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Discover Seoul’s Legendary Cold Buckwheat Noodles: A Tale of Two Iconic Restaurants

Craving a refreshing and flavorful meal during the hot summer months in Seoul? Look no further than cold buckwheat noodles, or Memil Guksu. Today, we’re diving into the world of Seoul’s most legendary Memil Guksu spots, exploring two iconic restaurants with a combined history of over 130 years! Get ready to experience the authentic taste of Korean cold noodles at their finest.

Songok (송옥): A 60-Year Legacy of Deep Flavored Broth

Our first stop takes us to Songok, a restaurant with an impressive 63-year history. Located just a 6-minute walk from City Hall Station (Exit 7), Songok feels like stepping back in time. The interior might remind you of old school classrooms, adding to its nostalgic charm.

Location & Ambiance

Address: Near City Hall Station, Exit 7 (6-minute walk)

Atmosphere: Retro, classic Korean diner style

Rating: Highly Recommended for Traditional Flavor

The Must-Try Menu: Pam-Memil and Yubu Chobap

Songok is famous for its Pam-Memil (판메밀), cold buckwheat noodles served with a rich dipping broth. The broth here is truly unique – intensely flavorful and robust, thanks to a generous amount of bonito flakes. It’s on the saltier side, packed with umami, perfectly complementing the delicate buckwheat noodles. The noodles themselves are perfectly cooked – firm to the bite and easy to handle with chopsticks.

To complete your meal, don’t miss the Yubu Chobap (유부초밥), seasoned tofu skin sushi rice balls. While simple in appearance, they make a delightful side dish, offering a nice contrast to the savory noodles.

• Recommended Dish: Pam-Memil (판메밀 – Cold Buckwheat Noodles)
• Side Dish Suggestion: Yubu Chobap (유부초밥 – Tofu Sushi Rice Balls)
• Broth Characteristic: Rich, strong bonito flavor, slightly salty
• Noodle Texture: Firm, perfectly cooked

Gwanghwamun Mijin (광화문 미진): Seoul’s Oldest Buckwheat Noodle House

Next, we venture to Gwanghwamun Mijin, a true legend boasting a 70-year history as Seoul’s oldest Memil Guksu restaurant. Just a 5-minute walk from Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 2), be prepared to encounter a significant queue – a testament to its unwavering popularity. But don’t worry, the restaurant is spacious, extending to the second floor, so the wait usually moves quickly.

Location & Popularity

Address: Near Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 2 (5-minute walk)

Atmosphere: Bustling, popular local eatery

Rating: Highly Recommended, Long Queues Expected

Signature Pam-Memil with a Sweet Broth

At Gwanghwamun Mijin, the Pam-Memil experience begins with a chilled broth beautifully presented with ice, chopped scallions, and seaweed flakes. The broth here is notably different from Songok’s – it’s slightly sweeter and less salty, offering a more subtle and refreshing taste. The portions are generous, ensuring you leave completely satisfied. Make sure to enjoy the second serving of noodles often provided!

Many consider Gwanghwamun Mijin’s broth to be perfectly balanced and exceptionally palatable, making it a personal favorite among Seoul’s Memil Guksu offerings.

• Recommended Dish: Pam-Memil (판메밀 – Cold Buckwheat Noodles)
• Broth Characteristic: Slightly sweet, less salty, refreshing
• Portion Size: Generous
• Tip: Often offers a second serving of noodles

Final Verdict: Two Must-Visit Memil Guksu Destinations in Seoul

Both Songok and Gwanghwamun Mijin offer unique and unforgettable Memil Guksu experiences. Songok impresses with its deeply flavorful, robust broth and classic ambiance, while Gwanghwamun Mijin captivates with its sweeter, refreshing broth and long-standing history. Whether you prefer a stronger, saltier broth or a milder, sweeter one, both restaurants are essential stops for any Memil Guksu lover in Seoul. They are perfect for solo diners and offer a delicious and refreshing meal, especially during the hot summer months. Make sure to visit these culinary landmarks and taste the history and flavor of Seoul’s legendary cold buckwheat noodles!