Jinju naengmyeon with self-serve hot broth: Song Giwon

Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon Main Branch by Yeonam Library in Sangdae-dong

Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon Main Branch is near the entrance to Yeonam Library in Sangdae-dong. It is always packed whenever I pass by, and besides the main branch, there is also a directly operated branch in Juyak-dong.

Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon was selected as a Baeknyeon Gage (Hundred-Year Store), and it was also featured in the Jinju episode of Jeon Hyun-moo Restaurant. Of course, it is a Blue Ribbon restaurant too, haha.

It is such a popular spot that there is definitely a wait on weekends or at peak times.

A main-branch atmosphere more like a Japanese restaurant than a naengmyeon spot

There are autographs from celebrities hanging by the entrance, too.

The interior at the main branch somehow reminds me more of a Japanese restaurant than a naengmyeon place.

Once lunchtime began, people kept streaming in. It is a favorite with locals too, and there were more older diners than young people. Honestly, after my mom tried Song Giwon, she has only been going to Song Giwon for years.

If it is your first time, I recommend mixed naengmyeon

The menu is simple. If it is your first time trying Jinju naengmyeon, I recommend the mixed naengmyeon!! When you think of Jinju naengmyeon, mixed naengmyeon is the signature choice.

Every table has mustard and vinegar ready. It tastes even better with a little of each.

Self-serve hot broth to sip while you wait

One reason I come to Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon is this hot broth.. You can get it yourself at the self-service station, and the savory depth of its rich beef-and-seafood broth plus the peppery kick is incredible. Order as soon as you arrive, then have a cup of hot broth while you wait—it is perfect.

The basic side dishes are radish kimchi and kimchi. They are clean-tasting and delicious.

A full table of mixed naengmyeon and ujeon

Mixed naengmyeon ₩13,000, ujeon ₩25,000.

First, the mixed naengmyeon arrived. It came out faster than a McDonald's burger, haha. I order the mixed version every time I come. It combines mul naengmyeon (cold noodle soup) and bibim naengmyeon (spicy mixed cold noodles)~~

The mixed naengmyeon comes topped with pork yukjeon (pan-fried egg-battered meat), radish kimchi, pear, and seasoning. Even I, someone who cannot handle spice well, can enjoy this level of heat; when it starts to feel a little spicy, just tame it with the hot broth. Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon's noodles are made with buckwheat from Jeju, with their own springy bite and texture. The flavor is different from other places too.

The ujeon arrived soon after. Such a generous spread~

The ujeon I keep ordering

I tried the ujeon before, loved it, and have kept ordering it ever since. The combination of beef and moist egg has a nutty richness that melts in your mouth. It is delicious on its own, but even better with naengmyeon, so I recommend adding one as a side 👍🏻

Galbitang (beef short-rib soup), a seasonal menu, also goes on sale from September 11, so I will have to come back to try it.

Jinju naengmyeon I crave in every season

I visit Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon whenever I go to my hometown of Jinju, and it is a great restaurant that has never disappointed me. It is somewhere I think of not only in hot summer but also in cold winter, and it is delicious whenever you visit, all year round~~ If you are looking for great Jinju naengmyeon, head to Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon ✨❗️