Pyeongchang buckwheat restaurant with a spoonful of vinegar: Migayeon

If you're traveling through Pyeongchang, Gangwon, you can't skip Bongpyeong, the hometown of buckwheat. Wanting to try proper buckwheat cooking while in the area, I headed to Bongpyeong Memil Migayeon (봉평메밀미가연).

If you're traveling through Pyeongchang, Gangwon, you can't skip Bongpyeong, the hometown of buckwheat. Wanting to try proper buckwheat cooking while in the area, I headed to Bongpyeong Memil Migayeon.

What kind of restaurant is Bongpyeong Memil Migayeon?

What made this place feel special above all was that it's truly serious about buckwheat. They blend bitter and sweet buckwheat themselves and hand-cut the noodles on site every day. The signature menu is built entirely around buckwheat too, centered on the 100% buckwheat mul-guksu (cold buckwheat noodle soup) and the 100% beef tartare bibim guksu (mixed buckwheat noodles).

How do the 100% buckwheat noodles taste?

So I thought this would be worth a visit for anyone hunting for a Pyeongchang makguksu spot. Once the food arrived and I took the first bite, the nutty, earthy flavor of buckwheat filled my mouth. The noodles were heavier and more savory than I expected, and the more I chewed, the more the buckwheat's nutty flavor came through. Knowing the noodles were 100% buckwheat made me trust the dish even more, and I think that's part of why I enjoyed the bowl so much.

The staff were genuinely kind too. They explained exactly how to eat each dish for the best flavor, so even as first-time visitors we could enjoy everything without any trouble.

One spoonful of vinegar in the bibim guksu

The bibim guksu (mixed noodles) is delicious on its own, but a staff member told us it's even better with about a spoonful of vinegar mixed in, to taste. Following her advice, I stirred in a little vinegar and the seasoning came alive even more, adding a tangy note that made it really tasty.

Buckwheat jeonbyeong and jeon at Migayeon

The buckwheat jeonbyeong (rolled buckwheat wrap) was also unmissable — the earthy flavor of the buckwheat paired nicely with the chewy texture of the wrap, and it went well alongside the noodles. Ordering the jeon (savory pancake) as well let us taste several buckwheat dishes in one sitting, which made the meal even more satisfying.

Run by a certified master of buckwheat cooking

And talking about Bongpyeong Memil Migayeon wouldn't be complete without mentioning the owner. The owner is a recognized master of buckwheat cooking who has studied it for years, working to spread the value of buckwheat and develop new buckwheat dishes. After tasting the food myself, I could really feel the deep affection and pride behind it, which left a strong impression.

Parking, seating and waiting at Bongpyeong Memil Migayeon

The restaurant was convenient to use too. There's ample parking for those arriving by car, and seating is generous, so it looked comfortable for families or group visits. I also liked that there's a proper waiting area for when the restaurant gets busy, so you can wait comfortably even if there's a line.

Worth another stop on a Pyeongchang trip

So this is a place I'd recommend to anyone searching for good restaurants in Pyeongchang, Gangwon, or near Phoenix Park. If you want to really taste the nutty flavor of buckwheat in Bongpyeong, it's worth a visit.

If you're looking for a local favorite in Pyeongchang or a good makguksu restaurant, remember Bongpyeong Memil Migayeon, where you can taste 100% buckwheat in the buckwheat's hometown. From the nutty, earthy noodles to the bibim guksu, jeonbyeong, and jeon, it was a place I enjoyed thoroughly — and thanks to the staff's friendly explanations, the meal felt even more pleasant. It's stayed in my memory as a place I'd like to visit again on my next trip to Pyeongchang.

• 📍 Bongpyeong Memil Migayeon, Pyeongchang, Gangwon
• Address: 108 Gipung-ro, Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon, South Korea
• Hours: Thu–Tue 10:00–17:00
• Closed every Wednesday