Korean Noodles
Koreans love noodles. There are many varieties, including naengmyeon (cold noodles), onmyeon (hot noodles), spicy noodles, jajangmyeon (black bean noodles), ramen, and chewy noodles. Noodles are often eaten on special occasions like weddings or birthdays, but they are also commonly ordered when people don’t feel like cooking. Ramen can be enjoyed at any time of the day!
Culture and Symbolism
The origin of Korean noodles dates back to 6000–5000 BCE. Noodles symbolize longevity and are often eaten on birthdays and weddings.
Ramen, while also a noodle dish, is considered a quick and convenient meal rather than a special occasion food. Cup ramen, which can be eaten immediately by adding hot water, is especially popular among students and office workers.
Famous Korean Noodle Dishes
¤ Janchi Guksu
A simple noodle dish with wheat noodles in anchovy broth, topped with vegetables, seaweed, and egg. Served with a sauce made from sesame oil, soy sauce, chili, and green onions. Often eaten at banquets or weddings as a symbol of longevity.
¤ Kalguksu
Hand-cut wheat noodles in beef, anchovy, clam, or kelp broth, topped with zucchini, potato, and green onions. Popular in summer and in traditional markets.
¤ Jjamppong
A spicy seafood (or pork) noodle dish of Chinese origin. Contains lots of chili powder, onions, garlic, zucchini, carrots, squid, mussels, and pork. Popular among spicy food lovers.
¤ Bibim Guksu
Thin wheat noodles mixed with a spicy-sweet sauce made from chili powder, gochujang, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. Topped with cucumber, boiled egg, seaweed, and pickled radish. Popular in summer.
¤ Naengmyeon
Chewy cold noodles made from buckwheat or sweet potato starch. Two main types: mul naengmyeon (cold broth) and bibim naengmyeon (spicy mixed). Pyongyang naengmyeon is the most famous.
¤ Kongguksu
Cold noodles in soybean broth, often with ice to make it refreshing and creamy. A summer specialty.
Famous Korean Ramen
¤ Samyang Ramen
A mild traditional ramen introduced in 1963. Delicious with egg or cheese.
¤ Nongshim Shin Ramyeon
Famous for its spiciness, containing beef and vegetables. Comes in the classic red version and a premium black version with seolleongtang-style broth.
¤ Samyang Buldak Bokkeum Myun
Extremely spicy ramen, famous from the YouTube “Buldak Challenge.” Water is drained after cooking and noodles are mixed with the sauce. The pink “Rose” flavor version is also popular.
¤ Ottogi Sesame Ramen
Non-spicy ramen made with sesame and egg broth, warm and satisfying.
¤ Jinjja Jang Ramen
Ramen served with jjajang (black bean) sauce.
¤ Jjapaguri
Instant noodle dish featured in the movie Parasite, interpreted as “Ramdong” (Ramyeon + Udong). Made by combining instant noodles Chapaghetti and Neoguri, boiling, draining water, and mixing with sauce.
