If you're a fan of Pyongyang naengmyeon (buckwheat cold noodles) or simply curious to try it, Woo Lae Oak (Euljiro, Seoul) is a must-visit. Conveniently located near Euljiro 4-ga Subway Station Exit 4, this restaurant is renowned for its authentic flavors and rich history.

For several years, Woo Lae Oak has been proudly featured in the Michelin Guide Seoul, a testament to its enduring popularity and quality.

When we arrived, we were fortunate to avoid the usual crowd. On busy days, you’ll need to register your name on a waiting machine, but we were seated immediately. 

Stepping inside, I was surprised by the spacious interior, much larger than I had anticipated.

The staff guided us upstairs and asked if we planned to have meat with our meal. Since we were there solely for Naengmyeon (cold noodles), they seated us on the left side of the dining hall. The setup felt perfect not just for small groups but also for larger gatherings.

 

Menu

While we focused on naengmyeon during this visit, many diners were enjoying the restaurant's bulgogi, which looked delicious. I'll be sure to try it next time! For this meal, we ordered three variations: Pyongyang naengmyeon, bibim naengmyeon, and kimchi naengmyeon. Payment was made upfront.

 

Tea

Given the chilly weather that day, we were served a comforting hot noodle tea as we waited. A simple yet delightful touch to warm up.

 

Side dish

The first thing to arrive was the Geotjeori kimchi, which was exceptional. Unlike regular kimchi, it had a rich sesame oil flavor that paired perfectly with the Naengmyeon.

 

Bibim Naengmyeon  16,000 won

For someone new to Pyongyang naengmyeon, I’d recommend starting with the Bibim naengmyeon. Despite the vibrant red sauce, it wasn’t overly spicy—just flavorful with a hint of sweetness.

 

Pyongyang Naengmyeon  16,000 won

My husband, a devoted fan of Pyongyang naengmyeon, was eager to try Woo Lae Oak's version. He immediately gave it a thumbs-up, praising its clean and mild broth. The buckwheat noodles were a standout, their nutty flavor became more pronounced with every bite.

 

Kimchi Naengmyeon  16,000 won

The kimchi naengmyeon was a pleasant surprise for me, as someone not deeply familiar with Pyongyang-style naengmyeon.

Seasoned with just the right balance, it was approachable and delicious. My sister, who prefers traditional Pyongyang naengmyeon, found the flavors deeply satisfying. Interestingly, rice was included at the bottom of the bowl, which added a hearty touch and paired well with the spicy kimchi.

 

Woo Lae Oak excels at introducing diners to the world of Pyongyang naengmyeon. Compared to other renowned spots like Jinmi and Pildong Myeon Ok, the broth here is milder, making it an excellent choice for first-timers.

The texture and flavor of their buckwheat noodles are truly exceptional, and it’s easy to see why this restaurant has maintained its reputation for so long. If you’re seeking authentic Pyongyang naengmyeon, Woo Lae Oak is well worth a visit.

While naengmyeon is their signature dish, I’ve heard great things about their Yukgaejang (spicy beef soup) a perfect choice for the colder months. I’ll definitely be trying that on my next visit, along with their bulgogi. If you're in Seoul and craving authentic Pyongyang naengmyeon, make sure Woo Lae Oak is on your list!

 

Address : 62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-2265-0151

Operation Hours : Monday-Sunday : 11:30 - 21:00

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Source : https://blog.naver.com/eeebbb118/222955572563

Writer : eeebbb118

Special thanks to eeebbb118

 

woolaeok seoul euljiro naengmyeon