Myeondong Kyoja – Seoul’s Budget-Friendly Michelin Restaurant

Are you looking for great food in South Korea while on a budget? Look no further than Myeondong Kyoja, a must-visit restaurant in Seoul.

There is no better-known Korean restaurant than this one. A simple search on Google for must-try restaurants in Seoul, and I GUARANTEE this restaurant will show up on any list you find.

The value proposition is straightforward, a Michelin-approved restaurant where every dish is priced below 15 USD.

Myeongdong Kyoja (‘Kyoja’ means ‘dumplings’) was established in Myeongdong in 1966 and has since expanded to three locations. It earned its first Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2017 and has consistently won the award since. If you’re planning to visit the original restaurant, here are the details:

Myeongdong Kyoja Main Restaurant

Address: 29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Timings: 10:30 AM to 9 PM KST

Find Myeondong Kyoja on Google Maps

Visit their official website

Since it’s a popular spot, you might face a queue even on weekdays. I recommend weekdays post lunch before dinner if you want to avoid crowds.

Plan accordingly to avoid surprises!

The Menu

Myeondong Kyoja’s menu consists of only four items:

  1. Kalguksu: Knife-cut noodles with thick chicken broth and garnish.
  2. Mandu: Steamed dumplings stuffed with pork, vegetables, and leek, covered in sesame oil.
  3. Bibimguksu: Mixed noodles with kimchi and soy sauce, balancing spicy and sour flavours.
  4. Kongguksu: Also known as bean noodle or soymilk noodle soup, a summer delicacy.

Here’s what I thought:

The Review

Kalguksu – Knife-cut Noodles

Kalguksu is the signature dish of Myeondong Kyoja. For 8 USD (11,000 KRW), the portion size was huge. The large pot of hand-cut noodles in thick chicken broth was brimming with flavour, and I found bits of minced meat and wontons in the soup. It was delicious!

The soup was so flavourful that it was hard to stop. The noodles were hot and perfectly cooked. After tasting them, I understood their popularity. I visited in winter, and there’s no better dish than a warm bowl of noodles and soup on a cold evening.

Mandu – Pork Dumplings

Next up was Mandu, or Korean pork dumplings. Priced at 9 USD (12,000 KRW) for 10 plump dumplings, the soft and juicy texture of pork and vegetables was flavoured to perfection.

The stuffing had just the right amount, with a perfect balance of meat and fat. The stuffing-to-dumpling skin ratio was a winner! If you’re in Myeongdong, indulge in this delicacy.

Bibimguksu – Spicy Mixed Noodles

I also tried Bibimguksu, priced at 8 USD (11,000 KRW). These spicy mixed noodles, made from Somyeon (thin wheat noodles), were incredibly hot and flavourful.

Bibimguksu is wheat noodles with lots of kimchi. For those seeking a fiery food adventure, this is your dish. It was delicious but extremely spicy, so if you’re not into very hot food, you might not want to try this more than once. Even then, it’s worth experiencing.

Kongguksu - Cold Soy Milk Noodles

Kongguksu is a special dish available only during the warmer months in Seoul, from April to October. I missed out on it during my winter visit when it was unavailable, but I got the chance to try it when I visited again in the summer.

It comprises noodles made with chlorella, making them rich in amino acids while giving them their signature green color. They are served in cold soy milk, which might seem unusual and unappealing to some, but I found it thoroughly enjoyable.

As someone who was initially apprehensive about trying this dish, I can say it was a delightful surprise. The unique flavors and refreshing taste made it a memorable part of my summer visit.

Verdict: Myeongdong Kyoja is a Must-Visit.

In my opinion, Myeongdong Kyoja is worth visiting on your next trip to Seoul. Their menu offers a new yet comfortable cuisine. The Kalguksu is a warm hug that leaves you wanting more, the Mandu is a flavorful delight, and the Bibimguksu is perfect for those seeking a fiery food adventure with its incredibly hot and flavorful spicy mixed noodles. Additionally, the Kongguksu, available only during the warmer months, is a refreshing and unique experience. The restaurant lives up to its hype. Don’t miss this place when you visit South Korea!

If you’re visiting Seoul for the first time, check out my 2024 Essential Guide for First-Time Travellers to Seoul, South Korea, where I cover everything from the best time to visit, what passes you’ll need, what apps to download, and much more.

Stay tuned for more PHAT updates from South Korea!

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Steve Chong

food and travel Blogger

Hi there and welcome to the Phat Life Project a blog dedicated to helping you simplify your travels by showing you PHAT things to see, eat, do and try one city at a time

When I’m not travelling though I’m usually living the PHAT life in Sydney.

Phat (Adjective); Definition: Highly Gratifying

All my content is free to read and watch – I do not specifically get paid to write any articles or to travel

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