Busan Cold noodles: a savory summer tradition

(Source: Internet)

Milmyeon is Busan's seasonal summer favorite. Its soft noodles and refreshing broth makes a perfect meal for a hot day.

Milmyeon, cold noodles

The story behind milmyeon, cold, slightly chewy noodles in tangy broth, dates back to the Korean War from 1950-53. At that time, North Korean refugees were flooding the city and craved the comfort of their native cuisine: naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles). The refugees began to make mil (wheat) naengmyeon, from the available flour and the popular dish was born.

The core ingredients in milmyeon have remained the same over the years: simply noodles, broth and spices. Quality milmyeon is the result of a careful balance between the three - soft and chewy noodles, savory broth from boiled beef bones, and spicy, somewhat tart, condiments.

Milmyeon is a summer staple; its cool broth welcome on hot days. For fans of spicier fare, bibim (mixed) milmyeon might be the best dish for you.

Where to eat

(Source: Internet)

- Naeho Naemyeon

By the time Naeho Naengmyeon, the first milmyeon eatery in Busan, was featured on TV for its popularity, long lines of customers were already spilling from its front doors and out into the streets. Naeho Naengmyeon's milmyeon may look like traditional naengmyeon, but since the noodles are made entirely of wheat flour, the result is a much softer texture. Noodles are then topped with ample broth and garnished with sliced egg, meat, cucumber and shredded radish. It's a spicy version of the standard so refreshing, you may find yourself lined up in the street for it.

- How to get there: Take bus Nos. 23, 68, 168 in front of Lotte Department Store in Seomyeon or bus Nos. 26, 134 out of exit 14 of Jungang-dong Station. Then, get off at the Nambu Jungang Saemaeul Geumgo or seventh Budu (pier) bus stop, cross the road and enter the adjoining alley.

- Gaya Milmyeon​

At Gaya Milmyeon, thin sheets of ice in the broth add to the simple, but rich savory flavors to the soft noodles for which this classic restaurant is known. Bibim milmyeon with spicy sauce is also a top pick. A plate of dumplings on the side is the perfect side dish with any milmyeon meal.

- How to get there: Get off at Dongeui University Station (Metro line 2) and go out exit 5. The restaurant is located in the alley.

- Gaegum Milmyeon​

Gaegum Milmyeon opened in 1966 and has since become the foodie favorite for milmyeon. Customers from across the city keep coming back for noodles in the perfect combination of sweet and spicy sauce and light broth at a recently-revamped location. Gaegum Milmyeon also moved to a pre-pay system to provide more convenience in-house as well as the option of take-out orders for those who'd rather enjoy milmeyon at home.

- How to get there: Get off at Gaegeum Station (Metro line 2) and go out exit 1. Walk about five minutes to the entrance of Gaegeum Market. It's located at the first alley on the left, about 15 meters away from the entrance of the market.