Seoul Jamsil Lotte Department Store, Pyongyang Cold Noodle Haven: Bongpiyang

February 25, 2024 487 Views

Bongpiyang has earned a place in the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand, signifying a restaurant offering excellent food at reasonable prices. The main branch is located at 1-4 Yangjae-daero 71-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul. As Bongpiyang has expanded through franchise operations, you can experience a similar taste at any of its branches, not just the main one.

“Introduction to Bongpiyang by the Michelin Guide”

Operated by Palsaik Galbi, the main branch of Bongpiyang is renowned for Pyongyang cold noodles and pork ribs. However, the highlight of Bongpiyang is undoubtedly its Pyongyang cold noodles. The rich broth, deep meaty aroma, and the perfect harmony of pure buckwheat noodles contribute to its excellence. Kim Tae-won’s culinary expertise and Palsaik Galbi’s extensive research and effort played a crucial role in establishing Bongpiyang’s current reputation. While cold noodles are typically a seasonal dish, Bongpiyang remains a popular choice year-round, making it a place where you might need to wait during meal times.

“Bongpiyang, Where You Can Taste Top-Quality Pyongyang Cold Noodles”

As indicated by the Michelin Guide, Bongpiyang is a restaurant where you can taste top-quality Pyongyang cold noodles. Particularly refreshing on hot summer days, the mild yet flavorful Pyongyang cold noodles offer a delightful experience.

Given that Bongpiyang now operates as a franchise, it can be found in various locations. This time, I visited the branch in the underground food court of Lotte Department Store in Jamsil.

“Seoul Jamsil Lotte Department Store, Bongpiyang”

The underground floor of Lotte Department Store in Jamsil features a diverse range of restaurants, including Bongpiyang. While it may seem like a moderately sized restaurant at first glance, once inside, you’ll find a substantial seating area. There are individual seats at the counter for solo dining, as well as tables that can accommodate four or more people. This makes it a comfortable place for solo diners without feeling overwhelmed, even when visiting alone.

“Bongpiyang & Palsaik Sulungtang”

In Lotte Department Store Jamsil, Bongpiyang operates under the name “Bongpiyang & Palsaik Sulungtang.” This allows you not only to order Pyongyang cold noodles but also to choose from a variety of menu items, including Sulungtang. The menu includes:

Palsaik Sulungtang: KRW 19,000
Children’s Sulungtang: KRW 10,000
Hanwoo Yang Gomtang: KRW 21,000
Hanwoo Gomtang: KRW 19,000
Hanwoo Yukgaejang: KRW 17,000
Hanwoo Ugeoji Tang: KRW 17,000
Hanwoo Cheongmi Kimchi Jjigae: KRW 19,000
Sulhwa Hanwoo Galbitang: KRW 42,000
Traditional Galbitang: KRW 32,000
Hanwoo Bulgogi Cold Noodle Set: KRW 35,000
Seasoned Pork Sirloin Grilled Cold Noodle Set: KRW 35,000
Hanwoo Bulgogi Meal: KRW 31,000
Seasoned Pork Sirloin Grilled Meal: KRW 31,000
Hanwoo Yukhoe Bibimbap: KRW 17,000
Palsaik Mandu (6 pieces): KRW 12,000
Hanwoo Satae Suyuk (100g): KRW 15,000
Bongpiyang Pyongyang Cold Noodles: KRW 16,000
Bongpiyang Bibim Noodles: KRW 16,000
Additional Cold Noodle Serving (Mul/Bibim): KRW 8,000
Dessert Pyongyang Cold Noodles: KRW 10,000
Dessert Bibim Noodles: KRW 10,000

“Bongpiyang Pyongyang Cold Noodles: KRW 16,000”

On this particularly hot day, the lack of appetite due to the scorching weather made rice almost unpalatable. Therefore, I opted for the Bongpiyang Pyongyang cold noodles, a refreshing choice for such sweltering summer days. With the recent sharp increase in prices, a single bowl of Pyongyang cold noodles now costs a hefty KRW 16,000. While Pyongyang cold noodles have never been considered a cheap dish, the recent surge in prices makes enjoying a bowl quite burdensome.

Although the price was a bit discouraging, Bongpiyang’s reputation remains untarnished. Despite the slight disappointment in the cost, I was fortunate to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.

“Seoul Jamsil Pyongyang Cold Noodles, Bongpiyang Jamsil Branch”