[Woo Lae Oak] If you’re new to Pyeongyang naengmyeon, start here

A famous Pyeongyang naengmyeon spot located near Euljiro 4-ga Station in Jung-gu, Seoul. Established in 1946, Woo Lae Oak is often called the pinnacle of the naengmyeon world. In the featured video, though, they also highlighted the restaurant’s delicious bulgogi alongside the cold noodles.

This place carries a deep sense of tradition, so even if you order something other than naengmyeon, you’ll still eat very well. It’s also a great choice whether you’re visiting from abroad, dining with your parents, or coming as a couple—pretty much everyone can leave satisfied.

When you order bulgogi here, the staff grills it for you, so you can just sit back and relax. Once it’s done, it’s best to eat it right away while it’s still hot. Bulgogi is tasty on its own, and it’s also fantastic wrapped in lettuce with garlic and vegetables. Depending on your preference, they even recommend adding extra noodles to the bulgogi—apparently the noodles served are the same buckwheat noodles used for their Pyeongyang naengmyeon. The bulgogi paired with hot, cooked buckwheat noodles has a unique charm, so don’t miss it.

Their Pyeongyang naengmyeon lives up to the reputation, and it’s said to have a distinctive character compared to other famous places. The savory depth of the noodles and broth lingers in your mouth, and the rich aroma is a major highlight. Pyeongyang naengmyeon can be a polarizing dish, but if you had to recommend one restaurant to beginners, this is the one.

Kimchi-rolled naengmyeon isn’t their signature dish, but regulars say it’s a hidden gem worth trying at least once. If you can visit twice, they recommend: first visit—Pyeongyang naengmyeon; second visit—kimchi-rolled naengmyeon. One interesting detail: the kimchi-rolled naengmyeon comes with rice mixed in as well.

If you want a wonderful meal with family or friends in Jung-gu, Seoul, be sure to visit this restaurant!