Tteokguk & manduguk (rice cake & dumpling soup)
떡국 Tteokguk
A clear beef broth with thin slices of rice cake, eaten on Lunar New Year and as an everyday meal.
- Sliced Rice Cake Soup
- Spice: Not spicy
- Contains beef
At a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Sliced rice cakes, beef broth |
| How it's served | Hot in a large bowl, topped with egg strips, with kimchi and side dishes |
| Spice level | Not spicy — No chili heat. |
| Diet | Contains beef — Beef or beef stock is a standard ingredient. |
| Allergens | Egg · Soy · Wheat |
| Ask about | Some versions use anchovy stock or add dumplings (wheat, pork); sesame oil and laver are common toppings. |
| On the menu | 떡국 (Tteokguk) |
| Also called | ttukguk · dduk guk · tteok guk · New Year rice cake soup |
| Region | Nationwide |
Based on the usual recipe. Restaurants vary, so always tell the staff.
How to eat Sliced Rice Cake Soup
Taste the broth first
The broth is mild. Add a little salt or soy sauce from the table if you want more flavor.
Eat the rice cake with a spoon
The slices are soft and chewy. Scoop them up with broth in one spoonful.
Eat kimchi on the side
Take a bite of kimchi between spoonfuls to add heat and crunch.
How to order it
Order it as 떡국. It comes as a single portion, so one person can order it alone.
- On the menu: 떡국
- Usually sold: 1 serving
Where it comes from
Tteokguk is a seasonal food for Seollal, the Lunar New Year. When this custom began is not known. Late Joseon records of seasonal customs list it as essential for New Year ancestral rites and gifts.
Sources: Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (encykorea.aks.ac.kr)
Questions about Sliced Rice Cake Soup
Is tteokguk vegetarian?
Usually not. The standard broth is made from beef, and some places use anchovy stock. Ask the staff before you order.
Why do Koreans eat tteokguk on New Year's Day?
Because it is tradition. It is the seasonal food for Seollal, and old records list it as essential for New Year rites.
Can you eat tteokguk alone?
Yes. It comes as a single portion, so solo diners often order it.
- By Jason Kim (Bumsoo)
- Last reviewed October 25, 2026