Gomguk facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Gomtang

Kkori-gomtang (oxtail soup), a type of gomguk
Alternative names	Beef bone soup
Type	Guk
Place of origin	Korea
Main ingredients	Beef bones, oxtail, head, trotters, knee cartilage, tripe, intestines, and/or brisket

Gomguk (Hangul: 곰국) or gomtang (Hangul: 곰탕) is a popular soup from Korean cuisine. It is also known as beef bone soup. This hearty soup is made by slowly cooking different parts of beef, like ribs, oxtail, brisket, or ox bones.

The broth of gomguk usually looks milky white. It has a rich and deep flavor that comes from the long cooking time. People in Korea enjoy this soup for its comforting taste and its warmth.

Types of Gomguk

Gomguk comes in many different forms. The type often depends on what ingredients are used or where the soup is made.

Beef-Based Gomguk

Many gomguk soups use different parts of beef as their main ingredient.

• Sagol Gomtang: This soup mainly uses beef leg bones. They are simmered for a long time to create a rich broth.
• Kkori-gomtang: This is a special type of gomguk made with ox tail. It is known for its tender meat and flavorful broth.
• Seolleongtang: This is a very famous beef bone soup. It is cooked for more than 10 hours until the soup turns a milky-white color. Seolleongtang is often served with thin wheat noodles called somyeon and pieces of beef. People usually add sliced scallions and black pepper to taste. Sometimes, it is served with rice instead of noodles.
• Galbi-tang: This soup is made with galbi, which are beef short ribs. It is a clear, savory soup that is very popular.
• Yukgaejang: This is a spicy version of gomtang. It has extra seasonings and often includes shredded beef, vegetables, and a fiery red broth.
• Doganitang: This soup includes beef knee cartilage as an extra ingredient. It is known for its unique texture.

Other Kinds of Gomguk

Not all gomguk soups are made with beef. Some use other meats or even fish.

Samgyetang is a popular chicken soup often eaten in summer.

• Samgyetang: This is a very popular chicken soup. It features a whole young chicken stuffed with healthy ingredients like ginseng, glutinous rice, jujubes, garlic, and chestnuts. It is often eaten in summer to help people stay strong.
• Gamja-tang: This is a spicy soup made with pork spine, potatoes, and hot peppers. It is a hearty and flavorful dish.
• Jumunjin Mulgomtang: This soup comes from the Jumunjin region. It is made from moray eel, kimchi, and spring onions.

See also

In Spanish: Gomguk para niños