Yangjae noodle shop: dongchimi makguksu with pollack hoe, Seonbawi

Why Seonbawi Memil Jangteo for a hot-day lunch near Yangjaesiminuisup Station?

Seonbawi Memil Jangteo Yangjae Branch (선바위메밀장터 양재점) is a makguksu (cold buckwheat noodle) restaurant near Yangjaesiminuisup Station that I visited while looking for a cool, clean lunch on a hot, humid day. When the temperature and humidity climb together like this, you naturally crave something cold and refreshing. When I'm deciding on lunch, I especially want something light that sits easy on the stomach.

This place fits those conditions perfectly. Seonbawi Memil Jangteo is already known as a makguksu favorite around Seonbawi in Gwacheon, and when I heard it had recently opened a new branch near Yangjaesiminuisup Station, I went to see for myself.

Let me give you the conclusion first: it was a very satisfying lunch for a hot day, and if you love the true taste of buckwheat, you will likely be happy here.

Seonbawi Memil Jangteo Yangjae Branch: location, hours and parking

Seonbawi Memil Jangteo Yangjae Branch is about a 3-minute walk from Exit 2 of Yangjaesiminuisup Station on the Shinbundang Line, and it is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00 with no break time. There is parking for about 4 cars in front of the restaurant.

• Address: 15-11 Gangnam-daero 18-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
• Hours: Daily 09:00–21:00 (no break time)
• Location: About 3 minutes on foot from Exit 2, Yangjaesiminuisup Station (Shinbundang Line)
• Parking: About 4 cars in front of the restaurant

It's within walking distance of the station, so access is very good. It doesn't stray far from the station, yet it sits back in an alley, so it's less hectic, and I was impressed by how calm the atmosphere stays for a meal.

A Yangjae lunch spot with no break time

Another plus is that Seonbawi Memil Jangteo Yangjae Branch has no break time. If you work in Yangjae you'll know the feeling: when you want to eat a little outside the lunch rush, there often isn't anywhere to go. Here you can visit without worrying about time limits, which makes it very handy.

What do 100% buckwheat house-made noodles taste like?

The biggest feature of Seonbawi Memil Jangteo is its 100% pure buckwheat and in-house noodle making. Many makguksu places these days mix in wheat flour or starch for texture, but Seonbawi focuses on bringing out the true flavor of buckwheat. The noodles are pulled when you order, so they are fresh, and when you actually eat them you can taste a texture and aroma that differ from ordinary makguksu.

They aren't overly chewy; instead they keep that soft, nutty texture typical of buckwheat. This may be hit or miss for some people, but personally it felt like "really eating buckwheat," and I liked that.

Seonbawi Memil Jangteo menu and the pollack hoe suyuk

The signature dishes at Seonbawi Memil Jangteo Yangjae Branch are three: dongchimi makguksu (noodles in icy radish water kimchi broth), perilla oil makguksu, and pollack hoe makguksu. They also have the following.

• Signature dishes: dongchimi makguksu, perilla oil makguksu, pollack hoe makguksu
• Memil soba (buckwheat soba)
• Pollack hoe suyuk (sliced boiled pork with seasoned pollack)
• Chicken baeksuk (whole chicken soup) / spicy chicken stew / jjimdak (braised chicken)

With so many dishes, there's plenty to choose from. What stood out was that most tables were ordering the pollack hoe suyuk too. When you visit, it feels almost mandatory, so if it's your first time, I recommend ordering it alongside.

How to eat dongchimi makguksu (₩11,000): vinegar and pollack hoe on top

The dongchimi makguksu at Seonbawi Memil Jangteo costs ₩11,000, and it tasted much better with a little vinegar added and pollack hoe-muchim (spicy seasoned pollack) on top. It's the dish that suits summer best. The dongchimi broth, with ice floating in it, feels refreshingly cold from the first bite, and the overall flavor is mild and clean.

The buckwheat noodles have a fine texture yet slide down softly, and the portion is generous, so one bowl fills you up. I added a little vinegar myself, and the acidity really woke up my appetite.

Another tip is to put the pollack hoe-muchim on top. Eating it that way brings out the savory depth and makes the flavor much richer.

Overall it was a taste that isn't harsh yet keeps you reaching for more. On hot days, this style of food seems far more satisfying. The mild buckwheat, the coolness of the dongchimi and the richness of the suyuk came together into an easy, comfortable meal.

Is Seonbawi Memil Jangteo Yangjae Branch worth a return visit?

Rather than just calling it a "makguksu favorite," it suits Seonbawi Memil Jangteo Yangjae Branch better to say it's a place where you can really enjoy the true taste of buckwheat. Add the no-break-time hours, the clean, spacious interior and the reliable food quality, and it's likely to stay a popular lunch spot near Yangjaesiminuisup Station.

Especially in summer, I was happy enough that I'd definitely want to come back, and if it's your first visit, I recommend trying the dongchimi makguksu plus pollack hoe suyuk combination.