Nestled in the heart of Jongno District, Seoul, Daesungjip offers an authentic taste of Korean culinary tradition with its legendary Dogani Tang, a rich beef knee cartilage soup that has delighted locals and visitors for over six decades. This cozy restaurant at 5 Sajik-ro is a must-visit for foodies craving a hearty, nourishing meal that celebrates the delicate flavors and textures of ox knee cartilage, slow-cooked to tender perfection.
Daesungjip’s minimalist menu focuses on quality and tradition, serving three main offerings: Dogani Tang (beef knee or ankle cartilage soup), Suyuk (boiled beef knee cartilage without soup), and Haejang-guk (a light dried cabbage soybean soup). The Dogani Tang is especially unique — only a few portions can be made from a single cow’s knee bones, making it a rare and coveted dish bursting with collagen, protein, and calcium.
- Dogani Tang – a melt-in-your-mouth ox knee cartilage soup with a savory, rich broth.
- Suyuk – tender slices of boiled knee cartilage served without broth.
- Haejang-guk – a comforting dried cabbage and soybean soup, perfect alongside the main dishes.
The charm of Daesungjip lies in its authentic flavors and the warm hospitality of its staff. Despite its simple setting, the restaurant buzzes with energy and draws a crowd quickly, especially during peak hours. Diners praise the perfectly cooked cartilage, the rich broth, and the generous portions . Many visitors also highlight the attentive service, with staff making extra efforts to assist non-Korean speakers and first-time guests, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes solo travelers feel at home.
- What are the operating hours of Daesungjip? Daesungjip operates from Monday to Saturday, with two service periods: 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
- Is there parking available at Daesungjip? Yes, Daesungjip provides parking facilities for its patrons.
- Does Daesungjip accept credit cards? Yes, Daesungjip accepts credit cards for payment.
- Is there an English menu available? While the primary menu is in Korean, the staff assists non-Korean speakers, often providing special care and guidance to first-time visitors.
- What is the specialty dish at Daesungjip? The specialty dish is Dogani Tang, a flavorful ox knee cartilage soup cherished for its rich taste and health benefits.
Daesungjip welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a warm and authentic dining experience. The restaurant is known to fill up quickly, especially around opening hours, so arriving early is recommended. Although it doesn’t offer outdoor seating or live music, its inviting, no-frills ambiance highlights the focus on food quality and tradition. Free parking options are available, making it convenient if you are driving. The menu doesn’t feature cocktails or desserts, but its hearty soups and dishes paired with fresh kimchi and side vegetables are a satisfying feast on their own.
Nestled in the heart of Seoul's Jongno District, Daesungjip stands as a culinary landmark with a rich history spanning over six decades. Established in 1960, this venerable restaurant has devoted itself to serving the traditional Korean delicacy known as Dogani Tang — a nourishing ox knee cartilage soup celebrated for its delicate texture and health benefits.
From its humble beginnings in 1960, Daesungjip quickly earned a devoted local following. By 1980, it had become a beloved destination for both Seoul residents and international travelers seeking an authentic taste of traditional Korean cuisine. Its singular focus on Dogani Tang has preserved the restaurant’s reputation for quality and consistency throughout the decades.
- 1960 - Daesungjip was established, specializing in Dogani Tang.
- 1980 - The restaurant gained popularity among locals and tourists alike.
- 2000 - Daesungjip was recognized by the Michelin Guide for its quality and value.
Daesungjip’s commitment to tradition is reflected in its streamlined menu, focusing on three specialties: the signature Dogani Tang, tender sooyuk (pure ox cartilage meat), and the comforting Haejang-guk — a dried cabbage and soybean soup. Each dish is crafted to highlight natural flavors and provide nourishing comfort, making the restaurant a cherished culinary institution in Seoul.
Beyond its historical legacy, Daesungjip offers visitors an authentic experience that blends time-honored recipes with warm hospitality. Its location in Jongno District places it amidst Seoul’s vibrant cultural tapestry, making it easily accessible for food enthusiasts and digital nomads exploring the city’s rich heritage. The restaurant’s dedication to quality ingredients and meticulous cooking methods ensures that every bowl of Dogani Tang delivers a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and healthful benefits.
- Rich in collagen, protein, and calcium – nourishing and easily digestible for all ages.
- Limited portions per cow – emphasizing exclusivity and careful preparation of each soup.
- Friendly and welcoming atmosphere – from staff to regulars, enhancing the dining experience.
Whether you are a longtime Korean cuisine aficionado or a curious traveler, Daesungjip invites you to savor a piece of Seoul’s culinary heritage. Its Dogani Tang is more than a dish — it’s a flavorful journey through Korean tradition, healthful ingredients, and heartfelt hospitality that has stood resilient through generations.
Located in the heart of Seoul's Jongno District, Daesungjip stands as a beloved culinary landmark specializing in traditional Korean beef knee joint soft bone soup, known as doganitang. This historic eatery has been delighting visitors for over six decades with its rich, hearty broths and authentic flavors that embody Korean comfort food at its finest.
Daesungjip offers a simple yet distinctive menu that focuses primarily on doganitang, featuring tender beef knee or ankle joints simmered until they melt in your mouth with a gelatinous texture that fans describe as "like eating jelly." The soup is packed with protein, collagen, and calcium, making it not only delicious but also nourishing and easily digestible—ideal for those recovering from illness or anyone seeking a wholesome meal.
Patrons appreciate the long-standing reputation of Daesungjip and the warm hospitality shown by its attentive staff, creating a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and international travelers alike. The affordable prices add to its charm, making it accessible while delivering a memorable dining experience deeply rooted in Korean culinary tradition.
While Daesungjip excels in quality and authenticity, visitors should note a few potential drawbacks. The menu is intentionally limited, focusing on just a handful of specialties, which may not suit those looking for a wide variety of dishes.
Additionally, the restaurant tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak hours, often resulting in lines and wait times. Since it does not accept reservations and is closed on Sundays, planning your visit accordingly is essential to avoid disappointment.
- Authentic Korean cuisine that captures traditional flavors.
- Rich and hearty Dogani Tang made with premium beef knee joints.
- Friendly and attentive staff create a welcoming vibe for all diners.
- Long-standing reputation with over 60 years in operation.
- Affordable prices that deliver great value for quality.
- Limited menu options focused mostly on soups and beef cartilage to maintain quality and tradition.
- Crowded during peak hours with lines forming quickly, so arriving early is advised.
- No reservations accepted which means walk-ins only and potential wait times.
- Closed on Sundays so plan your visit during weekdays or Saturdays.
