Seoul's Top 3 Pyongyang Naengmyeon Restaurants - Woo Rae Oak: A Perfect Guide to 79 Years of Michelin-Recognized Tradition

Basic Store Information

Woo Rae Oak is a representative Pyongyang naengmyeon restaurant in Seoul that has maintained its consistent taste for 79 years since its opening in 1946. It has been selected for the Michelin Guide Seoul 2025 Bib Gourmand, making it an internationally recognized leader in Pyongyang naengmyeon.

Currently operated by President Jang Kyung-sun, the founder is the granddaughter of Kim Hee-soon, who taught Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, and hails from Daedong County, South Pyongan Province. After returning from evacuation during the Korean War and reopening the store, it was named Woo Rae Oak, meaning 'the house we returned to.'

Location and Accessibility

Address: 62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (118-1 Jugyo-dong)

Subway: Very accessible, just a 1-minute walk from Exit 4 of Euljiro 4-ga Station. Both Line 2 and Line 5 are available.

Bus: Take bus numbers 152, 202, or 261 and get off at Euljiro 5-ga stop, then walk 150m.

Exit the station and enter the alley where the CU convenience store is visible to find it easily. Caution is needed for vehicle traffic as the alley is narrow.

Operating Information

Business Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11:30~21:00 (Last Order 20:40)

Regular Holiday: Every Monday

Break Time: None (Continuous Operation)

Phone Number: 02-2265-0151

Parking and Reservation Information

Parking: Dedicated parking lot available (opposite the building)

• Valet parking service provided
• Parking Fee: 3,000 KRW for 3 hours (1,000 KRW per 10 minutes thereafter)
• Valet parking recommended due to narrow alley

Reservation Method:

• General Reservation: Available for 4 or more people, at least one week in advance by phone
• Tabling Remote Queue: Available from 1 PM on weekdays, 2 PM on weekends
• On-site Waiting: Number ticket issued at the kiosk in front of the store

Menu and Price Information

Signature Naengmyeon Menu

• Traditional Pyongyang Naengmyeon: 16,000 KRW
• Traditional Pyongyang Bibim Naengmyeon: 16,000 KRW
• Kimchi Marinated Naengmyeon: 16,000 KRW (Hidden Menu)
• Onmyeon: 16,000 KRW
• Extra Noodles: 8,000 KRW

Meat Menu

• Bulgogi: 42,000 KRW (Minimum order for 2 people)
• Galbi: 53,000 KRW (Per person)
• Yukhoe: Price varies
• Janggukbap: Price varies

The menu prices are 1,000~2,000 KRW more expensive than other Pyongyang naengmyeon places due to the use of Korean beef, but considering the ingredients and taste, it is reasonable.

Detailed Analysis of Signature Menu

Traditional Pyongyang Naengmyeon

Woo Rae Oak's Pyongyang naengmyeon is characterized by its broth made by boiling Korean beef brisket thoroughly. The broth is made solely from beef without mixing dongchimi broth, boasting a distinctly rich beef flavor compared to other Pyongyang naengmyeon places.

• Broth: Clean taste seasoned with Korean beef brisket + salt + soy sauce
• Noodles: Fresh noodles with high buckwheat content, chewy texture
• Toppings: Meat, radish, pear, kimchi
• Feature: Largest portion among Seoul's Pyongyang naengmyeon restaurants

Kimchi Marinated Naengmyeon (Hidden Menu)

This is a special menu unique to the main store, styled after what people from North Korea used to enjoy. It is a unique naengmyeon with finely chopped kimchi on top of regular Pyongyang naengmyeon and rice wrapped underneath, eaten with a spoon.

• Pyongyang Naengmyeon + Kimchi + Sesame Oil Seasoning + Rice
• Can be enjoyed heartily with rice until the end
• Accessible even for those who dislike Pyongyang naengmyeon

Bulgogi

Woo Rae Oak is as famous for its bulgogi as it is for its Pyongyang naengmyeon. You can enjoy it even more deliciously with the service of staff grilling it directly.

• Typical Seoul-style bulgogi
• Maintains unique grilling method
• Excellent juice and texture due to the use of Korean beef
• Best combination when ordered with naengmyeon

Store Environment and Atmosphere

Woo Rae Oak operates in a standalone building with two floors. It features a clean interior reminiscent of a high-end Korean restaurant and a classic atmosphere that exudes tradition.

• Size: Spacious and comfortable space consisting of 1st and 2nd floors
• Seating: Mainly table seating, group seating available
• Atmosphere: Elegant and authentic Korean restaurant vibe
• Age Group: Main clientele are middle-aged and older adults aged 40-70

Waiting and Usage Tips

Waiting Information

Due to its considerable popularity, waiting occurs during most time slots at Woo Rae Oak.

• Weekday Lunch: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Weekend: 1 to 2 hours
• Relatively Quiet Time: Weekdays from 3 to 4 PM

Waiting Tips

• Use the Tabling app for remote queuing in advance (from 1 PM on weekdays, 2 PM on weekends)
• Use the waiting area inside the store with air conditioning
• Gwangjang Market is nearby, allowing for productive use of waiting time
• Phone reservations recommended for groups of 4 or more

Payment and Service Information

• Payment Method: Prepayment for naengmyeon and other meal menus, post-payment for meat orders
• Payment Options: Both cash and card accepted
• Service: Basic side dishes (kimchi, radish kimchi), buckwheat noodle water provided
• Additional Service: Staff grills meat directly

Visit Guide for Different Situations

For Pyongyang Naengmyeon Beginners

Woo Rae Oak is recommended for beginners of Pyongyang naengmyeon. It has a stronger seasoning and richer beef flavor than other Pyongyang naengmyeon places, making it suitable for first-timers.

If You Want to Enjoy with Meat

A hearty meal can be enjoyed with 2 servings of bulgogi (84,000 KRW) + 2 Pyongyang naengmyeon (32,000 KRW).

For Solo Dining or Light Meal

Kimchi Marinated Naengmyeon or Janggukbap is recommended. Especially, Kimchi Marinated Naengmyeon is filling as it contains rice.

Precautions and Notes

• Waiting: Be prepared for extreme waiting during peak season or weekends
• Price: More expensive than regular naengmyeon places
• Parking: Valet parking recommended due to narrow alley
• Reservation: Reservations not available for small groups, only on-site waiting
• Extra Noodles: Although the portion is large, extra noodles can be added

Recent Changes

As of 2024, the following changes have occurred:

• Closure of Daechi-dong Gangnam Branch (December 2020)
• Parking fee introduced (3,000 KRW for 3 hours)
• Introduction of Tabling remote queuing system
• Selected for Michelin Guide Seoul 2025 Bib Gourmand

Overall Evaluation and Recommendation

Woo Rae Oak is a Pyongyang naengmyeon master with 79 years of tradition, loved by many for its rich beef flavor, firm noodles, and generous portions. Although the price is somewhat high and the waiting time is long, it offers taste and service worthy of being selected for the Michelin Guide.

It is highly recommended for beginners of Pyongyang naengmyeon or those who prefer rich broth, and the unique Kimchi Marinated Naengmyeon is worth trying at least once.