The base of this traditional Korean soup is made with anchovy or beef-based stock, but the star ingredients are mandu—traditional Korean crescent-shaped dumplings usually filled with beef and vegetables. The soup also mainly includes shiitake mushrooms and onions, or occasionally sliced tteok rice cakes.

In some parts of South Korea, manduguk is served on the first day of the Lunar New Year, a tradition that is believed to stem from the ancient belief that happiness was securely wrapped inside these bite-size dumplings. The soup is typically served garnished with sliced scallions and thin strips of eggs, while the side dishes include kimchi and other types of pickled vegetables.