Buzz
Insights into Korean Cold Noodles
Unlike the steaming hot and smoky noodle dishes, cold noodles stand out as a distinctive feature on the map of Korean cuisine, perhaps being the most unique dish enjoyed with ice-cold broth.
The Unique Cold Noodles of Korea
Korean cold noodles bring a breath of fresh air with their distinctive character in both preparation and enjoyment. Served with chilled broth infused with ice, they come with refreshing ingredients such as pears, cucumbers, radishes, thinly sliced beef, boiled eggs, and more.
Cold noodles trace their origins back to the Joseon era, originating from the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. Today, it has become a beloved dish for all ages in South Korea. Not only locals but also tourists are enchanted by this refreshing summer delight.
Popular Varieties of Cold Noodles in Korea
You might think cold noodles are simply noodles served with ice-cold broth, but the varieties in South Korea are incredibly diverse and rich. They offer a plethora of unique flavors, helping to dispel the summer heat with refreshing twists.
Naengmyeon
When it comes to chilled Korean noodles, naengmyeon takes the spotlight. In this realm, naengmyeon stands as the epitome of cold noodles in general. Crafted from buckwheat flour, it boasts a naturally chewy texture and a distinctive brown hue.
Cool naengmyeon
Cool naengmyeon comes in two varieties:
- Mul-naengmyeon: a dish featuring noodles served with a chilled broth infused with marinated cold meat. It's accompanied by radishes, cucumbers, pears, and boiled eggs, depending on your taste. In my Korean travel experience, adding a bit of vinegar enhances the flavor, and throwing in some kimchi makes it even more delightful.
- Bibim-naengmyeon: simply put, it's mixed cold noodles. After soaking in ice, the noodles become even more chewy and refreshingly cold. While it still includes those toppings, the standout feature of mixed cold noodles lies in the spicy sauce that creates the distinctive flavor of the dish.
Naengmyeon comes in two main types - soup noodles and mixed noodles
Makguksu
The presentation of the chilled noodles Makguksu is quite visually appealing. True to its name, 'mak' in Korean means circle, and 'guksu' is noodles. This dish features a block of noodles rolled into a circular form and placed right in the center. Makguksu is undoubtedly a favorite for those who enjoy noodles without broth.
Cool Makguksu noodles rolled into round shapes
Kongguksu
Kongguksu is also a quintessential dish of Korean summers. The noodle broth is made from finely ground soybeans with a touch of salt, served with pickled radishes and cucumbers. The sweet and refreshing taste is perfect for cooling down on hot summer days.
An unique chilled noodle dish paired with soy milk
Jjolmyeon
This is another cold Korean noodle dish mixed with a distinctive chili sauce. However, jjolmyeon differs from bibim-naengmyeon in its noodle composition. Jjolmyeon is renowned for having the chewiest noodles in Korea, thanks to its main ingredient, sweet potato starch.
Jjolmyeon noodles with delightful chewiness
The thicker strands of jjolmyeon intensify the rich and spicy sauce, making it even more pronounced in every bite. This traditional Korean cold noodle dish is often accompanied by bean sprouts, boiled eggs, and a touch of finely chopped cucumbers.
Milmyeon
Milmyeon is made from wheat flour
Milmyeon is a Korean cold noodle dish originating from Busan. It can be served with broth or as a mixed noodle dish. This often leads to confusion with naengmyeon, but the wheat noodles in milmyeon have a brighter color. Initially aided by the shortage of buckwheat, wheat flour came to the rescue, giving rise to this delicious noodle dish, which continues to be cherished and evolving.
Naeng kalguksu
This is the chilled version of the famous kalguksu noodles in the Land of Kimchi. Naeng kalguksu features rare thick noodles in the realm of Korean cold noodles. These noodles, meticulously crafted from wheat flour, are paired with chicken bone broth and soybean powder, creating a delectable and ivory-white noodle dish.
The regular kalguksu dish with added ice is truly enticing
Chogyeguksu
This dish is a variation of the traditional Chogyetang chicken noodle soup, featuring thinly shredded lean chicken, fragrant vinegar-infused broth, and a hint of sesame. Additionally, Chogyeguksu can be enjoyed with pickled radishes, salted cucumbers, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to enhance the flavor.
A refreshing cold noodle dish served with chicken
Jeangban guksu
True to its name, jeangban is a large plate with a variety of finely chopped vegetables neatly arranged around the edges. The accompanying vegetables offer diverse flavors, meticulously prepared to ensure this Korean cold noodle dish remains vibrant. The sauce, made from chili, sesame oil, vinegar, and sugar, is the highlight that balances the flavors of this 'noodle platter,' transforming jeangban guksu from a simple vegetarian dish into an enticing delight.
Jeangban guksu is often likened to a 'noodle platter'
Recommended places for delicious cold noodles in Korea
Cold noodles are becoming increasingly popular, making their way into every restaurant in Korea. If you're unsure where to find delicious cold noodles in Korea, let me guide you to some renowned spots!
Seoul
The capital city of South Korea, Seoul, is a must-visit for most tourists exploring the Land of Kimchi. It's a vibrant hub with a wide array of delectable dishes. If you're on the hunt for authentic and delicious Korean cold noodles, Seoul is the place to be.
Popular cold noodle spots in Seoul, South Korea
Delicious cold noodle spots in Seoul:
- Ojang-dong Heungnam-jip
- Address: 114 Mareonnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul.
- Opening hours: 11:10 AM - 9:00 PM, closed on Wednesdays.
- Price range: Approximately 10,000￦ - 20,000￦.
- Hamheung Naengmyeon
- Address: 6 Yeongdeungpo-ro 42-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.
- Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, closed on Saturdays.
- Price range: Approximately 9,000￦.
Jinju
Cold noodles from Jinju are highly renowned, especially among the locals. This dish is served with pickled mustard greens, beef, and small cuts of fried eggs, creating a visually and flavorfully harmonious culinary experience. This Korean cold noodle dish also contributes to promoting local tourism in Jinju.
Cold noodles in Jinju are enjoyed with pickled mustard greens and small cuts of fried eggs
Recommended addresses for delicious cold noodles in Jinju:
- Parkgunja
- Address: 512-1 Chiram-dong, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do.
- Opening hours: 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM.
- Price range: Approximately 10,000￦.
- Hayeon-Og
- Address: 211-8 Jungang-dong, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do.
- Opening hours: 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM.
- Price range: Approximately 9,000￦ - 12,000￦.
The refreshing and cool cold noodle dish is not only delicious but also contributes to the recognition of Korean culinary culture worldwide. If you plan to visit Korea, try this delightful and chewy cold noodle dish once to understand why the locals love it so much.
Author: Quynh
Image source: Internet
