Michelin-Starred Korean Pork Soup Spot Okdongsik Lands in Downtown LA

Okdongsik, the Michelin-recognized Korean pork soup restaurant, is launching a nine-month pop-up in Downtown LA on April 1.

The restaurant, praised by Michelin Guide Korea and The New York Times, will operate at STILE Hotel (929 S Broadway) through December. Okdongsik announced the pop-up on its official Instagram on March 3. Details on menu offerings and hours will follow.

Founded in 2016 in Mapo District, Seoul, Okdongsik quickly gained popularity for its Dweji-Gomtang, a clear pork soup served in brass bowls with thinly sliced Berkshire K pork shoulder and leg cuts. In 2018, Michelin Guide Korea awarded it Bib Gourmand status, which recognizes high-quality yet affordable restaurants.

The restaurant expanded to New York in November 2022, partnering with Hand Hospitality. It later opened a permanent Manhattan location in April 2023. That same year, The New York Times named its Dweji-Gomtang one of “Top 8 New York City Dishes of 2023.” The publication described the soup as having a “clear, golden pork broth with thinly sliced meat and white rice,” calling it a dish that is “welcome any day, especially on occasions of special news.”

In January, Okdongsik opened a second New York location in Bayside, Queens. Now, with its LA pop-up, the restaurant aims to introduce its Michelin Korean pork soup to a new audience.

BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]