Yujin Sikdang in Jongno: Authentic Pyeongyang Naengmyeon and More

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Experience Traditional Pyeongyang Naengmyeon in Jongno

For travelers exploring Seoul’s 종로 (Jongno) district and craving authentic Korean cold noodles, Yujin Sikdang (유진식당) offers a classic experience. Known for its Pyeongyang-style naengmyeon, this longstanding eatery is located near Jongno 3-ga Station Exit 5, just behind Tapgol Park and beside Nakwon Arcade.

Yujin Sikdang is often described as a traditional 노포 (old-established) restaurant with a cozy and compact interior featuring about 7 to 10 tables. The atmosphere reflects decades of history, with an open kitchen visible from the entrance where noodles are freshly made and mung bean pancakes are fried.

Menu Highlights and Taste Impressions

The star dish is the Pyeongyang naengmyeon, served with a clear, richly flavored beef broth made from beef and bones. Unlike some Pyeongyang naengmyeon that can be very mild, Yujin Sikdang’s broth offers a pronounced but clean meat aroma, making it approachable even for first-timers. The noodles are a 50:50 blend of buckwheat and starch, yielding a pleasantly chewy and slightly elastic texture rather than the brittle bite typical of some traditional versions.

Many visitors recommend tasting the broth before mixing the noodles to fully appreciate its subtle depth. The dish is garnished simply with pickled radish, cucumber, egg, and thin slices of beef, emphasizing the delicate balance of flavors.

Beyond naengmyeon, the mung bean pancake (녹두지짐) is a popular side, noted for its crispy exterior and moist interior with a gentle bean aroma. It pairs well with the cold noodles and is often enjoyed with a splash of dipping sauce or even a sip of makgeolli (Korean rice wine).

The pork boiled meat (돼지수육) is praised for its tender, clean taste without any off-putting pork smell. The meat is soft and melts in the mouth, making it a favored companion to the cold noodles. Some reviews highlight that ordering naengmyeon with both mung bean pancake and pork meat creates a satisfying meal balance.

Practical Tips & Dining Experience

Yujin Sikdang operates Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, with a break from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The restaurant is small and often crowded, especially on weekends when waiting times can reach up to 1.5 hours. An early arrival or visiting during off-peak hours is advisable.
There are a few outdoor tables with lower competition for seating, which some diners prefer during warmer months.
One-person seating is available, making it convenient for solo travelers.
Parking is not available on-site; visitors are recommended to use the public parking at Nakwon Arcade.
During lunch hours, there is a limit of one bottle of alcohol per table.

유진식당 in 종로 — Image source: Google Places

Recent Local References (as of June 2026)

Recent reviews from Google and local blogs consistently praise Yujin Sikdang for its rich beef broth, chewy yet tender noodles, and crispy mung bean pancakes. Many note the excellent value for money, with naengmyeon priced around 11,000 KRW, which is notably lower than other top Pyeongyang naengmyeon restaurants in Seoul.

While the restaurant’s interior is compact and tables are close together, the authentic atmosphere and quality food make it worthwhile. Some visitors mention that the pork meat’s flavor may divide opinions depending on preference for pork aroma, but overall the meat is tender and well-prepared.

Yujin Sikdang has gained additional attention after being featured on popular Korean food shows, resulting in increased foot traffic and longer waits, especially on weekends.