I’m pretty fond of naengmyeon, so I thought I’d been to all the famous places, but when I actually checked, there were still a few I’d never tried. So I made a plan to use this chance to visit every one of them. The first is Seobuk Myeonok. (Pildong Myeonok, Pyeongyang Myeonok in Bundang, Nampo Myeonok and a few others are still left.)
The entrance
You have to take a number and wait. It was the weekend and it’s a hugely popular place anyway, but the shop itself isn’t very big either. It’s near Children’s Grand Park, but quite a walk from the subway station. Not the easiest place to get to.
Half plate of mandu
Clean, light and nicely done. They’re big and generously filled. Some people seem to find them bland, but they’re just right for my taste. You can get them to take away, too.
Naengmyeon
It’s Pyeongyang naengmyeon, but with a very crowd-pleasing flavour. The broth is savoury and the noodles give you a satisfying mouthful to chew. I can see why it’s so wildly popular. On top of that, 6,000 won for naengmyeon and 3,000 won for half a plate of mandu is a strength that shines all the more these days, when the price of everything keeps going up. It might just be the best naengmyeon place on the east side of Seoul.
The taste and price are top-notch, but the service is a bit lacking. You only get the myeonsu (noodle water) if you ask for it, and since the place is small and packed, sharing a table is a given. It’s as bustling as a market, so I didn’t quite get how it earned two ribbons from Blue Ribbon. Still, the taste is excellent, so I think I’ll find myself craving it now and then. It’s far, though, so who knows when I’ll be back.