A Popular Local Spot at Seomyeon Lotte Department Store
While I have my regular go-to spots for Gukbap, I occasionally visit the Seomyeon branch of Subyeon Saego Pork Rice Soup (수변최고돼지국밥). The original main branch is in Millak-dong and is well-known for its long lines. Both the main branch and this Lotte Department Store branch are clean and pleasant, but the Seomyeon location is especially convenient if you’re shopping or staying nearby.
My Choice: Eolkeun Pork Udon (Spicy Pork Soup with Udon)
I usually stick to the Sundae-gukbap (blood sausage soup), but this time I tried a unique fusion menu: Eolkeun Pork Udon.
- Spiciness: The staff mentioned the heat is similar to Shin Ramyun, which provides a nice, refreshing kick.
- The Texture: This dish uses thick, chewy udon noodles instead of the traditional rice.
- Honest Verdict: The pork at Subyeon is naturally quite rich and fatty. While the broth is spicy, I found the combination of fatty meat and thick noodles a bit heavy. As someone who prefers lighter meals, it was a little difficult to finish.
💡 Who would love this? If you enjoyed the Abura Soba from my Kanda Soba review, you will likely appreciate this dish! It has that same rich and hearty character.
How to Enjoy It Like a Local
The restaurant provides specific instructions for the best experience:
- Sprinkle some black pepper over the soup before you start.
- Eat all the udon noodles first.
- Mix the provided rice into the remaining broth.
In my opinion, it tastes much better with the rice. The rich, spicy broth seems to find its perfect balance with rice rather than the noodles.
The Highlight: Fresh Kimchi (Geotjeori)
The best part of Subyeon Saego is definitely their Geotjeori (freshly seasoned kimchi). It is crisp and delicious, providing a great balance to the rich pork. If you need more, there is a self-service bar near the entrance for refills.
