Soups & stews · Hongdae
Darak-tu
다락투
Korea time, from recent reviews. Hours may differ on holidays.
A chicken soup shop across from Hongik University's main gate, open since 1967 and still serving only two things: dak-gomtang, a clean chicken and rice soup, and dak-kalguksu, chicken noodle soup. Generations of Hongik students, professors and neighbors have eaten here.
서울특별시 마포구 와우산로21길 4-3
How it works here
🥢 How Korean restaurants usually workWaiting
With only two dishes the tables turn over fast. Weekend lunch can mean up to 30 minutes on the chairs outside.· 2 reviews
What to order
- Dak-gomtang (chicken and rice soup)닭곰탕
Shredded chicken in a clear, savory broth with rice. Comes out almost as soon as you order. A large (teuk) costs a little more.
- Dak-kalguksu (chicken noodle soup)닭칼국수
The same broth with knife-cut noodles, boneless chicken and vegetables.
How much to order
- 👤 1One dak-gomtang or one dak-kalguksu.
- 👤 2One of each, so you can try both.
How to eat it
- 1Season the broth with the salt and pepper on the table. Eat the raw onion dipped in the red pepper paste between spoonfuls, with the kkakdugi (radish kimchi).· 2 reviews
Insider tips
- No alcohol is served; this is a quick, sober bowl of soup.· 2 reviews
- If you don't like spice, ask for the soup without the red seasoning paste (dadaegi).· 2 reviews
Why it's famous
Opened in 1967 and has kept the same two-dish menu, making it one of the oldest restaurants in a neighborhood where shops come and go every season.· 4 reviews
- Local classicA Hongdae institution; Hongik students and alumni call it their soul food.· 4 reviews
Good to know
- Monday to Saturday 08:30 to 20:30, so it works for breakfast. Closed on Sundays.· 4 reviews
- In the alley next to Hongdae Playground, just across the crosswalk from Hongik University's main gate. No parking.· 3 reviews
Where this comes from (20 reviews)
Summarized in our own words from Korean diners' blog reviews; each fact is backed by at least two reviews. Last checked 2026-10-27.
- 2026-09-26 blog.naver.com/kyung9770/224423041958
- 2026-09-25 blog.naver.com/jay_bin/224422586662
- 2026-09-22 blog.naver.com/intel007/224420240970
- 2026-09-21 blog.naver.com/onesojutwobeer/224418551508
- 2026-09-04 blog.naver.com/penguin-ing/224400913351
- 2026-09-02 blog.naver.com/clubjosc/224399057393
- 2026-08-20 blog.naver.com/bass007/224383184011
- 2026-08-18 bass007.tistory.com/544072
- 2026-07-23 blog.naver.com/morecaffeine_/224355440568
- 2026-07-17 blog.naver.com/bass007/224347959566
- 2026-06-15 blog.naver.com/sebiningg/224316425012
- 2026-06-06 blog.naver.com/guavadiary/224307382589
- 2026-05-17 blog.naver.com/into__the__unknown/224288093449
- 2026-03-21 blog.naver.com/sm48dh/224224333833
- 2026-03-12 blog.naver.com/bass007/224213195004
- 2026-02-24 blog.naver.com/mindong61/224193747390
- 2026-02-10 blog.naver.com/gemma_changg/224178514920
- 2026-01-16 blog.naver.com/lem00n_/224149111782
- 2026-01-03 blog.naver.com/nana_school/224133239753
- 2025-02-03 blog.naver.com/dada_ruda/223745674570