Sarangbang Kalguksu

📺 TV Appearances

• Live Today Ep. 3797, Jun 25, 2025 - Boiled Chicken (Baeksuk)
• Live Tonight Ep. 1938, Jan 9, 2023 - Boiled Chicken / Chicken Wing Kalguksu
• I Live Alone Ep. 467, Oct 14, 2022 - Boiled Chicken / Kalguksu
• Tasty Guys Ep. 276, Jun 5, 2020 - Boiled Chicken Set Meal
• Sik-rok Heo Yeong-man's Food Travel Ep. 3, May 30, 2019 - Boiled Chicken Set Meal / Kalguksu
• Wednesday Food Talk Ep. 203, Apr 17, 2019 - Boiled Chicken Set Meal
• 2TV Live Info Ep. 467, Dec 8, 2017 - Kalguksu / Boiled Chicken Set Meal
• 2TV Evening Live Info Ep. 33, Dec 5, 2015 - Kalguksu
• Live Tonight Ep. 152, Jun 25, 2015 - Kalguksu
• Shikshin Road 1 Ep. 173, Mar 15, 2014 - Boiled Chicken Set Meal / Kalguksu

Essential Info

• 🕐 Closed on the first Sunday of every month
• 💳 Card and mobile payments accepted
• 👤 Solo diner friendly · Great for office lunch or a casual Korean meal
• 🍗 Signature Menu: Boiled Chicken Set Meal (Baeksuk-baekban), Whole Chicken Baeksuk, Handmade Kalguksu, Egg Kalguksu, Spicy Mixed Kalguksu

🍜 Sarangbang Kalguksu: A Chungmuro Legend for Tender Boiled Chicken and Handmade Noodles

Tucked away in the alleys of Chungmuro, Sarangbang Kalguksu is a beloved local veteran that has stood the test of time, winning hearts with honest, hearty flavors rather than flashy presentation. Serving up comforting bowls of boiled chicken set meals and handmade noodles since 1968, it's a go-to lunch spot for local office workers and a pilgrimage site for foodies hunting down authentic neighborhood gems. Featured on popular television shows like Wednesday Food Talk, Tasty Guys, I Live Alone, and Heo Yeong-man's Food Travel, this spot keeps things delightfully simple yet deeply satisfying.

Their signature dish, the boiled chicken set meal (baeksuk-baekban), serves up tenderly cooked chicken alongside a bowl of rice and a warm, savory chicken broth. What makes it truly special is the way you eat it: dip the chicken into a zesty, sweet-and-sour red chili paste (chogochujang) mixed with scallions. The bright, tangy sauce cuts right through the savory, tender meat for an incredible flavor combination. Wash it down with a spoonful of rice soaked in the rich broth that has simmered for hours, and you have got a soul-warming meal. It turns what is usually reserved for special occasions into an everyday comfort food, which is why locals keep coming back.

The handmade noodles, or kalguksu, are another absolute must-try. The chewy noodles served in a piping hot, comforting broth are easy to love. Go for the egg-infused version for an extra layer of savory richness, or try the spicy mixed noodles if you are craving a bold, tangy kick. From the deeply flavorful chicken broth of the set meal to the classic handmade noodles, every dish carries a distinct charm that has kept this place in the foodie spotlight for decades. Skip the trendy new spots and experience a true slice of Seoul's nostalgic dining culture and everyday comfort food at Sarangbang Kalguksu.

👥 Why Locals Love It

• 🏡 Timeless comfort food since 1968 — Operating for decades, it offers the kind of enduring, traditional Korean flavors that you crave long after trendy spots fade away.
• 📺 Featured on famous TV shows — Celebrated across multiple food and variety programs for its signature baeksuk and kalguksu, drawing in both curious fans of the shows and serious food enthusiasts.
• 🍜 The best of both worlds: Chicken and Noodles — Whether you are craving hearty meat or a steaming bowl of noodles, you can easily pick based on your appetite.
• 🍗 Everyday nourishment with Baeksuk-baekban — Tenderly boiled chicken, rice, and warm broth come together for a wholesome, filling meal that brings upscale health food down to an everyday level.
• 🥢 A unique signature sauce — Pairing the mild, tender chicken with fresh scallions and a tangy, sweet-and-sour dipping sauce creates an addictive flavor profile you won't forget.

📍 Tips for Foreign Visitors

• 🍗 Can't decide? Try the Baeksuk-baekban — It's the ultimate introduction to Korean-style boiled chicken, serving tender meat, rice, and broth all in one comforting meal.
• 🥣 Wondering what Baeksuk-baekban is? — Think of it as a deconstructed, everyday version of Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), served with rice and a savory soup on the side.
• 🥢 How to eat the chicken like a pro — Dip the meat into the special chili sauce and pair it with the fresh scallions. Take a bite on its own first, then experiment to find your favorite flavor combo.
• 🍜 In the mood for noodles? — Order the handmade Kalguksu. You'll get to enjoy delightfully chewy Korean noodles in a warm, comforting broth.