Having fallen in love with Naengmyeon (cold noodles) earlier this year, I made it my mission to visit the top three Pyongyang Naengmyeon restaurants in Seoul. After visiting Woo Lae Ok and Eul Mil Dae, I finally made my way to Pildong Myeonok (Chungmuro, Seoul) , completing my culinary exploration of the city's finest.

This restaurant has been consistently recommended by my Pyongyang Naengmyeon-loving friends, so my expectations were high.

We arrived at 5 pm on a Saturday, just as the restaurant opened, but there was already a line. Thankfully, the wait was only about 15 minutes.

Unlike other restaurants, there’s no ticket system here, simply line up in front of the entrance. Be sure your entire group is present before heading inside.

Michelin Guide Seoul

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​Menu

Along with the Naengmyeon (cold noodles), many locals pair with Mandu (dumplings), Jeyuk (boiled pork) or Suyuk (boiled beef) (*1/2 Jeyuk + 1/2 Suyuk is also available).

Later, take this to the first floor to pay.

The condiments on each table. Mustard, vinegar, soy sauce, and red pepper powder, hinted at the unique style of their Naengmyeon.

Pickled radish (right) is the only thing that is served with naengmyeon. When you order Jeyuk, you'll also get this Baek kimchi (white kimchi, left).

Jeyuk (pork)  30,000 won

At first glance, the plate of pork slices seemed carelessly arranged and far from appetizing. But as they say, don’t judge a book by its cover.

The Jeyuk was incredibly tender, flavorful, and free of any unpleasant porky smell. The fatty portions were especially delightful and paired beautifully with the salted shrimp sauce provided.

When eaten with the Baek Kimchi (white kimchi), the pork's chewy yet tender texture was elevated to another level. Now I understand why my friends insisted on ordering a full plate of Jeyuk instead of a half-and-half option. It’s worth every bite!

Naengmyeon  14,000 won

The Naengmyeon here is slightly different from the versions at Woo Lae Ok, Bong Pi Yang, and Eul Mil Dae. The noodles were topped with slices of beef and pork, an egg, and a sprinkle of red pepper powder, something unique to Uijeongbu-style Naengmyeon.

The broth had a clean, mild umami flavor, accented by green onions and a subtle meaty richness. It wasn’t spicy despite the red pepper powder, which added a touch of warmth.

The noodles themselves were slightly chewier than those at other places, which I personally enjoyed. While some might find the flavor on the bland side, I appreciated its delicate and refreshing taste, especially on a hot day.

Jeyuk + Naengmyeon

Combining the Jeyuk with the Naengmyeon turned out to be a revelation. The chewy pork, salty shrimp sauce, and slightly tangy Baek Kimchi added layers of flavor to the clean and mild noodles. It’s a pairing I’ll come back for again and again.

For me, Pildong Myeonok offers a light and delicate take on Pyongyang Naengmyeon, while Woo Lae Ok’s version is richer and meatier. Depending on your mood, both are excellent choices.

Pildong Myeonok has earned its reputation as one of Seoul’s best Pyongyang Naengmyeon restaurants. The clean, mild flavors of the noodles and the incredible Jeyuk make it a must-visit for fans of Korean cold noodles and boiled pork.

For first-timers, I highly recommend ordering both the Naengmyeon and a full plate of Jeyuk to fully experience what makes this place special.

While my husband and I have slightly different preferences, we both agree that Pildong Myeonok is worth revisiting—especially for that tender, flavorful pork!

Address : 26 Seoae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-2266-2611

Operation Hours : Monday-Saturday : 11:00 - 20:30 (Break 16:00 -17:00), Sunday closed

Instagram : Check out more photos

Source : https://blog.naver.com/daily_jjo/223174765078

Writer : daily_jjo

Special thanks to daily_jjo

pildong myeonok seoul naengmyeon michelin