어묵탕 Eomuktang
A clear broth of fish cakes on skewers, sold hot at street stalls and shared as a pot at bars.
Spice: Not spicy
Tang (hearty soup)
감자탕 Gamjatang
A spicy stew of pork back-bones, potatoes and dried greens, usually shared from one pot.
- Pork Back-bone Stew
- Spice: Medium
- Contains pork
At a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Pork back-bones, potatoes, dried greens, perilla leaves, ground perilla seeds |
| How it's served | Simmering in a wide pot on a tabletop burner, with kimchi and side dishes |
| Spice level | Medium — Clearly spicy. You'll want water nearby. |
| Diet | Contains pork — Pork is a standard ingredient. |
| Allergens | Soy · Wheat |
| Ask about | Ground perilla seeds (not sesame) are standard; some places add sesame or instant noodles. |
| On the menu | 감자탕 (Gamjatang) |
| Also called | gamja tang · pork bone soup |
| Region | Nationwide |
Based on the usual recipe. Restaurants vary, so always tell the staff.
How to eat Pork Back-bone Stew
Let it come to a boil
The pot is heated on a burner at your table. Wait until the broth bubbles before you start.
Pick the meat off the bones
Use chopsticks, or plastic gloves if the restaurant offers them. Put the bare bones in the empty bowl on the table.
Finish with fried rice
When the meat is gone, order fried rice (bokkeumbap). Many places fry rice in the leftover broth right in the pot.
How to order it
Order it as 감자탕. It is usually sold by pot size for two or more people, so solo diners often order 뼈해장국 instead.
- On the menu: 감자탕
- Usually sold: 1 shared pot, in small, medium or large sizes
Similar dishes
갈비탕 Galbitang
A clear soup of beef short ribs simmered until tender, eaten with rice as a full meal.
Spice: Not spicy
삼계탕 Samgyetang
A whole young chicken stuffed with rice and ginseng, in a clear broth.
Spice: Not spicy
Questions about Pork Back-bone Stew
Is gamjatang vegetarian?
No. The stew is built on pork back-bones, and both the meat and the broth come from them.
How spicy is gamjatang?
Medium. The heat comes from chili flakes and chili paste, and the potatoes help soften it.
Can you eat gamjatang alone?
Usually not as a full pot. Most places sell it for two or more people, so solo diners often order ppyeohaejangguk, a single bowl of a similar pork-bone soup.
- By Jason Kim (Bumsoo)
- Last reviewed October 10, 2026