π Ojangdong Heungnamjip: My First Cold Noodles Experience in Seoul
Sometimes the best food experiences aren’t planned.
They just happen.
After walking around and looking for a place to eat dinner, we stumbled upon a restaurant called Ojangdong Heungnamjip. We weren’t even specifically looking for it — we were just hungry and tired, scanning the streets for something that looked good.
And then we saw it.
It didn’t look fancy.
It didn’t look intimidating.
It looked… comforting.
So we went inside.
π§£ Warm Inside, Cold Outside
It was cold outside that evening — one of those Seoul nights where the air feels crisp and dry. But as soon as we stepped inside the restaurant, it felt warm and comfortable.
The place had that old, homey vibe. Wooden tables, simple interiors, nothing overly modern.
And there, standing by the counter, wiping dishes, was an old woman.
I don’t know why, but she reminded me of my nanay.
Maybe it was the way she moved. Or how she quietly did her work without fuss. It instantly made the place feel less foreign to me.
❄️ Cold Noodles? In Cold Weather?
Here’s the funny part.
We didn’t know this restaurant was known for cold noodles.
Where I come from, noodles are hot. Always hot.
So when I realized that one of their signature dishes was cold, I was curious.
Cold noodles? In cold weather?
It didn’t make sense to me — but I wanted to try it.
The menu didn’t have English translations, so we just ordered based on the pictures and hoped for the best. We also chose some items we were familiar with, just to be safe.
Travel tip:
Sometimes, you just have to trust the photos. π
π What We Ordered (And Loved)
Ojangdong Heungnamjip is actually famous for:
- π₯’ Hamheung-style Naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles)
- πΆ️ Bibim Naengmyeon (spicy mixed cold noodles)
- π₯© Suyuk (boiled pork slices)
- π₯ Mandu (Korean dumplings)
We ordered:
✔ Cold noodles
✔ Some familiar Korean dishes
✔ Side items we recognized
And wow.
The food was fantastic.
The cold noodles were chewy and refreshing — slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and surprisingly satisfying. It wasn’t what I expected at all.
Even though it was cold outside, the noodles didn’t feel “wrong.” They felt… interesting. Different. Memorable.
π Ambiance: Simple, Homey, and Comfortable
What I loved most about this restaurant wasn’t just the food.
It was the ambiance.
It felt like eating in someone’s home. No loud music. No flashy dΓ©cor. Just locals eating, staff working quietly, and the comforting sound of bowls and chopsticks.
We took our time eating because after dinner, we were heading to Myeongdong Night Market.
No rushing.
No pressure.
Just enjoying the moment.
π About Ojangdong Heungnamjip (2026 Info)
Restaurant Name: Ojangdong Heungnamjip (μ€μ₯λν₯λ¨μ§)
π
Location: Ojang-dong area, Jung-gu, Seoul
π
Nearest Station: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Line 2, 4, 5)
π Usually open for lunch and dinner (closed some holidays — check locally before visiting)
This restaurant is actually one of the older, well-known spots in Seoul for authentic Hamheung naengmyeon, originally from North Korea.
π‘ Tips Before You Go
- π§Ύ Menu may not have English translations
- πΈ Use photos to order if unsure
- πΆ️ If ordering bibim naengmyeon, expect it to be spicy
- π Cold noodles are their specialty — don’t be afraid to try
- π΅ Cash is helpful in traditional restaurants
π Perfect Pairing: After Dinner in Myeongdong
After our meal, we walked toward Myeongdong Night Market.
Full stomach.
Happy heart.
Cold Seoul air.
It felt like one of those simple travel nights that you’ll remember years later—not because it was grand, but because it felt real.
π I didn’t expect my first cold noodles experience to happen in a small, homey restaurant with no English menu and an elderly woman wiping dishes behind the counter.
But that’s what made it special.
Travel isn’t always about famous places.
Sometimes, it’s about the restaurant you randomly choose.
And the memory it leaves behind.
πΏ Lakwatserang Ligaw Quote
π“The best meals aren’t always the ones you plan — they’re the ones that surprise you.”π«
π’ Share This Post
πΈ If you’re visiting Seoul and want to try something different from the usual BBQ and ramen, add Ojangdong Heungnamjip to your food list.
π Try cold noodles even if it’s cold outside
π Save this post for your Seoul itinerary
π¬ And tell me—would you try naengmyeon on a chilly night?
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