When summer comes, one dish that everyone craves is Korea’s refreshing and cool naengmyeon (cold noodles).
Its uniquely chewy noodles and clean, invigorating broth create an addictive flavor.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into naengmyeon — from famous local restaurants in Korea, to store-bought instant versions, and even the differences between similar dishes like milmyeon and cheol-myeon!
① Must-Try Authentic Naengmyeon Restaurants in Korea
When it comes to naengmyeon in Korea, two major types come to mind — Pyeongyang Naengmyeon and Hamheung Naengmyeon.
Pyeongyang Naengmyeon:
This version uses a large amount of buckwheat flour, giving the noodles a grayish color and a relatively soft texture. The broth is made from beef or chicken bones, offering a very clean and mild flavor. Because it’s not too spicy, it’s quite popular among Japanese visitors.
★ Recommended Spot ①: Eulmildae (Seoul, Mapo) — A well-known restaurant beloved by tourists, famous for its deep yet clear broth packed with umami.
★ Recommended Spot ②: Pildong Myeonok (Seoul, Jung-gu) — A long-established restaurant preserving the traditional style of Pyeongyang Naengmyeon. The buckwheat aroma and simple flavor are distinctive, but some people find it “too plain” or “too watery.” On the other hand, fans praise it as “simple and never boring.” It’s a dish for those already familiar with naengmyeon flavors.
Hamheung Naengmyeon:
These noodles are made with potato or sweet potato starch, making them transparent and extremely chewy. It’s usually served bibim-style, mixed with a spicy red chili paste sauce.
★ Recommended Spot: Hamheung Myeonok (Seoul, Jongno) — Offers an exquisite balance between spiciness and umami.
Recently, many Korean BBQ restaurants also serve naengmyeon as a refreshing way to finish a meal, making the combination of “grilled meat + cold noodles” a classic set.
② Easy to Enjoy at Home! Naengmyeon from Supermarkets
If you find yourself craving naengmyeon after your trip, don’t worry! Korean supermarkets and convenience stores sell a wide range of easy-to-prepare naengmyeon kits.
Popular brands and examples include:
- CJ ‘bibigo Naengmyeon’ — The broth is separately packaged, so all you need to do is boil the noodles and rinse them in cold water. It tastes very authentic, and it’s even available online in Japan.
- Ottogi Naengmyeon Series — Offers various types, including broth-style and bibim naengmyeon.
- Paldo Naengmyeon — Simple, affordable, and popular as a travel souvenir.
For a restaurant-like experience at home, top your store-bought naengmyeon with ice, boiled egg, kimchi, and cucumber slices.
③ Similar but Different? The Difference Between Naengmyeon, Milmyeon, and Jjolmyeon
Korea also has other cold noodle dishes similar to naengmyeon, such as milmyeon and jjolmyeon. They may look alike, but each has its own charm.
Milmyeon (Wheat Noodles):
A specialty of Busan, milmyeon is a wheat-based version of naengmyeon, created during the Korean War when buckwheat was hard to find. The noodles are slightly softer than naengmyeon, and it’s commonly served bibim-style (spicy sauce). Soup versions exist too, but most tend to be on the spicier side.
Jjolmyeon (Chewy Noodles):
Originally developed as a school cafeteria dish, jjolmyeon is a beloved “B-class” (casual) food. The medium-thick noodles are extremely chewy and coated in a spicy gochujang-based sauce. Though served cold, it’s a perfect dish for warm weather.
It’s often sold together with tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) as a combo known as “Jjol-tteok.”
Is Naengmyeon Only for Summer?
Because of its cold broth, naengmyeon is often considered a “summer food,” but originally, it was a winter dish.
In North Korea, it was traditionally eaten during freezing winters with cold dongchimi (radish water kimchi) broth.
Today, it’s enjoyed year-round, but among true naengmyeon enthusiasts, many still say,
“Winter is the real season for naengmyeon.”
The harmony between the icy broth and cold air creates a paradoxically warming sensation — one of the most unique charms of this iconic Korean dish.
Conclusion｜The World of Naengmyeon Is Deeper Than You Think!
Korean naengmyeon is more than just the name of a dish — it’s a diverse culinary world that changes depending on the region and ingredients.
You can enjoy discovering famous restaurants during your travels, or try recreating authentic flavors at home with store-bought naengmyeon kits. And don’t forget to challenge yourself with similar dishes like milmyeon and jjolmyeon — each offers its own unique charm.
When you visit Korea, be sure to find your favorite style of cold noodles!
Table of Contents
