Quick answer: Muguok (무구옥) is a restaurant at 7 Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, in the Anguk area, serving North Korean-style samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup). It opens daily, 11:00am-9pm, with a break from 3pm to 5:30pm and last orders at 2pm and 8pm. The set meal, Samgye Baekban, costs 18,000won, and the shareable chicken dishes are 40,000won (medium) or 60,000won (large). Our pick is the Samgye Baekban with a side of Seasoned Squid.
What is Muguok?
Muguok is a restaurant in Anguk, Seoul, known for North Korean-style samgyetang. Samgyetang, also called ginseng chicken soup, is a well-known Korean dish. Muguok’s version has a much thicker broth than the typical Korean samgyetang, brewed for hours in a traditional cauldron pot. Locals and tourists both queue for it.
Where is Muguok and How Do You Get There?
Muguok is at 7 Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 율곡로1길 7), in the Anguk area. You can find it on Naver Maps or Kakao Maps. Walking time is around 6 minutes from Exit 1 of Anguk Station on Line 3.
What are the opening hours of Muguok?
Muguok is open every day, Monday to Sunday, from 11am to 9pm. It closes for a break from 3pm to 5:30pm. Last orders are at 2pm for lunch and 8pm for dinner.
Is there a queue at Muguok, and how long is the wait?
Yes, expect a queue at peak times. We walked past just before opening and saw a long, snaking queue of locals and tourists. We came back around 1:15pm, before the lunch break, and got a seat within 10 minutes. If you want a shorter wait, avoid the opening rush and aim for early afternoon, ahead of the 2pm last order.
What is the menu at Muguok?
The menu is short and built around chicken. The Samgye Baekban is a set meal for one, while the braised chicken dishes suit dinner gatherings and larger groups. Prices below are in Korean won as of our visit and may change.
| Item | Price | Notes |
| Samgye Baekban (Ginseng Chicken Set Meal) | 18,000won | Main menu item. Best for solo diners and quick lunches. |
| Spicy Braised Chicken | 40,000won (medium) / 60,000won (large) | Better for groups. |
| Cheongguk Dakdoritang | 40,000won (medium) / 60,000won (large) | Better for groups. |
| Seasoned Squid | 9,500won | Large portion for the price. Slightly spicy and sour. |
What comes in the Samgye Baekban set?
A typical samgyetang comes with a whole chicken in the soup. At Muguok, the chicken is slightly shredded and served on a separate plate. The set includes:
• Soup: a rich, thick broth
• Shredded chicken, served on a plate
• Rice
• Ginseng root
• Uiseong garlic
• Side dishes: Kkaktugi (radish cubes) and Jeju-style kimchi
• Table seasonings: a green onion and ginger sauce and a salt dip
The staff recommended adding the garlic and ginseng to the soup and pairing the chicken with the sauces on the table.
What should you order at Muguok?
Start with the Samgye Baekban (18,000won). The soup is rich and thick, almost like a collagen version of classic ginseng chicken soup. Once the garlic and ginseng go in, it cuts through the richness and becomes more “drinkable”.
The chicken is well-cooked and tender, even the breast portions. We preferred it plain, with a spoonful of soup and rice. If you want sauces, the green onion and ginger sauce is reminiscent of Singaporean chicken rice, and the salt dip is a simple alternative.
For something extra, add the Seasoned Squid (9,500won). It is a towering portion for the price, and its slight spice and sourness help cut through the richness of the meal.
| Our order | Price | Our verdict |
| Samgye Baekban | 18,000won | Thick, collagen-like broth and tender chicken. Our top pick. |
| Seasoned Squid | 9,500won | Generous portion, slightly spicy and sour. A good palate cleanser. |
Is Muguok Good for Solo Diners?
Yes. The Samgye Baekban comes as a set, so it works well for solo travellers and quick lunches in Seoul. It is quite filling, so come hungry. The large braised chicken dishes (40,000-60,000won) are better saved for groups.
Restaurants near Anguk
Muguok is a solid stop if you are exploring Anguk, Bukchon Hanok Village or Gyeongbokgung. For more options nearby, see our guide to cafes near Anguk and Bukchon.
Muguok address and opening hours
Muguok (무구옥)
Address: 서울 종로구 율곡로1길 7 / 7 Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: Mon-Sun, 11:00am-9pm. Break time 3pm-5:30pm. Last order 2pm and 8pm
Map: Naver Maps | Kakao Maps
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Muguok: Key Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 7 Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 율곡로1길 7) |
| Nearest subway | Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 1, 6-min walk |
| Opening hours | Mon-Sun, 11:00am-9pm. Break 3pm-5:30pm |
| Last order | 2pm and 8pm |
| Price range | Samgye Baekban 18,000won; braised chicken dishes 40,000-60,000won; Seasoned Squid 9,500won |
| Cuisine | Korean: North Korean-style samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) |
| Signature item | Samgye Baekban (Ginseng Chicken Set Meal) |
| Halal | Not halal-certified |
| Reservations | No reservations; join the queue via CatchTable or register on-site. We queued on the day |
| Good for | Solo diners, quick lunches, group dinners (braised chicken dishes) |
Frequently Asked Questions about Muguok in Seoul
Where is Muguok?
Muguok is at 7 Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, in the Anguk area.
What time does Muguok open and close?
It is open daily from 11am to 9pm. It closes for a break from 3pm to 5:30pm, and last orders are at 2pm and 8pm.
How much does Muguok cost?
The Samgye Baekban set meal costs 18,000won. The Spicy Braised Chicken and Cheongguk Dakdoritang are 40,000won (medium) or 60,000won (large). The Seasoned Squid is 9,500won.
What is Muguok known for?
It is known for North Korean-style samgyetang, served with a thick, rich broth brewed for hours in a traditional cauldron pot.
What is the best thing to order at Muguok?
We recommend the Samgye Baekban (18,000won). Add the Seasoned Squid (9,500won) if you want something slightly spicy and sour to cut through the richness.
What is North Korean-style samgyetang?
It is a version of the Korean ginseng chicken soup with a much thicker broth than the typical Korean version. At Muguok, the chicken is shredded and served on a plate rather than as a whole bird in the soup.
What comes with the Samgye Baekban?
The set comes with the soup, shredded chicken, rice, ginseng root, Uiseong garlic, Kkaktugi (radish cubes) and Jeju-style kimchi.
Is Muguok good for solo diners?
Yes. The Samgye Baekban is a set meal, which suits solo travellers. It is filling, so come hungry.
Is Muguok Halal?
Not halal-certified as of November 2026.
*This post is brought to you in collaboration with Muguok.
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