Dal-dong, Ulsan milmyeon restaurant, fermented stingray bibim: Samsam

Why is Ulsan so humid lately? Going outside is basically like walking into a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna). On days like this, a cold bowl of milmyeon is the only answer, so I searched for a milmyeon place in Dal-dong and ended up at Samsam Milmyeon Main Branch (삼삼밀면 본점).

The two of us ordered a large mul milmyeon, a bibim milmyeon and dumplings, and I'll give you the conclusion first: if you're ordering the bibim milmyeon, get the dumplings with it haha

Where is Samsam Milmyeon Main Branch, and is there parking?

Samsam Milmyeon Main Branch is at 7 Hwahap-ro 125beon-gil, Nam-gu, Ulsan, right behind the intercity bus terminal, so it's a handy stop on a trip or business visit to Ulsan.

There's plenty of parking too, so coming by car was easy.

Does Samsam Milmyeon serve warm broth?

Yes. Before the milmyeon arrives, warm broth comes out first. I think the warm broth matters quite a bit at a milmyeon place, and I always feel something is missing when it's not served, so I was glad Samsam Milmyeon gives it.

I took a sip and it was rich, with a big savory punch, like it warms up your stomach in advance. It was so good that I kept reaching for it throughout the meal.

How is the bibim milmyeon with fermented stingray? (₩9,000)

The bibim milmyeon at Samsam Milmyeon is ₩9,000 and was my main order that day. It's sweet and sour with a little spiciness creeping up at the end, and the seasoning isn't heavy, so I never got tired of it.

The nutty aroma of sesame oil hits your nose first, and the noodles are springy and well coated in the sauce.

There's also fermented stingray (gaori sikhae) mixed in, which is chewy and adds a savory depth every time you bite into it, giving the bibim milmyeon a lot more character.

👉 It's not salty and the flavor is balanced, so even people who usually get sick of bibim milmyeon and leave it unfinished would probably like it. But what was really good was having it with dumplings.

What about dumplings on top of the bibim milmyeon? (Dumplings ₩6,000)

The dumplings at Samsam Milmyeon are ₩6,000, with fairly thin wrappers, and when you bite in they're packed with filling. Eating them piled on the bibim milmyeon, the sweet-spicy sauce and the juice from the dumplings burst together, and they go really well.

Honestly, after finishing, I seriously considered ordering two more plates to take away haha So if you're getting the bibim milmyeon, I'd say the dumplings are almost a must.

How big and how good is the large mul milmyeon? (₩10,000)

The mul milmyeon at Samsam Milmyeon is ₩9,000 as standard, and for just ₩1,000 more you get this size. Here's why I didn't regret ordering the large: the broth with ice crystals floating in it looks refreshing at a glance, and a spoonful goes down tangy and clean.

It has almost none of that flour smell milmyeon sometimes has, so it felt even cleaner. You order by table order, and it was a nice touch that you can choose how much dadaegi (seasoned chili paste) you want and whether to have radish and cucumber.

Seating and facilities at Samsam Milmyeon Main Branch

Inside Samsam Milmyeon Main Branch, there are shoes-off floor seats and regular tables, so you can sit wherever you're comfortable. I saw some people dining alone, so eating solo looked easy too.

Above all, the staff were kind and attentive, which made the meal more pleasant. Takeout and groups are possible, and the restrooms are separate for men and women.

Verdict: dumplings with the bibim milmyeon

The two of us had a large mul milmyeon, a bibim milmyeon and dumplings at Samsam Milmyeon Main Branch, and everything was tasty, so we were satisfied. The stingray bibim milmyeon with dumplings is a combo I'd order again next time.

If you're craving a cold bowl of milmyeon and looking for a good milmyeon place in Dal-dong, it's worth a visit, and I especially recommend it to bibim milmyeon fans and anyone wanting a filling meal near the terminal.