For those of us who work in the bustling office districts of Seoul, a great lunch can make the whole day better. But there was one place that always seemed just out of reach, a restaurant I had to give up on countless times: Wooyukmyungwan.
Located right in front of the famous Cheonggyecheon Stream as you head from Euljiro to Jongno, this spot always had a long line of people waiting outside. No matter how early I left the office, I always had to turn back.
However, I recently heard the fantastic news that the restaurant had expanded its space! With renewed hope, I rushed over the moment my lunch break started and finally got to taste what I had been dreaming of for so long. Here’s my story of a meal that was absolutely worth the wait.
A “Locals’ Favorite” Approved by the Michelin Guide for 4 Consecutive Years
Before I even looked at the menu, the official Michelin Guide plaques on the wall caught my eye. This restaurant has been featured in the guide every year from 2021 to 2024. Suddenly, the long lines made perfect sense, and my anticipation grew even stronger. I knew I was in for a treat.
A Perfect Harmony of Three Beef Cuts: The ‘Wooyukmyun Jin’ (眞)
I ordered their signature dish, the ‘Wooyukmyun Jin’ (眞), a rich beef noodle soup. The bowl arrived with three different cuts of beef—brisket, plate, and shank—beautifully arranged on top of the noodles in a milky-white broth.
The first sip was pure bliss. The broth was incredibly deep and savory, yet clean-tasting, warming me up from the inside out. The meat was so tender it practically melted in my mouth.
On the table, there was a guide on “How to Best Enjoy Your Wooyukmyun”:
- First, enjoy the soup in its original, pure state to appreciate the deep flavor.
- Next, add a spoonful of minced garlic to introduce a fresh, pungent kick.
- Finally, mix in chopped cilantro and lajang (spicy chili oil) for a fragrant, zesty, and more exotic flavor profile.
Following these steps was like eating three different dishes in one sitting. The base soup is so good that it serves as the perfect canvas for the other ingredients, with each addition creating a new and delicious experience. 😋
Bursting with Juice: The ‘Sugyo’ (Boiled Dumplings)
I couldn’t resist ordering a side of ‘Sugyo’ (boiled dumplings), and they did not disappoint. The dumpling skin was delightfully thin and chewy, and the inside was packed with a savory, juicy filling. Biting into one released a burst of hot, flavorful broth—it was the perfect companion to the noodle soup. I highly recommend ordering them together.
A Taste That Proves It’s Worth the Wait
As we left the restaurant, feeling completely satisfied, a long queue had already formed outside. It felt like a small victory knowing we had just narrowly missed it.
Now I understand completely why this restaurant is so loved and why I had to wait years to finally try it. Even now, as I write this and look at the photos, my mouth is watering again.
If you find yourself near Jongno, Euljiro, or the Cheonggyecheon Stream and are looking for an authentic, top-tier Korean beef noodle soup, do not hesitate. A visit to Wooyukmyungwan will reward you with a deep, comforting, and unforgettable flavor that is well worth any wait. Highly recommended!
We should be better for our children. 👍
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