Breakfast in Myeongdong, Seoul — Shinseon Solrontang, a Soothing Korean Solrontang Breakfast

Introduction to Seoul Myeongdong and Shinseon Solrontang: The Gourmet Capital of Korea

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a tourist city where tradition and modernity merge, attracting approximately 12 million visitors in 2023. Myeongdong (Myeongdong) is a downtown area located in the center of Seoul and is a popular spot for shopping, dining, and K-pop culture. Shinseon Solrontang is a long-established restaurant in the middle of Myeongdong, famous for its solrontang (beef bone soup). After temporarily closing due to the Corona disaster, it reopened in 2022. More information can be found at Connect. Myeongdong tourist information can be viewed at Visit Seoul and Korea Tourism can be viewed at Korea Tourism Organization. We enjoyed a breakfast at Shinseon Solrontang on this trip.

The reason for the breakfast: an authentic taste of Myeongdong.

On a 3-day/2-night trip to Seoul, we decided to have breakfast after hearing about the vibrancy of Myeongdong and the reputation of Shinseon Solrontang. We visited at 8:30 a.m., a convenient 3-minute walk from Myeongdong Station. According to our research, Shinseon Solrontang has been in business since 1950 and is a well-known restaurant loved by locals and tourists alike. Its signature dish, solrontang, features a gentle broth made from beef bones simmered for a long time. I wanted to get a good energy boost in the morning before enjoying the food stalls and shopping in Myeongdong. Hearing that an early morning visit would allow me to avoid the lines, I made a plan. This choice started our gourmet trip to Seoul.

The queue: smooth thanks to the rain

We had heard that there was a long line at 9:00 a.m., but when we arrived at 8:30 a.m., it was raining and we were able to enter the restaurant easily. According to our research, a 30-minute wait is common for popular restaurants in Myeongdong during peak hours (9-11 a.m.). In my case, thanks to the rain, there was zero wait time. The restaurant was clean and crowded with tourists and locals. Bring rain gear so you can line up comfortably even on a rainy day. This smoothness made for a light start to my morning.

Delicious solrontang: Gentle beef bone soup

We ordered the signature dish, sorrontang (about 12,000 won, about ³,200). The gentle soup is infused with the flavor of beef bones, and rice is added and salt and pepper to taste. According to my research, solrontang is a traditional Korean dish, good for digestion and ideal for breakfast. In my case, I was impressed by the deep flavor of the soup and the tender beef. When I soaked the rice in the soup, the warmth soaked into my body. Tasting it little by little with a spoon, you will feel more satisfied. This soup taught me a lot about Korean food culture.

Kimchi Appeal: Two Free Sides

There are two kinds of free kimchi: Chinese cabbage and radish. According to our research, kimchi is offered free of charge at Korean sorrontang restaurants and is essential to accentuate the flavor. In my case, by the second day, I had become accustomed to the Korean style and finished my meal with kimchi on top of the soup. The spicy and tangy radish kimchi went well with the soup. It is easy to adjust the amount of kimchi if you share a small plate. This side doubled the enjoyment of breakfast.

Menu	Price	Features	Advice
Sorrontang	Approx. 12,000 won	Beef bone soup with rice	Adjust with salt and pepper
Kimchi	Free	Chinese cabbage, radish, spicy	Share with a small plate

Korean Style Breakfast: The Joy of Getting Used to It

By the second day, I was completely accustomed to the Korean style of serving solrontang with kimchi on top. Research shows that mixing rice and kimchi with soup is common in Korea, and tourists quickly adapt. In my case, I simply enjoyed the soup on the first day and added plenty of kimchi on the second day. The change in flavor is enjoyable and satisfying to finish. The soup is hot, so it is best to savor it slowly. This style made my morning in Seoul special.

Myeongdong’s Morning Attraction: Lively and Accessible

Shinseon Solrontang is located in the middle of downtown Myeongdong. It opens at 8:00 a.m. and is surrounded by Lotte Duty Free Shop and cafes. According to a survey, Myeongdong is an area visited by 70% of tourists and is bustling with activity from morning. In my case, after breakfast, I strolled around Myeongdong and purchased goods at a K-pop store. Myeongdong Subway Station and Euljiro Entrance Station are close by, so it was easy to get around. If you take an early morning stroll, it is cool and easy to plan your sightseeing. This location made my trip more efficient.

Overall Satisfaction: Solrontang Healing

The breakfast at Shinseon Solrontang left a lasting impression with its gentle soup and delicious kimchi. Thanks to the rain, we were able to enter the restaurant smoothly, and the second day, when we got used to the Korean style, was especially impressive. This is a great restaurant that is sure to be a repeat customer. A budget of 1,500 yen per person is sufficient for breakfast. Note: This information is based on personal experience and conditions may vary depending on the time of year.

Private Wisdom-like Summary

The breakfast at Shinseon Sorrontang is a heartwarming experience of the vibrancy and healing of Myeongdong. My personal wisdom is that the key is to visit early in the morning at 8:30 a.m. and enjoy the solrontang with kimchi on top. Seoul mornings and gentle soups are a quiet reminder of the richness of travel.

Where to Have Breakfast in Myeongdong

If you are wondering where to eat breakfast in Myeongdong, Shinseon Solrontang is our first recommendation for a warm, traditional Korean start to the day — a clean bowl of beef-bone solrontang just steps from the main shopping street. Myeongdong itself is one of the most walkable breakfast areas in central Seoul, with bakeries, cafes and Korean eateries clustered within a few minutes of one another, so it is easy to pair an early bowl of solrontang with a coffee or a bagel afterwards.

For more Myeongdong and Seoul food and morning ideas, see these related guides:

• Breakfast at Conrad Seoul — Zest’s cappuccino and omelette
• Nungdong Minari — Michelin-recognized beef gomtang in Seoul
• Myeong-dong at night — dakhanmari and the evening food scene
• London Bagel Museum — the Korean bagel worth the queue
• Where to stay: Hotel 28 in Myeongdong

Breakfast in Myeongdong: FAQ

Where can you eat breakfast in Myeongdong?

Breakfast options are concentrated around Myeongdong’s main street and side alleys. For a traditional Korean breakfast, Shinseon Solrontang serves solrontang (beef-bone soup) in the heart of the district. Nearby you will also find cafes and bakeries for a lighter Western-style morning.

What is a good traditional Korean breakfast in Seoul?

Solrontang — a gently simmered beef-bone soup eaten with rice — is one of the most comforting traditional Korean breakfasts, and it is exactly what Shinseon Solrontang is known for. Its mild, clear broth makes it easy to enjoy first thing in the morning.

Is Myeongdong a good area for breakfast?

Yes. Myeongdong is central, walkable and full of dining options, which makes it one of the most convenient places to have breakfast in Seoul before a day of shopping or sightseeing.

Prefer a bagel breakfast over solrontang that morning? The queue-famous London Bagel Museum in Myeong-dong serves a chewy-soft bagel start just a short walk away.