Gangnam Chinese dinner: yu po knife-cut noodles at Sinbok Myeongwan

Whenever it’s time to make a meal plan in Gangnam, lots of people end up wondering where to go, right?

I visited Sinbok Myeongwan with an acquaintance for dinner near Gangnam Station this time, and I almost regretted only discovering it now after coming through this neighborhood so often.

Sinbok Myeongwan near Exit 1 of Gangnam Station

Sinbok Myeongwan’s Gangnam branch is just a one-minute walk, about 58 m, from Exit 1 of Gangnam Station, so it was really easy to get to.

You can park if you bring a car, but I recommend using public transportation if possible. It is open daily from 11:00 to 22:20, with last orders at 22:00, so plan your visit accordingly.

Exterior and an atmosphere that feels like the real thing

When I walked in, everyone from the kitchen crew to the dining-room staff seemed to be locals, and the interior had a strong, authentic atmosphere too.

It was an atmosphere where you would feel no pressure at all dining alone, so I saw quite a few solo dinner guests. It was also perfect for having a relaxed meal and conversation with an acquaintance, like we did.

Ordering was easy on the tablet at the table. The menu photos were clear, so it was not difficult to choose even on a first visit.

Dinner with yu po knife-cut noodles and dim sum

Complimentary side dishes

While we waited after ordering, peanuts and a tangy dressed vegetable side came out as the complimentary banchan (side dishes).

The salty, nutty peanuts and sweet-and-tangy vegetables whetted our appetites, so my anticipation was already growing before the mains arrived.

There were two of us that day, and we ordered three dishes: yu po knife-cut noodles (₩11,000), shumai (₩9,800), and guobaorou (₩19,500).

Perfectly spicy, chewy yu po knife-cut noodles

After trying them, I could see why this place is known for its yu po knife-cut noodles.

Yu po knife-cut noodles are a cold mixed noodle dish made with chili oil.

They were not as spicy as I expected—just nicely spicy. A separate chili topping came on top, so you can add it if you want more heat. There was also a generous amount of meat topping, while the noodles were thick and chewy with a really good texture.

Shumai with whole shrimp and flying fish roe

The shumai (₩9,800) arrived steaming, as if it had just come out of the steamer. With minced meat and whole shrimp together inside, the texture was excellent; the flying fish roe on top brought together softness, bouncy texture, and just the right seasoning.

They were fairly large too, so even just a few were quite filling.

Crisp yet moist guobaorou with a thin batter

Lastly, the guobaorou (₩19,500) was memorable for being crisp outside and moist within. The batter was relatively thin, so the layer of meat inside was much thicker, and the sauce was served generously without being overwhelming.

With its sweet-and-tangy sauce and crisp-yet-moist texture, it was an absolutely perfect match with the yu po knife-cut noodles.

Why it made for a satisfying Gangnam dinner plan

Overall, it was a satisfying dinner. At ₩40,300 for three dishes, it felt like good value for Gangnam, and the food was just as good.

It felt like a place worth making time to travel to Gangnam Station for by bus or subway. Of course, it was especially great for getting together with friends or coworkers in Gangnam after work.

It would not disappoint as a place for beef knife-cut noodles or dim sum, and the menu selection was substantial enough that I would recommend it for a company dinner too. If you are looking for a Chinese restaurant near Gangnam Station, or deciding on a Gangnam Station lunch or dinner plan, I strongly recommend Sinbok Myeongwan.