Anam, Seoul: Michelin's Pick for a Special Twist on Korean Gukbap

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Michelin Bib Gourmand Selection! A Visit to 'Anam Sikdang,' Bukchon/Anguk's Must-Try Dwaeji Gukbap Spot

In the charming Bukchon area near Seoul's Anguk Station, a small Gukbap restaurant has earned the recognition of the Michelin Guide. 'Anam' (안암식당), a Dwaeji Gukbap (Pork Soup with Rice) specialist, caught the public's attention after being selected for the Michelin Guide Seoul's Bib Gourmand in 2024. How did a seemingly simple bowl of soup receive such a prestigious nod? I visited in person to experience its secret for myself. Get ready to explore the world of Gukbap that is both "familiar yet special."

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First, what exactly is Gukbap (국밥)?

Gukbap is a beloved Korean comfort food dish that literally translates to "soup with rice." It typically consists of a hearty broth, meat, and sometimes vegetables, served with rice either mixed into the soup from the start or served separately to be added in. It's a warm, filling, and often budget-friendly meal enjoyed any time of day. Dwaeji Gukbap (돼지국밥) specifically uses pork to make the broth and includes various cuts of pork. While traditionally a regional specialty from places like Busan, it's popular across Korea, often known for its rich, milky broth. Anam offers a unique take on this classic.

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'Anam' Menu & Prices

A Single Style of Gukbap with Unique Sides
Anam keeps their menu refreshingly simple, focusing on their signature pork Gukbap with a few variations and interesting side dishes.

 

• Anam Gukbap (안암국밥): ₩13,000 (Cilantro included)
  Comes with cilantro by default. You can request to exclude cilantro and get a ₩1,000 discount.
• Anam Gukbap (Special - 특): ₩16,000
  This is the regular Gukbap with an extra portion of meat. You can still choose whether to include cilantro.
• Lime Jeyuk (Half Plate): ₩11,000
  A unique cold dish featuring sliced pork served with refreshing lime.
• Lime Jeyuk (Full Plate): ₩22,000
  The full-sized portion of the Lime Jeyuk.
• Pork Tenderloin Fries (돈안심 튀김): ₩9,500
  Crispy fried pork tenderloin served with a special sauce.
• 1-Person Set Menu: ₩29,000
  Includes 1 Gukbap + 1 Side Dish + 1 Drink
• 2-Person Set Menu: ₩58,000
  Includes 2 Gukbap + 2 Side Dishes + 2 Drinks
• Packaged Gukbap (Uncooked): ₩24,000
  Take-home option provided in an uncooked state for preparation later.

Their base Gukbap features generous portions of pork using Spanish Duroc pork ribs and whole pork neck. The rice is a mix of fluffy white rice and barley, adding a pleasant texture and nutty flavor. The soup is garnished with finely chopped green onions, and the standard side dish is simply refreshing kimchi – a perfect complement.

You can also enjoy two distinct pork side dishes

Lime Jeyuk

This is a cold dish of thinly sliced pork sirloin, lightly cooked. It's served with lime wedges, and the unique style is to wrap the salad underneath with the pork slices. The salad is a refreshing mix of shallots and cilantro dressed with zesty lime and lemongrass oil, which truly enhances the savory richness of the pork

Pork Tenderloin Fries

This is an excellent dish featuring fried domestic pork tenderloin, served with a savory dill mayo aioli sauce. The pork tenderloin fries are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the combination with the herbal sauce makes it a great pairing, especially with beer.

 

They also offer a variety of drinks to enjoy with your meal, including San Miguel, Saigon Beer (₩9,000 each), traditional Korean Han San Sogokju (a type of rice wine, ₩5,000 per glass), Gawaji Takju (a cloudy rice wine, ₩15,000 per bottle), Gin Highball (₩10,000), and Zero Cola/Cider (₩4,000 each).

