Cheongjinok in Jongno: Traditional Yang Seonji Haejangguk Since 1937

Table of Contents

Experience Classic Korean Haejangguk at Cheongjinok (청진옥)

For travelers seeking an authentic Korean haejangguk experience in Seoul’s Jongno district, Cheongjinok (청진옥) offers a taste of history and tradition. Established in 1937 and now run by the third generation, this restaurant is renowned for its signature yang seonji haejangguk—a clear, mild soup featuring tender beef blood curd and soft beef tripe.

Cheongjinok’s broth is often described as light and clean, without the heavy spices common in many modern haejangguk dishes. The soup is enriched with fresh ingredients like bean sprouts and napa cabbage, balancing the flavors with a refreshing crispness. Many visitors note the freshness and softness of the seonji (beef blood curd) and tripe, which complement the broth’s depth.

The restaurant maintains a traditional yet neat atmosphere, with walls adorned by historical photos and celebrity visits, reflecting its long-standing presence in the area. The spacious interior spans multiple floors and accommodates a diverse crowd, including locals, office workers, and tourists. While the ambiance is not overly nostalgic, it respects its heritage as a Seoul Future Heritage site.

Menu Highlights and Dining Tips

Cheongjinok’s menu centers on its famed yang seonji haejangguk, priced at 12,000 KRW. Other offerings include various boiled beef cuts and stews like anju jeongol (hot pot) and taguk (beef bone soup), though the haejangguk remains the main draw. Side dishes are simple, typically featuring well-paired kimchi and refreshing pickled onions.

Guests can customize their soup with table condiments such as pepper, chili powder, and a special dipping sauce for the seonji and tripe. Some diners prefer adding a bit of salt or kimchi juice to enhance the broth’s subtle flavors. The portion sizes are generous, especially when ordering takeout, which includes even more seonji and fresh ingredients.

Reviews often praise the quick service and efficient table turnover, though peak hours may require a short wait without a formal queue system. The staff is generally neutral in demeanor but attentive to orders and requests.

Parking and Accessibility

Cheongjinok is conveniently located near Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 3) and Jonggak Station, within a 5 to 7-minute walk. While the restaurant lacks its own parking lot, visitors can use the nearby Le Meilleur Jongno Town parking garage. Cheongjinok offers parking validation, granting up to two hours of free parking upon request after dining.

Recent Local References (as of June 2026)

Google reviews highlight the soup’s deep and refreshing broth, the soft texture of the beef cuts and seonji, and the overall reliability of the restaurant’s quality despite some mixed opinions about the kimchi.
Local bloggers emphasize the restaurant’s status as a Seoul Future Heritage and note the historical significance, including visits from notable figures like Kim Gu and former presidents.
Many mention the convenience of nearby parking and the manageable wait times due to fast table turnover.
Some visitors find the taguk less impressive compared to the haejangguk, suggesting the latter as the preferred choice.
Takeout is popular for those wanting to enjoy the hearty soup at home, with the recommendation to consume it quickly for freshness.