Weekday lunch: eggplant rice bowl and beef noodles in Jongno

[Gwanghwamun beef noodle spot] A review of Cheonghwa Uyuk Dosakmyeon, where deep, rich knife-cut noodles and dim sum steal the show

Why we picked noodles for lunch in Gwanghwamun

On a clear day, I set up plans with a friend for a little outing to Gwanghwamun just to shake off the mood. After a busy morning at work, lunchtime hunger hits fast no matter what. While deciding what to eat, I thought of my friend who especially loves noodle dishes and Chinese food, so we headed to a place I'd scouted out beforehand.

This time we visited a beef noodle spot near Gwanghwamun that really delivers authentic mainland flavor and chewy texture: Cheonghwa Uyuk Dosakmyeon. It's already well known by word of mouth among office workers in the area, and thanks to the clean, exotic-looking exterior and the line of people waiting, we could spot it easily from a distance.

Atmosphere and seating

Stepping inside, the interior was clean and well kept. The lighting was warm, and with seating spread across two floors, it was clear why office workers pack in and trust this place. Personally, I think it would also make a great weekend or dinner date spot in Gwanghwamun without feeling like too much. Apparently on weekends and evenings, couples on dates and groups of coworkers unwinding with a drink after work often stop by too.

What we ordered

Scanning the menu, it was packed with options starting from the signature uyuk dosakmyeon, plus yubal dosakmyeon, guobaorou (sweet and sour pork), yulinji (crispy chicken with sauce), and a variety of carefully steamed dim sum. We ordered the must-try signature uyuk dosakmyeon along with xiaolongbao as a good side. We also got the fish-fragrant eggplant rice bowl — the eggplant looks just like french fries, and honestly, it's delicious.

Uyuk dosakmyeon: the broth and beef shank

Not long after ordering, the steaming, appetizing dishes were neatly set down. Just the sight of it before eating was enough to sharpen the appetite. I tried the broth first with a spoon. Built on a richly simmered bone base, it had a flavor unlike anything I'd tasted before, deep and refreshing at once. The thick chunks of beef shank were so tender they practically melted in the mouth — genuinely impressive.

The texture of knife-cut noodles

What stood out most was that these are traditional dosakmyeon, noodles cut straight from the dough with a knife, so the thickness varies and gives them a unique chewiness. The broth's seasoning soaked all the way through the noodles, so every bite burst with savory flavor. The broth wasn't overwhelmingly heavy, just refreshing enough to fill you up — perfect for a Gwanghwamun lunch or even as a hangover cure.

Xiaolongbao and dosakmyeon together

The xiaolongbao that came alongside was also well made. Freshly steamed and packed with juice, the pork filling was springy and delicious. A bite of chewy, punchy dosakmyeon followed by a bite of light dim sum made for a perfect pairing.

Hearty noodles, juicy dim sum, and a pleasant atmosphere — all three came together perfectly here. If you're looking for something special and delicious in Chinese food near Gwanghwamun, I strongly recommend a visit to Cheonghwa Uyuk Dosakmyeon, a Gwanghwamun beef noodle spot with irresistible flavor!