The Most Polarizing Food in Korea: Pyongyang Nangmyeon

Name:
Pyeongnaeok

Location:
Main location
21-1 Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
https://goo.gl/maps/iS42ZYihS1FUS16cA

Yeouido location
24, Gukjegeumyung-ro 2-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
https://goo.gl/maps/RYV2QZsyRyRGJV1w8


SeOUL FOOD Google Maps list:
https://goo.gl/maps/Xk84bXTje6CnXe3i9

Pyongyang naengmyeon is one of the most polarizing foods in Korea. Some people hate it because it’s too bland, but others love its “deep flavor” that comes after the blandness. I used to be one of the haters.
One day, I was sitting at Starbucks across from Pyeongnaeok near the Myeon-dong area when I saw through the window people start lining up to get in the restaurant. I had had 2 disappointing Pyongyang naengmyeon experiences already and never thought I would eat it one more time. And I hadn’t even known the restaurant was there.
But the people lining up there somehow made me want to join the ranks. I only have had Pyongyang naengmyeon out of their menu items, but I really enjoyed it, and it was a whole new food experience. They also serve a small dish of complimentary cold spicy chicken as a side, which was really good and a whole new food experience as well.
Their Pyongyang naengmyeon is 14,000 won (about 10.88 U.S. dollars including tax and no tips are required in Korea), which is not expensive for a Pyongyang naengmyeon. It’s almost twice the price of ordinary naengmyeon but I think it is worth the higher price.
Pyongyang naengmyeon is, even to me, uniquely Korean. I think it should be really hard to find any Pyongyang naengmyeon places or any similar food outside of Korea. If you’re in Korea and want to have a unique food experience, try Pyongyang naengmyeon. If you do, I recommend this restaurant, Pyeongnaeok.