Hong Memil at Meokgol Station – Galbitang and Mul Memil Noodles
Just a one-minute walk from Exit 7 of Meokgol Station in Jungnang-gu, Seoul, you’ll find a cozy spot called Hong Memil x Jin Galbitang. The place is known for its hearty beef short rib soup (galbitang) and refreshing cold buckwheat noodles (mul memil guksu).
📍 Address: 1F, 7 Dongil-ro 163-gil, Jungnang-gu, Seoul
🕒 Hours: Typically open daily (check on-site for updates)
First Impressions
The restaurant has a clean, casual atmosphere. One thing that stood out right away was the self-serve beef broth station. The broth was rich and aromatic, and I ended up drinking two cups before my main dish even arrived—it was that good.
The side dishes were simple but effective: just two kinds, pickled radish and white kimchi, both of which paired nicely with the main meal. Unlike some self-serve banchan places, here you can request more from the staff if you need refills. Chopsticks and spoons are individually wrapped at the table, which shows they pay attention to hygiene.
Mul Memil Guksu (Cold Buckwheat Noodles)
I ordered the mul memil guksu, a cold buckwheat noodle soup. At first glance, the broth looked slightly red—it had been seasoned with a spicy chili paste (daedeagi), which gave it a bold, flavorful kick. As someone who enjoys a little heat in my food, this was right up my alley.
The toppings were thoughtful: strips of egg garnish, fresh vegetables, and even a thin slice of beef wrapped in egg batter (similar to yukjeon, or pan-fried beef in egg coating). It wasn’t flashy, but it gave the dish more substance than the average buckwheat noodle bowl.
The broth leaned toward the strong side, likely influenced by the chili seasoning and sesame oil (or perilla oil). It was hearty yet refreshing—a nice twist from the more plain style of traditional naengmyeon or memil guksu.
Price and Value
At 10,000 KRW per bowl, it’s a bit pricier than a typical cold buckwheat noodle dish in Seoul, but the richness of the broth and the quality of the toppings made it worthwhile. If you’re only familiar with the standard makguksu (another style of buckwheat noodles from Gangwon-do), this place is a good opportunity to try something different.
What Makes It Worth Visiting
- Specialty in galbitang and buckwheat noodles – two classic Korean comfort foods.
- Rich self-serve broth – a nice touch that makes the wait enjoyable.
- Clean and mindful service – individually wrapped utensils for hygiene.
- Convenient location – only one minute from Meokgol Station Exit 7.
If you’re in the neighborhood and want a satisfying Korean meal, Hong Memil x Jin Galbitang is worth a try.
