleongtang: A Taste of Baek Jong-won’s Latest Venture in Seoul

Hello everyone, Masao here! After wrapping up my schedule in Seoul, I found myself craving a warm bowl of Seolleongtang before heading home. My hunger led me to “Insaeng Seolleongtang,” one of the many new establishments opened by the renowned chef Baek Jong-won. Known for his accessible and often affordable culinary ventures, I was curious to see how this particular restaurant would stand up. Let’s dive into my evening meal experience.

Affordable Comfort: A Look at Insaeng Seolleongtang’s Menu

Upon stepping into Insaeng Seolleongtang, the first thing that caught my attention was the pricing. They offer a “Regular” Seolleongtang for a modest 6,500 Korean Won and a “Special” version for 8,900 Korean Won. The difference, as I found out, mainly lies in the quantity of meat and ‘sujji’ (tendon or cartilage). The special bowl reportedly contains about seven more pieces of sujji, roughly the size of kkakdugi (diced radish kimchi), making it a noticeable upgrade for just 2,400 Won. For those looking for a bit more substance without breaking the bank, the special seems like a reasonable choice. The food was served almost immediately after ordering, a testament to its efficiency.

The Soup: Savory Warmth with a Hint of Caution

The heart of any Seolleongtang is its broth, and Insaeng Seolleongtang’s did not disappoint in terms of flavor. The soup arrived already seasoned, something to be mindful of before impulsively reaching for the salt shaker. It possessed a pleasant, savory, and robust flavor without any off-putting smells, which is crucial for a good Seolleongtang. The noodles were also plentiful, making up roughly half of the bowl’s contents, providing a satisfying and filling base to the meal.

Side Dishes: A Mixed Bag of Korean Staples

Korean meals are often defined by their banchan, and Insaeng Seolleongtang provided the essentials: kimchi, kkakdugi, and a special seasoning paste.

• Kimchi: The kimchi served was a fresh, ‘geotjeori’ style rather than a fully fermented one. While it offered a refreshing coolness, its overall flavor was a bit ambiguous and didn’t leave a strong impression.
• Kkakdugi: In contrast, the kkakdugi was a standout. Despite being slightly on the softer side, it had a delightful sourness and crispness that complemented the Seolleongtang wonderfully. This was definitely a highlight among the side dishes.
• Seasoning Paste: A unique seasoning paste was provided, but remember, it’s one per table, not per person!

The Meat: A Point of Contention

This brings me to the most critical aspect of the Seolleongtang: the meat. This is where my experience took a slight downturn. The beef, while generous in the special bowl, was cooked to such an extent that it became overly soft and easily crumbled. Instead of distinct, chewy pieces, it had a texture reminiscent of meat served in cafeteria or group meals. For a dish where the quality and texture of the meat are usually paramount, this was a significant disappointment. While the price point suggests a certain level of expectation, I had hoped for more satisfying meat portions.

Final Verdict: Is Insaeng Seolleongtang Worth It?

Insaeng Seolleongtang, as a Baek Jong-won establishment in Seoul, certainly offers an affordable option for a traditional Korean comfort food. The soup is savory and comforting, and the kkakdugi is delightfully tart. The quantity of noodles and the quick service are also positives. However, the quality and texture of the meat left much to be desired, feeling more like mass-produced fare than a carefully prepared component of a Seolleongtang. The kimchi was also rather unremarkable.

There’s a common saying that Baek Jong-won’s restaurants offer “that price for that quality,” implying decent value but not gourmet standards. While I often find myself disagreeing with this sentiment, in the case of Insaeng Seolleongtang, especially regarding the meat, I find myself reluctantly nodding in agreement. If you’re looking for a quick, cheap, and warm bowl of Seolleongtang with good soup and kkakdugi, it’s an option. But if your expectations include high-quality, flavorful meat, you might want to adjust them or consider other options. Overall, a decent meal for the price, but with a significant caveat regarding the main ingredient.