Myeongdong Kyoja Main Restaurant

This Kalguksu (chopped noodle) restaurant has been in business for over 50 consecutive years. Formally named Jansugang in 1964 , Myeongdong Kalguksu in 1966 and finally Myeongdong Kyoja in 1978, this restaurant prides itself on only having only 2 highly successful stores dedicated to making the best of chopped Korean noodles. Now, the staple restaurants are considered Myeondong’s soul food by many of its devotees who stand in line regardless the time or weather to get their filling of noodles and dumplings.

Or, you can never go wrong with Myeongdong Kyoja: its kalguksu are some of the best knife-cut noodles in Seoul. When I’m in Haebangchon, a stop at either Morococo or Casablanca Sandwicherie is almost mandatory for me. This restaurant duo – located opposite one another – is run by the same owner, and they serve up some of the tastiest North African bites in the city: dig into Moroccan-spiced chicken, lamb, shrimp and vegan plates at Morococo, or indulge sandwich-style at Casablanca.

Then pull up a chair at Myeongdong Kyoja and tuck into a bowl of kalguksu, hand-cut wheat flour noodles served in a hot, savory broth. Serving this Korean classic dish as well as highly addictive dumplings for more than half a century now, the restaurant is popular with both tourists and Seoulites alike. If you’re particularly hungry, ask for a complimentary refill of rice or noodles, and slurp away like a local.

Though it’s doled out all across the city, Myeongdong Kyoja has been serving up some of the best since 1966. (You can even ask for a free second helping of noodles.) And for sluggish mornings following late nights, a bowl of gamjatang (spicy pork bone soup) from Seongsu-dong’s Somunnan Gamjatang, a standby hangover remedy that’s open 24 hours, will fix you right up.

The restaurant’s signature dish is kalguksu, a hearty soup with chicken broth, hand-cut noodles, minced meat, dumplings, and vegetables. Also on offer is kongguksu, a cooling soup of soymilk broth and nutrient-rich chlorella noodles that’s perfect for summer. On the other end of the spectrum is guksu, a wheat-noodle dish coated with spicy red-pepper paste.

Kalguksu is the primary delight here, a noodle soup topped with ground chicken and pork wontons. So tender are the hand-cut noodles, so rich the chicken-bone broth, I could eat it every day for the rest of my life, as long as I could also have an order of mandoo, steamed pork dumplings that taste like a leaner version of Shanghai soup dumplings.

Myeongdong Kyoja, situated in the bustling Myeongdong shopping district, offers a more casual dining experience but is no less famous than its Michelin-starred counterparts. Renowned for its addictive, garlicky “kalguksu” (handmade knife-cut noodle soup) and “mandu” (Korean dumplings), this restaurant has been satisfying the appetites of locals and tourists alike for over 50 years. Its unwavering popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of well-made, comforting food that speaks the universal language of taste and satisfaction.

Among the gems in this culinary landscape is Myeongdong Kyoja, a Michelin-rated restaurant established in 1966. Renowned for its delicious kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) and flavorful mandu (dumplings), this establishment has perfected the art of serving authentic Korean dishes that appeal to both locals and tourists. The must-try kalguksu offers a comforting bowl of thick, chewy noodles paired with a clear broth, rich in flavors and nutrients, allowing diners to immerse themselves in true Korean flavors.

Established in 1966, Myeongdong Kyoja is a family-run eatery renowned for its Kalguksu (hand-cut noodle soup), a dish they claim to have pioneered. This humble restaurant, featured in the Michelin Bib Gourmand in Seoul, offers just four menu items: Kalguksu, Bibimguksu (spicy noodles), Mandu (dumplings), and Kongguksu (cold soybean noodle soup). Each dish is accompanied by their signature garlic-rich kimchi, fermented for over three years to achieve its bold flavor.

One of Seoul’s most popular and inexpensive restaurants, Myeongdong Kyoja has been serving up delicious hand-made dumplings and noodles to hungry locals for decades. Founded in the 1960s, Myeongdong Kyoja has a simple but succulent menu comprising just a handful of dishes. Whilst the food at Myeongdong Kyoja is traditional, the service is a much more modern affair with automated ordering machines in several languages, plus food often delivered by robot servers.

With just 4 items on their menu, Myeongdong Kyoja is one of the most popular restaurants in Myeongdong. It is famous for its knife-cut, handmade kalguksu (noodle soup). Also popular are their mandu (dumplings), bibim guksu (spicy noodles) and kongguksu (noodles in cold soybean soup).​ 💡If there is a queue at the main store, you can try their branch along the same street toward Olive Young (/in the direction away from Myeongdong Station).

Since 1970, Myeongdong Kyoja has been a staple in Myeongdong for its kalguksu (noodle soup), believed to be the progenitor of the Myeongdong-style kalguksu known for its rich broth and delicious gyoja (mandu). The restaurant's hallmark dish, kalguksu, features handmade noodles served in a deep, flavorful broth. In addition to its famous noodle soup, other beloved dishes include mandu and bibim guksu (spicy noodles).

We start our list with a legendary restaurant in Myeongdong, renowned for its handmade kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) and mandu (dumplings). Myeongdong Kyoja has been serving up these classic Korean dishes for over 50 years and has gained a loyal following of locals and visitors alike. The noodles and dumplings are made fresh daily, and the broth is simmered for hours to develop its rich and savory flavor.

Myeongdong Kyoja proclaims to be the creater of Kalguksu noodles- noodles which are thinly sliced. With only 4 items on their menu, it really surprised me how all three levels of the restaurant were fully filled on a weekday. Their menu includes Mandu dumplings, Kalguksu (‘chopped noodle’ soup), Bibimguksu (spicy noodle soup) and Kongguksu (noodles in cold soybean soup) which is only available during summer.

