Instant ramen offers a fast fix version of this spicy beef soup, but don’t be fooled. The real stuff harbors flavorful shreds of slow-cooked beef and is known for its blister-hot broth that comes in a rich orange-red. Slurp it down and your tummy will stay toasty for hours. 

 

Recommended for: Chilly, lonely nights. Trust us, what you’ll be burping won’t smell pretty.

 

Miyeokguk

 

It’s tradition that new mothers feast on this breakfast of champions, said to be filled with iron-rich nutrients good for mom and baby. But this soothing seaweed soup is mild enough for just about anyone to enjoy. Don’t be turned off by those dark ribbons floating in the bowl — they’re thick, unsalted versions of gim, and very filling. 

 

Recommended for: Postnatal mothers. Miyeokguk is also traditionally served on birthdays.

 

Sundubu

 

From kimchi seafood to beef curry, this sizzling tofu soup comes in a multitude of variations, and usually three levels of spiciness. Koreatowns tend to have restaurants devoted to this bubbling hotpot and serve it 24 hours a day. A little goes a long way and it’s usually available for less than $10.

 

Recommended for: Hot ‘n spicy food enthusiasts. Even the mild version will do a tap dance on your tongue.

 

Galbitang

 

In summary, it’s baby back ribs in a bowl, but the result is so much more poetic. Boiled for hours to create a savory broth, galbitang is a rich, lip-smacking treat. The added daikon radish, spring onion and garlic slices only enhance what is already a perfect meal. 

 

Recommended for: The holidays. Galbitang was once considered an indulgence when meat was scarce.

 

Samgyetang

 

Check out chicken soup, Korean style. Restaurants specializing in samgyetang serve this popular dish around the clock, a perfect late night meal after a long night of shaking your booty at the club. Samgyetang is known for its whole chicken stuffed with glutinous rice and served in a ginseng-tinged broth. Add dried jujube fruit, garlic, ginger and rice, and it’s ready to serve.

 

Recommended for: Hangovers. Nothing revitalizes like protein in a bowl.

 

Jjamppong

 

A shellfish lover’s dream come true, this popular seafood soup is another one of those Korean-Chinese crossovers. The cousin of that black bean favorite jjajjangmyeon, jjamppong is all about a spicy red broth and thick wavy noodles. Nosh your way through the fish and shrimp, but save room for the vegetables to balance your palate.

 

Recommended for: Noodle maniacs. Jjamppong is best eaten in a combination meal that includes jjajangmyeon.

 

Soojaebi

 

An inexpensive meal, soojaebi was a staple during the Korean War. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t rich in flavor. With chicken stock as its base, the beauty of this soup is in the simple flour-and-water dumplings that are pinched by hand, then cooked in a boiling broth. And don’t pick over the zucchini — in this soup, squash is king.