Goyang kalguksu with ongsimi: Bongpyeong Gohyang Makguksu

This time, through Superchart, I visited Bongpyeong Gohyang Makguksu at Naktagogae in Wondang, Goyang. My wife loves makguksu (buckwheat noodles) and had heard this place was famous around Wondang, so we finally went together for a light lunch-slash-dinner. I went in without expecting much, but once we actually ate, it was way better than I imagined haha.

Inside Bongpyeong Gohyang Makguksu: the room and the self-serve buckwheat tea bar

Walking into Bongpyeong Gohyang Makguksu, it felt much roomier and more comfortable than I expected. The tables were spaced generously, so we could eat without worrying about the next table over. The staff were friendly even during the busy lunch rush, which made the meal that much more pleasant. And the restroom was kept spotless too, which gave me confidence about the hygiene side of things.

Off to one side of the restaurant there was a spot to scoop your own buckwheat tea (noodle water), so we could warm up our stomachs before and after the meal. After a cup of that nutty buckwheat tea, I felt properly ready to dig in.

What the couple ordered and the barley rice starter

We ordered three dishes: perilla-buckwheat kalguksu, bibim makguksu, and a buckwheat pancake. It was just the right amount for two, and the prices weren't a burden at all. Looking at the menu, they also had mul-makguksu, bibim makguksu, on-makguksu, and perilla-buckwheat kalguksu, so you could pick depending on the season or your mood that day. Each dish clearly had care put into it, and I could see why it's known as a top kalguksu spot in Wondang.

After ordering, they first brought out barley rice, house-made kimchi, and fragrant perilla oil and gochujang as a starter, meant for making a simple bibimbap right at the table. It was a nice touch to take the edge off hunger before the main dishes arrived. The perilla oil had a deep aroma and the kimchi was crisp, so mixing it together was surprisingly satisfying. I imagine the leftover barley rice would also be great dunked into the perilla-buckwheat kalguksu broth later.

The buckwheat pancake, griddled in two layers

The buckwheat pancake that arrived first was light, not greasy at all, and paired perfectly with the other two dishes. Dipping the thinly fried pancake lightly in soy sauce released that distinctive nutty buckwheat flavor across the palate. It was mild but had a deep buckwheat taste.

Looking closely, the pancake was fried in two very thin layers. I thought, that's some serious skill.

Perilla-buckwheat kalguksu: thick broth with ongsimi dumplings

The perilla-buckwheat kalguksu had a milky, thick broth with a strong perilla aroma running through it.

The distinctive nutty flavor of the buckwheat noodles matched wonderfully with the smooth broth,

and thanks to the ongsimi (chewy rice dumplings) tucked between the noodles, we also got to enjoy a springy texture.

Bibim makguksu turned into mul-makguksu with poured broth

The bibim makguksu had a sweet-and-tangy sauce piled with sesame seeds, making it super nutty.

It wasn't overpowering, but the savory umami flavor kept pulling my chopsticks back for more. What I also liked was that partway through the bibim makguksu, we could pour in the broth served on the side and enjoy it like mul-makguksu (cold noodles in broth).

Since the noodles are made in-house, the texture felt even chewier and springier.

What I felt throughout the meal was that this style of noodle would especially suit people who prefer flavors that are natural rather than intense.

Most food I eat outside tends to be heavily seasoned, but here it felt like the natural flavor of the ingredients was preserved, so my stomach felt comfortable too. The fact that we ended up washing the dishes ourselves after eating pretty much says how good the meal was haha.

Bongpyeong Gohyang Makguksu hours, closing day and parking

The address is 1128 Hoguk-ro, Deokyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, at Naktagogae — that's Bongpyeong Gohyang Makguksu. Hours run from 11am to 8:30pm, and it's closed every Monday. There was plenty of parking, so driving there wasn't inconvenient at all. Takeout is also available, which might be handy if you're busy.

This place came to my attention through a Superchart experience, but going in person, it really lived up to its reputation. The Wondang area is close to places good for walking, like Seosamneung Royal Tombs or the Wondang flower complex, so it makes for a nice route to stroll before or after a meal. It seemed like a good spot to stop by with family or a partner on a nice day. My wife said it had been a while since she'd had such a gentle, comfortable meal and that we should come again.

Overall, it was a meal with clean, tidy food that also felt genuinely wholesome. Hearing that they've been making their own noodles for 30 years made me trust the place even more. I could see why it's recognized as one of Goyang's notable restaurants for visitors.

If you're looking for a good makguksu or kalguksu place around Wondang, Bongpyeong Gohyang Makguksu is worth a visit haha. I wrote this exactly as I experienced it, having gone in person. Once the weather turns a bit chillier, I'll come back to try the warm on-makguksu too.