Jinju Hundred-Year Store naengmyeon with vinegar sauce: Song Giwon

This is a Jinju naengmyeon (cold noodles) place I keep going back to, again and again, and I still think about it after. I've even run into acquaintances here before — it must really be one of the go-to naengmyeon spots in Jinju.

Today's happy crystal moment: I went with my sister, since it's been a while, for naengmyeon and yukjeon (pan-fried beef). When I asked what she wanted to eat, she said she wanted to try Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon, so off we went. And honestly, the easy parking alone makes this place great.

Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon, walking toward its 100th year.

A local favorite for Jinju naengmyeon — Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon's yukjeon

A place so good you keep coming back — definitely worth a visit if you're in Jinju~~ And you can't skip the yukjeon. That nutty, savory yukjeon you always end up ordering.

Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon is apparently one of the very first Hundred-Year Stores, run by the oldest surviving heir among the first-generation keepers of the tradition. Even coming back after a long time, it still feels just as comfortable — a real Jinju favorite. Here's my review of the naengmyeon and yukjeon.

Where is Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon Main Branch, and what are the hours?

Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon Main Branch is at 1-2 Modeok-ro 47beon-gil, Sangdae-dong 766-10, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do. It's open daily from 10:30 to 20:00, with a break time from 16:00 to 17:00, and last orders at 15:40 and 19:40.

• 1-2 Modeok-ro 47beon-gil, Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon Main Branch / Sangdae-dong 766-10, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do
• Daily 10:30 – 20:00
• 16:00 – 17:00 break time
• Last order 15:40, 19:40
• Group seating, takeout, separate men's/women's restrooms, Wi-Fi, parking available
• Zero Pay accepted

Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon Main Branch is well-known as a Sangdae-dong restaurant, one with waits for its naengmyeon, yukjeon, and galbitang (beef rib soup).

What the dining room at Song Giwon feels like

Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon Main Branch has a spacious interior divided into three separate table sections, so it's comfortable for a meal.

One wall is decorated with signatures from famous visitors. Confirms it — this is truly a Jinju naengmyeon favorite~~~ Cozy yet spacious inside, clean, and the staff were so friendly. A local favorite for Jinju naengmyeon where you can have a genuinely good meal, and where the yukjeon is delicious.

Ordering mul-naengmyeon, mixed naengmyeon and yukjeon

That day at Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon Main Branch, we ordered mul-naengmyeon (cold noodles in broth), seokkeo-naengmyeon (mixed cold noodles), and yukjeon. The seokkeo-naengmyeon, called Song Giwon 1997, is a mix of bibim and mul style — the umami and clean broth flavor are just art, honestly, it's what pulls me back every time~~~

• Mul-naengmyeon
• Seokkeo-naengmyeon
• Yukjeon

Hehe. Even now, just thinking about it, I'm craving Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon's yukjeon again — a real local favorite.

Beef yukjeon arrives first: three pieces

The yukjeon came out first. As expected, it had that nutty aroma with zero gamey smell whatsoever.

Three big, thick pieces of yukjeon~~~ I quickly cut them up and ate them while still warm — still nutty, clean, and mild in flavor.

The hot broth melted away the fatigue. One sip, a bite of yukjeon, and then the naengmyeon arrived quickly too — the table filled up fast.

Icy mul-naengmyeon vs seokkeo-naengmyeon

We ordered mul-naengmyeon with floating ice crystals and seokkeo-naengmyeon, and both looked so appetizing. As I get older, mul-naengmyeon has somehow become more and more delicious to me at some point.

Apparently the noodles are made by carefully selecting high-quality buckwheat from Jeju, roasting it, mixing the dough with 100-degree boiling water, then aging it.

There was plenty of yukjeon piled on top as a garnish, along with soft egg and pear~~~ They were generous with the pork loin yukjeon too, which made me so happy. I tried it plain first, to taste the broth's true flavor.

What the baekgeumcho vinegar sauce does to the broth

Today I tried adding the sauce. The umami was on point and the broth was so good. It's made with vinegar from baekgeumcho, so it's not sour but has a sweet edge, which I liked — I mixed it into the naengmyeon and, sure enough, the umami was incredible.

Is Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon worth a return visit?

A place with clean, friendly service — a local favorite for Jinju naengmyeon where the yukjeon is delicious, and somewhere I'd love to go back to. Parking right at the entrance is such a plus. Worth a visit if you're in Jinju.

The warm broth was outstanding too. Definitely order the yukjeon — it's mild and melts in your mouth. This is also a great spot for group get-togethers, family gatherings, or just eating out.