Mixed cold noodle lunch on 419 Café Street, Suyu: Iseol Myeonok

Iseol Myeonok Suyu Main Branch has held its spot in Suyu-dong, Gangbuk, for over 20 years as a trusted Hamhung-style naengmyeon (cold noodles) and old-style bulgogi restaurant. The Iseol Myeonok brand has been running since 2005. Our restaurant carries the cooking philosophy of our owner-chef, a certified Korean food master, always delivering deep, refined flavors built from real hand-made skill. Backed by numerous awards — including the Presidential Award, National Assembly Speaker's Award, Seoul Mayor's Award, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Commissioner's Award, and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Award — we cook every dish with authenticity and care.

— From the Iseol Myeonok Suyu Main Branch introduction —

Iseol Myeonok Suyu opening hours and parking

• Hours: Daily 10:30–21:00 (last order 20:30)
• Parking: Available
• Notes: Baby chairs available, group seating possible

Where is Iseol Myeonok? On 419 Café Street, near Bukhansan

Iseol Myeonok Suyu Main Branch sits on 419 Café Street right beside 4.19 National Cemetery Park. I love Hamhung-style naengmyeon, so while hunting for a good cold noodle spot I found Iseol Myeonok and decided to check it out. It's a great stop either after hiking Bukhansan or for a meal before heading up — even on a weekday lunch, the place was pretty packed.

Iseol Myeonok menu and prices

Besides Hamhung naengmyeon, the menu also includes warm noodle soup, bulgogi, mandu soup, gukbap (rice soup), galbitang, and galbijjim.

• Wang galbitang ₩17,000
• Seokkeo naengmyeon ₩14,000
• Mul naengmyeon ₩12,000
• Wang mandu ₩6,000

Mul naengmyeon (cold noodles in broth), 12,000 won

The mul naengmyeon comes in a clean, refreshing broth topped with egg and garnish. It's clean and delicious enough to represent what a great Hamhung naengmyeon restaurant should taste like. If you love naengmyeon, this is a must-visit!

Seokkeo naengmyeon, 14,000 won: hoe and bibim naengmyeon in one bowl

Seokkeo naengmyeon combines hoe naengmyeon (raw fish cold noodles) and bibim naengmyeon (spicy mixed cold noodles) in a single bowl. I was torn between ordering hoe naengmyeon or bibim naengmyeon, so I went with the mixed version instead. I loved that there was plenty of the glossy bibim sauce, so I got to enjoy that shiny, well-coated bibim naengmyeon flavor too. Confirmed naengmyeon spot!

Wang galbitang (short rib soup), 17,000 won

The wang galbitang arrives in a hot bowl, still bubbling away. There were three whole rib pieces in it! With glass noodles and vegetables mixed in, it's great to eat together. Add a bowl of rice and mix it in, and the whole thing disappears in no time!

Wang mandu (big dumplings), 6,000 won

The wang mandu (dumplings) are great dipped in the sauce for extra savory flavor. The wrapper is thin and soft, which makes me think they're handmade.

Is Iseol Myeonok worth the price?

Naengmyeon is one of those menus that's great when you want a light, easy meal, right? But it's disappointing when the naengmyeon you order just isn't very good. At Iseol Myeonok, you're guaranteed a genuinely tasty bowl. Next time you're craving good naengmyeon, remember Iseol Myeonok :p