Every culture has its go-to hangover remedy, which probably says a lot about how much we all tend to overindulge. Colombians swear by poached eggs in milk. Canadians mix up Bloody Caesars — that spicy clam-tomato cocktail with vodka. In Eastern Europe, pickle brine shots are a thing. And the Italians? They go for midnight spaghetti.
But when it comes to Korea, hangover cures are a whole other category — they’re hearty, hot, and deeply woven into food culture.
Kongnamul Gukbap (콩나물국밥)
A light, hot broth made with bean sprouts, rice, and a soft egg. It’s one of the most popular choices because it’s easy on the stomach and rich in aspartate, an amino acid that helps detoxify the liver.
A light, hot broth made with bean sprouts, rice, and a soft egg. It’s one of the most popular choices because it’s easy on the stomach and rich in aspartate, an amino acid that helps detoxify the liver.
Jeonju Kong-namul-kukbap - 전주콩나물국밥
Open Hours: 08:40-21:00
Ugeojiguk (우거지국)
This soup is made with the outer leaves of napa cabbage, often slow-simmered in beef broth. It's comforting, savory, and packed with fiber and vitamins — perfect after a long night.
Somunnan Seongsu Gamjatang (Pork Bone Soup)
Open Hours: 24 hours
Seonjiguk (선짓국)
This might be a challenge for some — it's made with coagulated ox blood, known as seonji. It’s rich in iron and protein, and locals swear it revives the body faster than any pill.
Yeontan Jip - 연탄집
Open Hours: 09:00-21:00
Gulgukbap (굴국밥)
A warming soup made with oysters and garlic chives (buchu). The oceanic flavor and light, milky broth help replenish minerals and fight off nausea.
Bajirak Kal-guksu - 바지락칼국수 & 아구찜,보쌈
Open Hours: 10:00-22:00
Soondae Gukbap (순대국밥)
Made with Korean blood sausage (soondae), organ meats, and rice in a pork-based broth. It’s protein-packed and a longtime favorite among locals after a night of drinking.
Cheongwaok - 청와옥
Open Hours: 8:00-21:10
Kamjatang (감자탕)
Known as “pork spine soup,” this spicy, meaty stew includes potatoes and crushed perilla seeds. It’s hearty, spicy, and a favorite for soaking up regret.
Somunnan Seongsu Gamjatang (Pork Bone Soup)
Open Hours: 24 hours
Bugeotguk (북어국)
A traditional dried pollock soup that’s gentle but effective. Pollock is rich in amino acids that protect the liver and is commonly served as a morning-after breakfast.
Mugyodong Buk-oh Guk-Jip - 무교동북어국집
Open Hours: 7:00-19:30
Korean Hangover Drinks
Actually, yes. Many of these remedies aren’t just old wives’ tales.
Koreans have turned hangover relief into a multi-million-dollar industry. Supermarkets and convenience stores stock shelves with small bottles of hangover relief drinks.
These drinks often include:
- Red ginseng
- Ginger
- Jujube
- Oriental raisin extract
- Turmeric
Pro Tips for Beating a Hangover in Korea:
- Eat before you drink — food slows alcohol absorption.
- Hydrate as you go — water is your best friend.
- Try a hangover drink from a convenience store before bed.
- Go for soup in the morning, especially if it’s got bean sprouts or pollock.
- Avoid greasy or sugary foods — they’ll make you feel worse.
Final Slurp
There may not be a perfect cure for a hangover, but Korea definitely makes it easier to recover in style. From spicy stews to science-backed broths, these dishes do more than soothe your stomach — they offer a warm, comforting way to bounce back.
Whether it’s your first time in Seoul or you’ve had one too many bottles of makgeolli, just remember: Koreans take hangovers seriously — and their cures taste amazing.
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