[Seongsu-dong] Nungdong Minari: Ultimate Water Parsley & Beef Gomtang — Michelin-Recognized Seoul

The highlight of my Seongsu-dong walk: Nungdong Minari — currently one of Seoul’s most sought-after restaurants.

There was, as promised, a long line out front. But the system was impressively well-organized — we were inside faster than expected. That experience of a “popular restaurant that doesn’t make you wait forever” is itself a valuable part of the journey.

Seasonal Water Parsley — The Star of a New Korean Cuisine

What we ordered: a bowl of gomtang so generously covered in bright green water parsley (minari) that the bowl almost disappears beneath it. The refreshing fragrance of the parsley and the deep, slow-cooked richness of the beef broth create a harmony that is difficult to put into words.

Light enough to not feel heavy, yet deeply satisfying — this is a dish I’d recommend to every Seoul visitor. It’s not just the taste that makes this restaurant so beloved, but the way they’ve reinterpreted a traditional dish with contemporary sensibility.

The Energy of Seongsu-dong

When we stepped back outside after the meal, the streets had grown even more lively. Pop-up stores from major cosmetic brands, advertising that felt more like street art — just walking here sparks creativity. Time in Seongsu-dong is essential for understanding what Seoul looks like right now.