Nourishment for the Soul: Inside Onggii’s Hanok-Inspired Haven at Novena Square 2

Stepping into Onggii’s newly unveiled flagship at Square 2, the hurried hum of Novena’s medical hub fades into immediate tranquility. Known as the home of Singapore’s first Korean Gomtang, the brand has launched its third and most ambitious outlet yet—not merely as a restaurant, but as a grounding sanctuary designed to nourish body and mind.

Where Traditional Hanok Meets Modern Craft

The spatial experience captivates before the first spoon of broth is even tasted. Onggii partnered with renowned South Korean hanok architect Mr. Hwang Heejun—celebrated for his work on the 5-star Gyeongwonjae by Walkerhill in Incheon—alongside Global Design Studio x H Design. The result is a striking interpretation of traditional Korean timber architecture translated into an airy, contemporary dining room.

Every surface feels deliberate. Custom-developed textured wall finishes created in collaboration with Nippon Paint Singapore evoke the raw, earthy feel of mud-plastered walls, while handcrafted wooden furniture, minimalist decor, and bespoke tableware imported directly from South Korea ground the space in authenticity. Positioned in the heart of Novena’s healthcare district, the venue was purposefully conceptualized as a comforting respite where healthcare frontliners, caregivers, and neighborhood residents can pause, recharge, and enjoy a restorative meal.

The 12-Hour Art of Gomtang

At the center of Onggii’s culinary philosophy is patience. The kitchen’s signature Gomtang broths—spanning beef, chicken, pork, soybean, and seafood varieties—are simmered continuously for over 12 hours. This slow-extraction process coaxes every bit of marrow and collagen into a clean, milky, nutrient-dense broth that feels deeply therapeutic.

Served piping hot in traditional onggi earthenware pots, the clay’s natural breathability retains heat long into the meal. Savoring the signature beef Gomtang reveals an astonishing clarity of flavor—rich and comforting without being heavy or greasy. Each bowl is accompanied by generous helpings of house-fermented kimchi, whose bright, tangy crunch cuts through the marrow richness with precision. Whether you dip tender slices of meat into savory house sauces or fold warm rice straight into the bubbling broth, each mouthful delivers pure, soulful warmth.

Grand Opening Privileges

To commemorate the launch of its Novena flagship, Onggii is rolling out a rewarding welcome for returning diners. Guests who register for the membership program can unlock 20% OFF their next visit and every subsequent visit until 31 October 2026 (valid with a minimum purchase of one Gomtang or stew per table; vouchers remain valid for two weeks from issuance). Members also accumulate loyalty points on every visit to unlock exclusive seasonal vouchers.

Whether you are seeking a wholesome, restorative lunch between hospital appointments or an unhurried dinner shared over hearty earthenware pots, Onggii’s serene new home at Square 2 brings timeless Korean hospitality and honest, time-tested comfort food to the heart of Novena.

Visit Onggii at Square 2: