I would love to come back here. The quality and taste of their food is just divine. The serving is huge and thought I couldn’t finish it all by myself, but I did - because it’s good! Ordered the porridge with oysters and it’s just — chef’s kiss! The location is at the second floor along Insadong. Mostly locals eat here, I think.
Overview
Bonjuk specializes in traditional Korean rice porridge, or "juk," which has been a staple in Korean households for centuries. The menu here is simple yet inviting, with a wide variety of juk dishes that range from savory to sweet, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re visiting to get a taste of something familiar or trying it for the first time, the flavors at Bonjuk will surely hit the spot.
One of the best things about Bonjuk Insadong is the cozy atmosphere. As soon as you step inside, you’re welcomed by a warm and inviting space, perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal. The restaurant's interior blends modern touches with traditional Korean decor, giving it a comfortable and homely feel. The friendly staff adds to the welcoming ambiance, making sure you're taken care of from the moment you enter.
For a truly satisfying experience, try their signature porridge dishes like the abalone juk or the classic beef and vegetable variety. The abalone porridge is especially worth mentioning, as it offers a rich, savory flavor from the fresh seafood, paired with the smooth and creamy rice porridge. It’s an indulgent treat that’s both nourishing and satisfying, especially on chilly days. If you're not in the mood for seafood, the beef juk is equally flavorful, combining tender beef with a hearty mix of vegetables and a comforting broth. Each bowl is made to order, ensuring that it’s served fresh and hot.
While porridge is the main attraction, Bonjuk Insadong also offers a range of side dishes that complement the meal perfectly. These dishes vary from crispy pancakes to savory kimchi, all of which add a unique touch to the meal. The side dishes are a great way to explore more of Korea's diverse flavors, and they help balance out the richness of the porridge.
What makes Bonjuk Insadong stand out is not just its great food but the care and attention to detail in each dish. The ingredients are always fresh, and the porridge is made using traditional methods that preserve the authentic taste. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to enjoy Korean porridge at home, the quality here will remind you of that homemade comfort. It’s clear that the staff at Bonjuk have a deep understanding of their craft, and they take pride in sharing their food with customers.
The menu also offers a range of options that are suitable for different dietary preferences. For instance, those who are vegetarian or looking for a lighter meal can opt for the vegetable porridge, which is both nutritious and full of flavor. Additionally, Bonjuk caters to those with a sweet tooth by offering dessert porridges, including sweet red bean porridge and a variety of seasonal fruit porridges, which make for a satisfying end to your meal.
If you're planning to visit, it’s worth noting that the restaurant gets busier during peak times, especially on weekends, as it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It’s always a good idea to arrive early or make a reservation if you’re visiting with a group. The prices are reasonable for the quality of food and the experience, making it a great option for both quick meals and more relaxed dining.
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Service options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Quick biteDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ DinnerAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ CasualPayments
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Location
Reviews
Love the texture of the porridge and so much korean traditional flavor. the porridge is thick and big portion. We ordered the abalone intestine porridge and shrimp porridge. I would definitely try the loach porridge next round
It’s less about the atmosphere and all about the abalone porridge which I had on every trip to Seoul. Satisfies my cravings. Steep steps up to the second floor, but so worth it!
Good congee with many traditional Korean toppings and them some more. Small cafeteria vibe, the staff spoke English and was friendly.
I have been here a gazillion times, and it’s my go to porridge restaurant. It’s simple, quick and has a lot of variety. It’s a chain and you can find it throughout Korea. We even have it in the states, but it’s just not the same. The water is self, and there is a sign that says water/self. They have a policy that you have to order 1 per person. You can always get it to go if you can’t do that.
I came here after exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanbok Village. The owner was so sweet to introduce the side dishes and the soup coming with the porridge. I enjoyed the freshly made warm porridge very much, it had a pleasant umami taste with homemade food comfort.
Lovely lovely place to get an introduction to traditional Korean porridge. We decided to order the crab and abalone porridge and they were excellent (I find the crab better than the abalone porridge though). Btw the porridge tastes exceptionally good with the accompanying chili paste. It’s a small outlet so go early to get seats.
A culinary delight awaits on the second floor of this Seoul restaurant. The diverse porridge options, including abalone with mushrooms, kimchi variation, and ginseng with chicken, proved to be delightful during our visits. My four-year-old son particularly enjoyed the simple white porridge with soy sauce twice. The unique texture of the porridge, resembling risotto without the wine and cheese. The kimchi was precisely balanced, slightly tangy and not overly sweet. After two visits during our short stay, we're contemplating another before leaving Seoul. For a porridge enthusiast like myself, this restaurant undoubtedly deserves a five star. In addition, the owner's kindness adds to the charm of this restaurant. Despite the language barrier, he makes an effort to communicate in English, enhancing the overall dining experience. It's a testament to their hospitality, making us feel welcome and appreciated.