Shin Chon Seolleongtang(신촌설렁탕)

cozy Korean spot in Ktown, Shin Chon Seolleongtang, is my hidden gem! It’s in the same plaza as the trendy café Yeems Coffee, and the free parking is a huge plus. The menu is simple but solid — their signature dishes are Seolleongtang (ox bone soup), hangover soup, and my go-tos, #4 Ox Knee Bone Soup and #6 Short Rib Soup, which I’ve ordered over and over again. Every sip feels like pure comfort. Even though they’re known for their soups, the real showstopper here is #10 Galbijjim (braised short ribs) — unbelievably tender, melt-in-your-mouth, and absolutely worth the $30 price tag at a spot where most dishes are around $15-18. They also have Korean-style marinated raw shrimp, which turned out to be surprisingly delicious. If I lived nearby, this would definitely be my go-to comfort spot. With LA’s winter around the corner, this little restaurant has once again become my warm and cozy haven.

Shin Chon Seolleongtang is a hidden gem in Koreatown that seriously delivers on flavor. The soy-marinated shrimp was incredibly fresh—perfectly seasoned with just the right balance of salty and sweet. A great way to start the meal. The galbijjim was also a standout: tender, fall-off-the-bone short ribs in a rich, savory sauce with just a hint of sweetness. You can tell they take time to do it right. Service was friendly and fast, and the space was clean and welcoming. Whether you're craving a warm bowl of soup or a hearty shared dish, this spot won’t disappoint. Will definitely be coming back!

Had the Yook Kae Jang (spicy shredded beef soup). It was very tasty and felt like it was cleanly made. By that I mean I'm very particular about fatty or grisly meat and what was in the perfectly seasoned soup was just clean shredded beef. Also ordered the kimchi mandoo which comes 4 to an order. Four different types of banchan were provided and all were fresh, well seasoned and delicious.