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'Anam' Taste & Characteristics

Clear, Clean Pork Soup with Subtle, Polarizing Flavors

 

 

After ordering, a clear bowl of pork Gukbap is quickly served. If you're expecting the typical cloudy, milky broth often associated with Dwaeji Gukbap served with fermented shrimp or spicy paste, Anam's presentation is distinctly unique and neat. A clear, transparent broth has droplets of green oil floating on top, with two different cuts of pork neatly arranged. This green oil is made by blending Korean chili peppers (Cheongyang) and kale (or seasonal greens like pigweed), adding a subtle spicy and fresh aroma that complements the clean base broth. Cilantro is optional and can be included by default or requested separately.

The broth is not medicinal or intensely rich like some bone broths; it's a light and clean style. This makes the first taste very mild and smooth. For those used to strong, punchy flavors, it might initially feel a bit plain. Conversely, for those who appreciate the natural taste of ingredients, the deep umami of the broth shines through. The juices from the pork ribs and the tender fat from the thinly sliced neck meat melt into the soup, creating an addictive, clean richness the more you eat.

The pork rib meat and neck meat served as topping are prepared beforehand and are easy to eat. The rib meat is deboned and softly cooked, sitting in the soup, while the thinly sliced whole pork neck meat is tender and easy to chew along the grain. Sichuan pepper (화자오 - hwajiao) is available at the table, and adding a little bit can introduce an interesting, slightly exotic aroma to the soup. The accompanying kimchi pairs harmoniously with the clean broth.

Reviews on the taste are varied. Some who expected a traditional rich broth find it a bit light or lacking impact, while many others are drawn to the clean pork flavor and the balance with the herb oil. Like the comment "It's a Gukbap you think about more after eating it," the subtle flavors are a characteristic that can certainly be a matter of personal preference.

The Lime Jeyuk, with its thinly sliced pork over a salad of shallots and cilantro, enjoyed by adding fresh lime juice, was a wonderfully refreshing experience. The Pork Tenderloin Fries were also excellent – crispy outside and tender inside, a recommended side dish that goes well with the aioli and herbal notes.

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'Anam' Atmosphere & Space

A Compact Open Kitchen Embracing Bukchon Hanok Charm

Anam Sikdang is set within a renovated traditional Korean Hanok house in the Bukchon area, adding to its charm. The exterior is understated with no large sign; a kiosk is installed next to the entrance. The interior features a modern black-toned design with a U-shaped bar counter seating arrangement centered around an open kitchen. This setup is great for solo diners or small groups and provides a clean atmosphere. Being able to see the cooking process right in front of you adds to the sense of trust. Seating is a bit close together, and turnover isn't the fastest, but the overall experience is pleasant. The staff are also noted as being friendly and quick to respond.

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'Anam' Location & Operational Information

• Location: 10 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (About a 5-minute walk from Anguk Station, Exit 2)
• Operating Hours: Tuesday ~ Sunday, 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
• Break Time: Tuesday ~ Friday, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Closed: Every Monday
• Reservations: Not possible. It's first-come, first-served for seating (waiting list). You might be able to join the queue remotely using the Tableing app, but waiting in person is always an option.
• Parking: No dedicated parking. Use paid parking lots nearby, such as the Jeongdok Library public parking lot.

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Final Thoughts: Anam Sikdang for Foreign Visitors

Anam Sikdang offers a chance to experience Gukbap in a way that might be different from what you expect, but one that has earned recognition from the Michelin Guide. Located in the beautiful Bukchon area, it's easy to visit after exploring the traditional Korean houses.

While the Gukbap's flavor is subtle and clean rather than rich and heavy, it's this refined approach that makes it stand out. It's a sophisticated take on a comforting classic. Don't hesitate to try the unique side dishes like the refreshing Lime Jeyuk or the delicious Pork Tenderloin Fries – they offer fantastic complementary flavors.

For foreign visitors: Anam Sikdang provides an excellent opportunity to try Michelin-recognized Korean comfort food in a stylish setting. The open kitchen adds to the experience, and while staff may have limited English, the simple menu and the universal language of delicious food should make ordering manageable. Be prepared for potential waiting, especially during peak hours, but embrace it as part of the popular local experience. Enjoy making your own 'ssam' wraps with the provided sides and discovering the clean, savory depth of their unique Gukbap. It's a memorable culinary stop in the heart of Seoul's historic Bukchon!

 

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