In Korea, most drinking nights end with the same line:
“Let’s have hangover soup before going home.”
It’s not just a meal. It’s a ritual.
Hangover soup is a Korean philosophy of survival—a warm apology to your stomach after a wild night.
Here are seven must-try hangover soups that’ll bring you back to life after a long night of drinking in Korea.
Each one has its own personality—so choose wisely based on your current level of regret.
1. Soft Tofu Stew (순두부찌개)
Boiling in a stone pot, the scarlet broth of Soft Tofu Stew bubbles over, cradling soft, cloud-like tofu in a sea of spicy magic.
The aroma of chili oil and garlic hits you before the first spoonful, and once it lands in your mouth—it feels like a gentle hug for your alcohol-abused gut.
This stew is spicy, yet soothing. The seafood base keeps it clean and light, while the soft tofu melts away the pain of last night’s fried snacks and bad decisions.
Allergen Info: Soy (tofu), Shellfish (clams, mussels), Egg
2. Ox Blood Jelly Soup (선지해장국)
Standing in front of a bubbling pot of Ox Blood Jelly Soup in a morning market feels strangely comforting.
Velvety pieces of congealed blood melt in your mouth, while wilted napa cabbage (우거지) adds a bittersweet depth that’s oddly grounding.
This is not a casual soup—it’s for the aftermath of a real party. If your hangover feels like a freight train, this meaty, mineral-packed bowl is your heavy-duty recovery kit.
Allergen Info: Beef, Soy (fermented bean paste), Perilla seed (nuts), Garlic
3. Bean Sprout Soup with Rice (콩나물국밥)
On days when your stomach says “no” and your head is pounding, this is your answer.
Clear broth, crunchy bean sprouts, a dash of garlic, and sliced chili—this soup doesn’t just heal, it refreshes.
Think of it as a reset button for your drunk brain.
No oil, no heaviness—just light, clean hydration and a soft wake-up call for your body.
Allergen Info: Soy (bean sprouts, soy sauce), Seafood (kelp broth), Wheat
4. Gamjatang (감자탕)
Don’t be fooled by the name—the “gamja” in Gamjatang refers to a part of the pork spine, not the vegetable.
What you get is a pile of tender pork clinging to bone, nestled in a spicy, nutty broth with greens, perilla, and a kick of chili oil.
This isn’t just a soup; it’s a wake-up call from your inner coach, yelling “Get up and fight that hangover!”
Allergen Info: Pork, Soy (bean paste), Perilla seed (nuts), Garlic
5. Pork Backbone Soup (뼈해장국)
Similar to Gamjatang, but without the potato parts.
The broth is cleaner, the meat is more generous, and the flavor is no-nonsense.
Each spoonful warms your chest, and each bite of tender pork says: “Ahh… I feel human again.”
This is the choice for when you’ve gone too far.
Had one too many shots? This soup will help you survive the day.
Allergen Info: Pork, Soy (bean paste), Perilla seed (nuts), Garlic
6. Dried Pollack Soup (북어해장국)
Mild on the outside, mighty on the inside.
Dried pollack (북어) is known for its ability to help the liver and detoxify the body, making this one of Korea’s most recommended hangover cures.
The shredded fish floats in a clean, egg-laced broth with scallions and garlic dancing in harmony.
For those with sensitive stomachs or morning queasiness, this is the gentlest reset you’ll ever taste.
Allergen Info: Fish (pollack), Egg, Soy (soy sauce)
7. Sundae Soup (순대국)
This isn’t just hangover food—it’s Korea’s soul food.
With a rich, milky pork broth, soft blood sausage (순대), and chewy organ meats, Sundae Soup wraps you in a warm blanket of umami.
Customize it with a spoonful of shrimp paste, a shake of perilla powder, and a bit of crushed garlic—and it becomes your own personal potion.
For those mornings when your body and heart are equally broken, this is your comeback bowl.
Allergen Info: Pork, Glass noodles (wheat, potato starch), Soy (bean paste), Perilla seed (nuts), Garlic
In Korea, hangover relief begins with a spoon
Drinking may be a culture, a mistake, or a celebration.
But hangover soup? That’s love.
These seven bowls aren’t just food—they’re recovery plans.
So if you’re scrolling through this with a pounding head and a regret-filled stomach, trust us:
Find a soup. Save the day.