The Ultimate Pyongyang Naengmyeon Spot in Hongdae - Discover the True Taste of Buckwheat at Seogwan Myeonok

Today, it's the place that's been all over Instagram!

I finally visited Seogwan Myeonok Hongdae branch, which my friend recommended as 'truly delicious'! Honestly, I haven't had Pyongyang Naengmyeon that often, so I was half worried and half excited, but to sum it up, it was absolutely amazing ㅠㅠ

The location is on the first floor of Nudite Hongdae, so it's really easy to find! About a 10-minute walk from Hongdae Station? But the best part here is that there's parking available! How rare is it to find a place with parking in Hongdae, haha. You get 1 hour free if you dine, so it's a great deal!

The moment I walked in and thought, wow... this is a real gem

As soon as you enter, the ceiling is incredibly high and spacious, giving an amazing sense of openness. The interior feels modern yet warm, with a luxurious yet comfortable atmosphere. And the most striking feature is the huge millstone!

They say they grind 100% pure buckwheat from Jeju every morning to make the noodles here. You can really feel the dedication! Maybe that's why they serve buckwheat tea at the table, with floating buckwheat grains that are so cute and nutty, I kept drinking it, haha.

Smart waiting avoidance by targeting break time

I went around 5 PM on a weekday, and there were quite a few people. But since 3-5 PM is break time, arriving right at 5 PM meant I could get in without waiting! Tips like this are essential, haha.

Finally, the Pyongyang Naengmyeon is here, and this is the taste!

The Pyongyang Naengmyeon is finally here! Wow... it's truly a work of art. The noodles are thick with the characteristic grayish-brown color of buckwheat, and they break easily, which is a feature. At first, I thought, 'Huh? The noodles break?' but it turns out that's a characteristic of pure buckwheat noodles!

The broth is really clean yet deep in flavor. It's not overpowering but subtle, and maybe because it's made with Korean beef, it has a really luxurious taste. At first, it seemed mild, but the more you eat, the more addictive it becomes.

Adding a bit of kelp vinegar in the middle really enhances the umami! There's also a guide on the table for 'How to enjoy Pyongyang Naengmyeon,' and this is the recommended method. You should always trust the pros, haha.

The truly touching Korean beef boiled slices

I felt it would be a shame to only have naengmyeon, so I ordered the Korean beef boiled slices, and it was amazing! The meat is so tender and mild yet has a refined taste. When you dip it in soy sauce with the green onions underneath... it's truly heavenly ㅠㅠ

It tastes even better with pickled peppers. It's a perfect match with the naengmyeon! They really know how to make boiled slices here.

Special menu - The challenge of Eobok Jangban

Seogwan Myeonok is also famous for Eobok Jangban, so I definitely want to try it next time! Even just from the photos, it looks so hearty and delicious. It's a traditional Pyongyang dish with various parts of Korean beef, so next time I'll come with friends to share it.

The perfect lunch special with great value and atmosphere

They also have the Seogwan Myeonsang (lunch special)! Naengmyeon + boiled slices + pancake + seasonal side dishes + dessert for 18,000 won... isn't this an amazing deal? It's limited to 20 people per day, so it seems you have to go early.

Seogwan Myeonok Hongdae Branch Information

📍 Address: 41 World Cup Buk-ro 5-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Nudite Hongdae 1st floor)

⏰ Business hours: 11:00~21:00 (Break time 15:00~17:00)

🚗 Parking: 1-hour free underground parking

📞 Phone: 0507-1379-5735

💰 Pyongyang Naengmyeon 16,000 won, Seogwan Myeonsang 18,000 won

Honest overall review - 200% willingness to revisit

I realized why they've won the Blue Ribbon Survey for 6 consecutive years. Even as a Pyongyang Naengmyeon novice, I thought, 'Ah, this is the real taste!' and got completely hooked.

What I liked:

✅ The truly nutty taste of 100% Jeju buckwheat
✅ Clean and luxurious Korean beef broth
✅ Spacious and comfortable store atmosphere
✅ Rare parking availability in Hongdae
✅ Thoughtful side dishes
✅ Friendly service

What could be improved:

❌ Possibility of waiting even on weekdays
❌ Prices are a bit high (but understandable considering the quality)

Next time, I definitely want to try Eobok Jangban and Bibim Naengmyeon! I also want to bring my parents. It seems like a refined Korean meal that they'll really enjoy.

Places to explore nearby

In the Nudite Hongdae building where Seogwan Myeonok is located, there's also the Terarosa Cafe and various brand shops, making it great for exploring after a meal. The Hongdae streets are right nearby, so it's perfect for a post-meal walk!

It was truly a 'completely satisfying' meal after a long time. My prejudice against Pyongyang Naengmyeon is completely gone, and I think I'll become a regular at Seogwan Myeonok, haha. Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy authentic naengmyeon in Hongdae! 🙌