Korean Naengmyeon is a representative summer dish in Korean cuisine, characterized by cold noodles served in a chilled broth or with a spicy sauce. The noodles are primarily made from buckwheat flour, but they can also be made with a mix of starch or wheat flour. There are various types of naengmyeon depending on the region and preparation method, with Pyongyang Naengmyeon and Hamheung Naengmyeon being the most popular.
Pyongyang Naengmyeon
- Features: Pyongyang Naengmyeon uses noodles made primarily from buckwheat and is often enjoyed as mul naengmyeon (cold noodles in broth). The broth is usually made from beef or chicken, providing a clear and refreshing taste.
- Flavor: The broth has a mild and clean flavor, while the noodles are soft and not too chewy.
- Toppings: It is typically garnished with sliced meat, pear, cucumber, radish kimchi, and a boiled egg.
- History: Originating from Pyongyang in North Korea, it was traditionally a winter delicacy.
Hamheung Naengmyeon
- Features: Hamheung Naengmyeon uses noodles made from potato or sweet potato starch and is often enjoyed as bibim naengmyeon (spicy mixed noodles). The noodles are very chewy and elastic.
- Flavor: The sauce is based on gochujang (Korean red chili paste) and is very spicy and sweet.
- Toppings: It is typically topped with raw fish (usually skate) or yukhoe (raw beef), cucumber, and pear.
- History: Originating from Hamheung in North Korea, it is popular among those who enjoy spicy flavors.
Other Types of Naengmyeon
- Jinju Naengmyeon: Originating from Jinju in Gyeongsangnam-do, this naengmyeon is served in beef broth and garnished with grilled eel.
- Hwanghaedo-style Naengmyeon: This naengmyeon from the Hwanghae-do region uses dongchimi (radish water kimchi) broth, giving it a cool and tangy taste.
- Milmyeon: A type of naengmyeon popular in Busan, made with wheat flour noodles. The broth is usually made from beef bones or chicken, and it comes in both bibim (mixed with spicy sauce) and mul (in broth) versions.
Preparation of Naengmyeon
- Cooking the Noodles: The noodles are boiled in water for a certain amount of time. After boiling, they are rinsed several times in cold water to remove the starch and to cool them down.
- Preparing the Broth: The broth can be made from beef, chicken, or pork, boiled and then cooled. Sometimes dongchimi broth or beef bone broth is used.
- Making the Sauce: For bibim naengmyeon, a sauce is made from gochujang, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
- Adding Toppings: The noodles are garnished with boiled meat, egg, cucumber, pear, and kimchi.
Popularity and Culture of Naengmyeon
- Summer Delight: Naengmyeon is a beloved dish during the hot summer months, offering a cool and refreshing meal.
- Healthy Option: Noodles made from buckwheat are easy to digest and highly nutritious, making naengmyeon a popular healthy choice.
- Variety and Innovation: Beyond traditional naengmyeon, there are many modern variations, allowing for a wide range of flavors and experiences.
Naengmyeon is cherished not only by Koreans but also by many international tourists, thanks to its diverse flavors and refreshing qualities.
Seokchon Naengmyeon in Uijeongbu is a specialty restaurant located at 957 Songsan-ro, Uijeongbu-si. This restaurant is particularly famous for serving charcoal-grilled meat alongside their naengmyeon (Korean cold noodles). The charm of Seokchon Naengmyeon lies in its variety of dishes, the delicious broth that can be refilled endlessly, and convenient parking facilities.
Main Menu
- Types of Naengmyeon
- Mul Naengmyeon: Traditional cold noodles served in a refreshing and clear broth.
- Bibim Naengmyeon: Cold noodles served with a spicy sauce.
- Meat Menu
- Charcoal-grilled Meat: Meat grilled over charcoal that is served with the naengmyeon.
- Soups and Stews
- Wang Galbitang: A rich and deep-flavored short rib soup.
- Seolleongtang: A mild and clean-tasting ox bone soup.
- Jangteo Gukbap: A hearty soup with various ingredients.
- Side Dishes
- Wang Mandu: Large dumplings filled generously.
- Memil Jeonbyeong: Slightly spicy buckwheat pancakes.
Features
- Delicious Broth: The broth at Seokchon Naengmyeon is known to be exceptionally delicious and can be refilled unlimitedly at the self-bar.
- Meat Service: When you order naengmyeon, you get charcoal-grilled meat, which pairs perfectly with the noodles.
- Generous Portions: The portion sizes, especially for the bibim naengmyeon, are quite generous, ensuring you feel satisfied.
- Variety of Side Dishes: There are several side dishes like large dumplings and spicy buckwheat pancakes to complement the naengmyeon.
- Convenient Location: It is conveniently located on the right side after passing Gosan District from Mangadae Intersection in Uijeongbu towards Byeollae, Namyangju, making it easy to find.
- Easy Parking: The restaurant has convenient parking, making it easy for visitors to park their cars.
Customer Reviews
Seokchon Naengmyeon has received positive reviews from many visitors. The combination of naengmyeon with charcoal-grilled meat is particularly praised, and the unlimited refills of the delicious broth add to the satisfaction. Additionally, there is a bakery café near the Suraksan Valley, about a 5-minute drive away, which is a nice place to visit after enjoying a meal.
Summary
Seokchon Naengmyeon in Uijeongbu offers a unique dining experience with its delicious naengmyeon served with charcoal-grilled meat. The variety of menu options, convenient location, and the endless refills of the tasty broth make it a popular choice among many diners.