After visiting the Visite Privée (François Halard) exhibition near Hoehyeon Station, I headed to Buwon Myeonok, a renowned eatery nestled in the bustling Namdaemun Market (Seoul). Known for its classic Korean dishes, this restaurant has been a staple since the 1960s, drawing in loyal customers and curious newcomers alike.

Located near Exit 5 of Hoehyeon Station, Buwon Myeonok is tucked into a small alley lined with apparel shops in the heart of Namdaemun Market. The narrow staircase leads to the second floor, where the restaurant is situated. Despite the rain, the place was buzzing with customers, most of whom appeared to be women, lending the space a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

The walls were adorned with celebrity autographs, a testament to the restaurant’s popularity. I was fortunate to avoid the usual weekend lines, likely thanks to the weather.

Menu

One of the standout features of Buwon Myeonok is its affordability. While most naengmyeon (cold noodle) restaurants in Seoul charge well over 13,000 won, here you can enjoy a delicious bowl of naengmyeon for just 10,500 won.

Mul-naengmyeon 10,500 won

The signature dish of Buwon Myeonok, Mul-naengmyeon, features chewy buckwheat noodles topped with pickled cucumbers, radishes, slices of cold pork, and a boiled egg. The broth is clear with a delicate layer of oil, offering a light, refreshing taste.

While I initially found Pyeongyang naengmyeon bland in the past, the broth here struck the perfect balance of saltiness and flavor. The noodles were soft yet chewy, neither too brittle nor overly firm, just the way I like them.

For anyone new to Pyeongyang naengmyeon, this dish serves as a great introduction, with a lighter and more accessible flavor compared to other establishments like Wooraeok.

Bibim Naengmyeon  11,000 won

The Bibim Naengmyeon was another standout, especially when paired with a splash of the cold broth served alongside it. The noodles had an even better texture than the Mul-naengmyeon, and the seasoning was perfectly balanced, not overly spicy but flavorful.

Wrapping the noodles in pickled radish and cucumber added an extra layer of crunch and tang, while the two slices of pork complemented the dish beautifully.

Dak-muchim (seasoned chicken)  15,000 won

If you visit Buwon Myeonok, the Dak-muchim is a must-order. Boneless chicken breast is tossed with sweet and sour vinegar, onions, and cucumbers, creating a dish that pairs wonderfully with the cold noodles

The chicken had a pleasantly thick texture, likely due to the use of breast meat, and the flavors were so addictive that I couldn’t resist ordering more.

Bindaetteok  5,500 won

Unlike the usual thick and moist bindaetteok, Buwon Myeonok’s version is thin and crispy, making it light and flavorful. Its compact size makes it an ideal side dish to complement the main courses.

Buwon Myeonok offers a refreshing take on Pyeongyang naengmyeon, with flavors that are crisp, light, and perfect for both beginners and seasoned fans of the dish. The combination of delicious cold noodles, seasoned chicken, and crispy bindaetteok makes for an incredibly satisfying meal.

This restaurant is a hidden gem in Namdaemun Market and one of the best deals in Seoul for high-quality naengmyeon. I’ll definitely return whenever I’m in the area, just don’t forget to order the Dak-muchim and Bindaetteok!

Address : 2F, 41-6 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul  OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-753-7728

Operation Hours : Monday-Saturday : 11:00 - 20:00, Sunday : 11:00 - 19:00 (1st, 3rd, 5th Sunday closed every month)

Instagram : Check out more photos

Source : https://blog.naver.com/kms6290/223183996692

Writer : kms6290

Special thanks to kms6290

buwon myeon-ok pyeongyang naengmyeon cold noodles seoul

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