Summer Delicacy, Naengmyeon

Looking for Korea's iconic noodle dishes? Then we've got you covered. During Korea's hot and humid summer, the go-to dish is definitely 'Naengmyeon'! Although they might look all the same, the taste can vary widely depending on the cooking method. Let’s dive into the world of Korean Naengmyeon and find the best places to try them!

Korea's summer delicacy, Naengmyeon, features thin noodles similar to somen, topped with pear slices, radish, egg, and cucumber. There are two main types of Naengmyeon: "Mul Naengmyeon," served in cold broth, and "Bibim Naengmyeon," mixed with a spicy sauce and served without broth.

Naengmyeon is also sold at snack bars and barbecue restaurants, but these are often instant versions. To truly experience the essence of Korean Naengmyeon, it’s recommended to seek out a place that specializes in either "Hamheung Naengmyeon" or "Pyeongyang Naengmyeon." Pyeongyang Naengmyeon is known for its subtle, non-spicy flavor, while Hamheung Naengmyeon is adored for its thin and chewy noodles. Both types are available in Mul Naengmyeon and Bibim Naengmyeon variations, so try whichever suits your taste. Koreans typically prefer Mul for Pyeongyang Naengmyeon and Bibim for Hamheung Naengmyeon.

Pyeongyang Naengmyeon is a traditional Korean dish that originated in the Pyeongyang region of North Korea. It's even recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Known for its mild and non-spicy flavor, this dish uses very little seasoning aside from salt, making it a subtle taste that might not be for everyone. However, it has a strong following, with enthusiasts who go out of their way to find the best Pyeongyang Naengmyeon restaurants. The broth is made from beef stock, radish broth, and ox bone, providing a rich, meaty flavor balanced by the refreshing taste of radish. The noodles are often made with a high percentage of buckwheat, making them slightly brittle. The dish is typically topped with thinly sliced beef, pear slices, and radish, and sometimes you’ll find a stalk of kimchi added for extra flavor.

Pyeongyang Naengmyeon restaurant featured in the Michelin Bib Gourmand from 2017 to 2024. Known for its rich beef flavor and just the right amount of saltiness, it’s a popular choice for those new to Pyeongyang Naengmyeon. The unique touch here is the sprinkle of chili powder on top of the noodles, adding a hint of spiciness. There’s also extra chili powder on the table. The restaurant also serves su-yuk (boiled beef slices) and je-yuk (pork slices), both of which are moist and tender, making them popular side dishes.

Founded in 1946, the restaurant has maintained its flavor and heritage over the years. It has also been a regular on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list. Despite its popularity, you don't have to wait long in a line because of its large building. You can register at a kiosk in front of the restaurant. The broth here is made exclusively with beef, giving it a deep flavor. It's recommended to start your meal with the pear garnish for a refreshing sweetness. The sweetly marinated bulgogi pairs well with the savory Naengmyeon, so locals normally order them together.

Along with Woo Lae Oak and Pildong Myeonok, Jinmi Pyeongyang Naengmyeon is considered one of the top three Pyeongyang Naengmyeon restaurants in Seoul, also recognized by Michelin. The broth is famous for its delicious flavor, so it's recommended to taste the broth before mixing in the noodles. For side dishes, they offer chewy Pyeongyang-style plate dumplings and tender je-yuk (sliced pork). They also offer a 'half' portion, perfect for solo travelers.

Pyeongyang Naengmyeon restaurant run by the same family for three generations. The broth is refreshing, and the noodles are rich with the nutty flavor of buckwheat. The noodles are slightly brittle but have a satisfying chewiness. Their Bibim Naengmyeon is known for its savory and slightly spicy flavor, with a balanced sweetness. Unlike other Pyeongyang Naengmyeon spots where Mul Naengmyeon is the overwhelming favorite, this place also has strong fans for its Bibim Naengmyeon.

This place offers a rich beef broth with a distinctive icy texture. The noodles are slightly thicker, and when paired with the beef toppings, you get the full authentic taste of Pyeongyang Naengmyeon. Their mung bean pancake is as popular as the naengmyeon and is highly recommended. The pancake is made with pork, giving it a tender texture, while the mung beans add a rich, nutty flavor.

You can customize your order by choosing to have the broth with or without ice and adjusting the amount of noodles. Koreans often order extra large 'Mul Naengmyeon' without ice.

Originating from the Hamheung region in North Korea, this type of Naengmyeon is known for its thin and chewy noodles, traditionally made from potato starch but now mostly made from sweet potato starch. Compared to Pyeongyang Naengmyeon, the noodles are thinner and more elastic. Hamheung Naengmyeon also comes in two varieties: Mul Naengmyeon (cold noodles with broth) and Bibim Naengmyeon (mixed noodles). It’s served with crushed ice, making it even more refreshing and chewy than Pyeongyang Naengmyeon. The Bibim Naengmyeon often comes topped with seasoned raw fish, known as Hwe Naengmyeon, where spicy and tangy sauce-dressed fish is generously placed on the noodles to be mixed and enjoyed together.

This restaurant has been around since 1953, featured in the Michelin Bib Gourmand. The must-try dish is their Hwe Naengmyeon! The spicy seasoning paired with the subtle sesame oil aroma complements the fermented skate beautifully. There’s extra seasoning available at the table, so you can adjust to your liking. Located near DDP and Euljiro, it’s a great stop if you’re planning to visit Jongno.

One of the 'Top 3 Hamheung Naengmyeon Restaurants' in Seoul. The Mul Naengmyeon served here, with its icy broth, is a perfect summer delicacy. For a spicy kick, try the 'Mixed Naengmyeon,' which comes with bibim naengmyeon topped with pork slices and seasoned stingray. This place is also known for its delicious galbijjim (braised short ribs). If you’re dining with a group, order the set menu to enjoy both Naengmyeon and Galbijjim in one meal.

A local favorite near Yeouido, this restaurant is known for its chewy noodles made with 100% sweet potato starch and a broth simmered for 24 hours. The most popular dish is Hwe Naengmyeon, featuring chewy skate mixed in a spicy sauce, creating a unique texture and an addictive tang. Try adding a dash of sesame oil and a bit of broth to the mix for a balanced, savory taste.

A local gem that has been loved since its opening in 1953. The signature dish is Hwe Naengmyeon, served with a bit of broth at the bottom. For an enhanced flavor, add some sugar, sesame oil, mustard, and vinegar.

Located in the heart of Myeongdong, making it easy to visit during your Seoul trip. The broth has a strong beef flavor, and since it’s served without ice, you can enjoy the rich taste throughout your meal. The tender meat on top pairs perfectly with the chewy noodles.