General information
- Google Maps
- Michelin Bib Gourmand
- Naver maps
- Working hours 11:30 – 21:00, Closed on Monday
- Address: 서울특별시 중구 창경궁로 62-29
A restaurant in Seoul that sells the famous Pyongyang cold noodles and bulgogi.
As the weather was starting to get a bit chilly, I decided to have a meal at the famous Woo Lae oak. Because this restaurant, famous for its Pyongyang naengmyeon (cold noodles), is incredibly difficult to get a meal at in the summer. The line was so long that people had to wait for hours, and for a while, the restaurant even closed due to kitchen issues.
This is the entrance to an old but classic and clean restaurant. There are a lot of people in front. The parking lot is also full and parking attendants are there to help with parking.
The restaurant’s interior retained its old-world charm, making it feel like a time travel.
Once seated, the friendly staff brings us the menus. We ordered bulgogi and naengmyeon (cold noodles). Then, they serve a selection of neat side dishes. The flavors are clean and not overpowering.
A fire is lit on a copper-colored grill, and once it’s warm, the bulgogi is placed on the grill and grilled. The well-cooked bulgogi is delicious with side dishes. It’s not too sweet, and the meat is tender and juicy, melting in your mouth.
And we ordered the famous Pyongyang naengmyeon (cold noodles) and ate it together after the bulgogi. Pyongyang naengmyeon is a dish made with cold noodles in a cold meat broth. Pyongyang is the name of a region in North Korea. The noodles eaten in Pyongyang are now being sold in Seoul.
Many Koreans don’t like Pyongyang naengmyeon because it’s so bland and plain. I don’t enjoy Pyongyang naengmyeon that much either. However, when I tried it today, I liked it because the broth was clean and free of any unpleasant odors.
Woo Lae Oak, This was my first time eating here, but as expected, there’s a reason why Seoul’s famous restaurants are so famous. The food was clean and tidy, the interior was spotless, and the staff were friendly. Of course, the prices were a bit high, and it was crowded. So, I’d love to come back and dine with good friends.
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