100-Year Store naengmyeon restaurant in Pyeongtaek: Seoul Myeonok

Ever since I discovered Dr. Naengmyeon Taeyang on YouTube, pyongyang naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) just kept popping into my head... So I tried to visit the famous Seoul spots — Jinmi Pyongyang Naengmyeon, Pyongyang Myeonok, Eulmildae, Uraeok, Euljimyeonok — but... they're absolutely packed... guess I'll have to wait until summer's over to try those.

In the middle of all that, it suddenly popped into my head — Seoul Myeonok, the old, long-running restaurant near Pyeongtaek Station where I had such a great pyongyang naengmyeon before COVID!!!!!! I figured this place would have shorter lines than the famous Seoul spots, so I went back for the first time in forever. Of course... I avoided lunchtime and went at an awkwardly quiet hour haha. I remember this place is also seriously good, so I genius-ly timed it for an off-peak hour haha.

Where is Seoul Myeonok? Hours, break time and parking

Seoul Myeonok, a pyongyang naengmyeon spot near Pyeongtaek Station, is located at 12 Pyeongtaek-ro 57beon-gil, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Hours are 11:30–20:00 with a break time from 15:00–17:00. On-site parking is very limited, so I'd recommend using the Pyeongtaek Station West public parking lot or a nearby paid lot!

Seoul Myeonok has carried on 60 years of tradition across three generations, and it's certified as a '100-Year Store,' which says a lot about the trust it's earned from Pyeongtaek locals!

It's even been on a TV show about food masters?!! You can feel the authenticity radiating off that wooden sign!! Certified as a great restaurant before you even walk in?! haha

What three people ordered at Seoul Myeonok, and what the dining room is like

The dining hall at Seoul Myeonok is spacious enough to seat groups! There's plenty more seating in the back section that isn't even in the photo!! The three of us ordered pyongyang naengmyeon, bibim naengmyeon, galbitang, and jeyuk (stir-fried pork) — go big or go home!!

Diced radish kimchi! And the radish pickles that are absolutely essential with naengmyeon!! The side dishes come out clean and simple~ and the noodle water is self-serve, so help yourself?! While you're soothing your stomach with a warm cup of noodle water...

Jeyuk (stir-fried pork) served warm

Here comes the jeyuk (stir-fried pork)!! A restrained pairing with salted shrimp ssamjang, not overdone at all! And since it stays warm all the way through, the flavor is maximized to the very last bite!!!!

Look at the thickness on that meat. If you're going to call it meat, it should be this thick. Satisfying to bite into, right? Delicious~~

Why Seoul Myeonok's pyongyang naengmyeon suits beginners

Today's main event — the Seoul Myeonok pyongyang naengmyeon I've been dreaming about!! Eating pyongyang naengmyeon is almost like a ritual with steps to follow: before you mix the noodles, lift the bowl and drink the broth first!! Then mix the noodles and taste the broth again! That's the proper way to show respect for pyongyang naengmyeon haha.

The buckwheat content is just right, so the noodles break easily even without scissors — a totally different texture from hamhung naengmyeon! The meaty aroma seeps subtly into the buckwheat noodles, and there's real fun in hunting for flavor within the mildness! After eating it plain for three bites, try splashing vinegar on the noodles for a whole new experience!!

How was the bibim naengmyeon?

The bibim guksu (spicy mixed noodles) and galbitang have arrived too — the whole Avengers lineup!! The sauce clings perfectly to the buckwheat noodles without pooling at the bottom, giving the bibim naengmyeon great balance!! Top it with a piece of jeyuk and wrap it together for a perfect pairing! Seoul Myeonok's bibim naengmyeon is subtly sweet and spicy!

Why the galbitang is worth ordering too

A galbitang (short rib soup) generously packed with big rib bones!! Simmered so thoroughly that the meat slips right off the bone! Tender, never chewy, and dipping it in soy sauce is heavenly! Even though this is a naengmyeon specialist, I highly, highly recommend getting galbitang at a pyongyang naengmyeon restaurant.

Finishing with rice stirred into the naengmyeon broth

And my final K-dessert... mixing rice into the naengmyeon broth!! Just like fried rice is a must after samgyeopsal, this is my way of showing final respect to the pyongyang naengmyeon haha. Just like mixing rice into mukbap (rice soup) makes each grain come alive with sweetness, mixing rice into naengmyeon broth is seriously irresistible and absolutely essential... please, mix it in!!

Pyeongtaek has no shortage of great restaurants, but when it comes to pyongyang naengmyeon, Seoul Myeonok is hands down the place!!!! Stop by once before summer ends!! Fall for the charm of pyongyang naengmyeon!!!!