Korean Dictionary
How to say "Gomtang" in Korean
“Gomtang” in Korean is 곰탕 (pronounced "gomtang").
곰탕
gomtang
Usage & Context
Gomtang is a clear Korean beef bone soup made by slowly boiling ox bones, brisket, and organs. It is a classic restorative soup known for its clean, rich flavor.
Example Sentence
곰탕은 진하지 않고 깔끔한 국물이 특징이다.
Gomtang is characterized by its clean, not-too-rich broth.
How to use 곰탕 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Gomtang” is 곰탕, romanized as gomtang.
Usage tip
Use this word with ordering phrases, taste descriptions, and polite requests when speaking in a restaurant.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 곰탕.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'gohm-tahng' — 'gohm' rhymes with 'foam,' and 'tahng' ends with that nasal 'ng' like in 'song.' Two short, weighty syllables.
More Example Sentences
recommending winter comfort food
추운 날에는 곰탕 한 그릇이 최고예요.
On cold days, a bowl of gomtang is the best.
explaining the cooking process
곰탕은 몇 시간을 고아야 진한 맛이 나와요.
Gomtang has to simmer for hours to develop its deep flavor.
the morning after drinking
해장으로는 곰탕만 한 게 없어요.
For a hangover cure, nothing beats gomtang.
Cultural Context
곰탕 gets its name from 고다 (to simmer slowly), not from bears (곰 also means 'bear') — though the pun is a running joke. It's distinct from 설렁탕 (seolleongtang), which is milkier and made with different bone cuts; purists argue fiercely about the difference. Classic 곰탕 joints like Hadongkwan in Seoul have been open for over a century, and a bowl is considered a 보양식 (restorative meal) for fatigue, illness, or postpartum recovery. Season it yourself with salt, pepper, and chopped scallions at the table.
Editorial note
We test food and dining words like 곰탕 inside ordering situations, because the natural Korean phrase often includes a polite request ending.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
곰탕 한 그릇 주세요.
One bowl of gomtang, please.
국물이 진하네요.
The broth is rich.
곰탕 끓이다
To simmer gomtang
Related Expressions
설렁탕
seolleongtang
ox bone soup (milkier cousin)
국물
gukmul
broth / soup base
보양식
boyangsik
restorative / stamina food
해장
haejang
hangover relief
More Korean Food & Dining Words
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