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)
갈비탕 Galbitang
A clear soup of beef short ribs simmered until tender, eaten with rice as a full meal.
- Short Rib Soup
- Spice: Not spicy
- Contains beef
At a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Beef short ribs, Korean radish |
| How it's served | Steaming hot in a large bowl, with rice, kimchi and side dishes |
| Spice level | Not spicy — No chili heat. |
| Diet | Contains beef — Beef or beef stock is a standard ingredient. |
| Allergens | Soy · Wheat |
| Ask about | Egg strips, glass noodles and jujubes are common toppings; some places season the meat with sesame oil. |
| On the menu | 갈비탕 (Galbitang) |
| Also called | galbi tang · kalbitang · kalbi tang · beef short rib soup |
| Region | Nationwide |
Based on the usual recipe. Restaurants vary, so always tell the staff.
How to eat Short Rib Soup
Taste the broth first
The broth is mild. Many places keep salt and chopped green onion on the table, so season it to taste.
Lift the ribs with chopsticks
Pull the meat off the bone with chopsticks. Some places bring scissors to cut it.
Add rice to the soup
Put spoonfuls of rice into the broth and eat it with kimchi on the side.
How to order it
Order it as 갈비탕. It comes as a single portion with rice, so one person can order it alone.
- On the menu: 갈비탕
- Usually sold: 1 serving, with rice
Where it comes from
Written records of galbitang appear in royal banquet table settings from the 1890s. Ribs themselves are thought to have been eaten earlier, from the late Goryeo period.
Sources: Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (encykorea.aks.ac.kr)
Similar dishes
감자탕 Gamjatang
A spicy stew of pork back-bones, potatoes and dried greens, usually shared from one pot.
Spice: Medium
삼계탕 Samgyetang
A whole young chicken stuffed with rice and ginseng, in a clear broth.
Spice: Not spicy
Questions about Short Rib Soup
Is galbitang vegetarian?
No. Both the broth and the meat come from beef short ribs.
How spicy is galbitang?
Not spicy. The clear broth is seasoned with salt or soy sauce, and kimchi on the side adds heat if you want it.
Can you eat galbitang alone?
Yes. It comes as a single portion with rice, so solo diners often order it.
- By Jason Kim (Bumsoo)
- Last reviewed October 24, 2026