Myeongdong Kyoja specialises in kalgakgu (hand-cut noodles) and has been awarded the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years now. It looks deceivingly simple, but there’s something about the chewy noodles and light, tasty broth that really hits home!. The menu only offers four items but they’re surely doing something right with the constant rave reviews and long queues that extends beyond its doors.

Myeongdong Kyoja, one of Korea’s Michelin star restaurants, is one of the most popular or recommended must try restaurants in Seoul. Located right in the busy Myeongdong street, it is a restaurant that only offers four menu items, specializing in dumplings and noodle soup. It was one of the first meals I had when I arrived in Korea and I will definitely return before I leave.

Myeongdong Kyoja is a family-owned restaurant, which has been in business since 1966. The super central location in middle of Myeongdong district makes this restaurant tourist-filled. The restaurant offers only four items on the menu namely mandu (dumplings), handmade kalguksu (noodle soup), bibim guksu (spicy noodles), and kongguksu (noodles in cold soybean soup).

Ask any local for the best food in Seoul and they’d direct you to Myeongdong Kyoja. Though the priciest of the lot, Myeongdong Kyoja serves delicious Kalguksu and Mandu dumplings that’s worth every won spent. A signature dish at Myeongdong Kyoja, Kalguksu — which translates to knife-cut noodles — are made from flour dough cut into thin slices using a knife.

Seoul is known for its amazing food and hosts many Michelin-star restaurants. Myeongdong Kyoja has earned the “Bib Gourmand Award” since 2016. The Bib Gourmand Awards are awarded to eateries that offer diners very good value for money, with a complete and high-quality menu priced at a maximum of $45’, according to the guide by the French company.

Located in the heart of Myeongdong, Myeongdong Kyoja is renowned for its hand-made kal-guksu (knife-cut noodles). This beloved restaurant has been serving delicious noodles since 1966, and the dish comes with a rich, flavorful broth and a side of dumplings. The cozy setting and the family-owned charm make it a perfect spot for a comforting meal.

Kyoja Myeongdong - this Michelin guide restaurant has 2 lines but the lines move fast. Parties of 1 and 2 are downstairs. There are only 4 items on the menu so choose while you wait, get ready to pay when you order and you’ll be quickly served a hot bowl of dumpling noodle soup with a side of kimchi at your 4 person partitioned table.

Whether it’s spicy street cuisine at Gwangjang Market, cozy noodle soup at Myeongdong Kyoja, or grilling delectable pig belly at Palsaik Namu, South Korea has something for everyone to enjoy. These restaurants not only serve wonderful food but also provide insight into the country’s culinary traditions, culture, and hospitality.

Myeongdong Kyoja is widely regarded as having the best kalguksu in the city. Kalguksu is a noodle dish consisting of handmade, knife-cut wheat flour noodles served in a large bowl with broth and other ingredients. Myeongdong Kyoja has been in business for over 50 years and is located in the heart of Myeongdong.

As impossible as it is to choose one particular favourite meal from my trip, Myeongdong Kyoja is a strong contender. Only four dishes are available, the two most popular being the kalguksu (knife-cut noodles in soup) and the mandu (dumplings). All dishes are served with a side of kimchi packed with garlic.

In the bustling district of Myeong-dong, Myeongdong Kyoja Main Restaurant is a legendary spot for both locals and tourists. This restaurant is renowned for its delicious dumplings and kalguksu (noodle soup). The atmosphere is lively, with a bustling energy that reflects the vibrant spirit of Myeong-dong.

Situated in the heart of the Myeongdong district, Myeongdong Kyoja has been in the noodle business since 1976. Many people come for lunch and dinner to enjoy their array of cold noodles, noodle soups and other rice dishes. They specialize in many traditional foods that foreigners and locals crave alike.

We landed bright and early in Seoul via a red eye Korean Air flight. Thankfully CheapTickets had put us up in a centrally-located hotel in Myeongdong called Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel, directly opposite of Myeongdong Kyoja. When I say opposite, it wasn’t even across a street… it was across an alley.

Family-owned and operated since 1966, Myeongdong Kyoja only offers four menu items. Most known for their made-in-house kalguksu and mandu dumplings, the portions are more than generous for the price. Don’t worry if the line is too long, as its sister restaurant can be found just around the block.

Kalguksu Myeongdong Kyoja is located in the main street of Myeongdong and have been in business for about 40 years. They own a second restaurant in the same area and it is one of Michelin guide restaurants in Seoul. They cook their knife noodles using a chicken broth.

One of Myeongdong's classic restaurants for decades, this restaurant specializes in serving delicious handmade gyoza and cold noodles. The gyozas are thin-skinned and stuffed with a very flavorful texture, and are served with a soup base that warms the stomach.

For a more casual dining experience, head to Myeongdong, where you can find affordable Korean BBQ restaurants like Myeongdong Kyoja, with meals costing around ₩10,000 to ₩20,000 (approximately $8 to $16) per person.

Myeongdong Kyoja Seoul is a Michelin-recommended restaurant from the Bibi Gourmand list that serves traditional Kalguksu Korean noodle soup, spicy chlorella bibimguksu, and mandu pork dumplings.

Inspired by the diverse cultures of the Mediterranean, Cleo restaurant offers a warm, social setting to enjoy the very best of international cuisine in the 5-star Mondrian Seoul Itaewon Hotel.

Myeongdong Kyoja - Located in Myeongdong district, Myeongdong Kyoja is famous for its kalguksu, a handmade Korean noodle dish in a pork broth.