Inflation & Rising Food Prices: The Era of 12,000 Won Naengmyeon at Gangnam Myeonok, Paju

 Although neighborhood restaurants still offer naengmyeon for less than 10,000 won, renowned ones have crossed the 10,000 won mark. In fact, this naengmyeon costs an astonishing twelve thousand won.

Introducing Gangnam Myeonok, Paju Branch

Gangnam Myeonok, Paju Branch

As a noodle lover, naengmyeon seemed like the perfect dish to cool off as the weather began to heat up. Having heard about the reputed Gangnam Myeonok nestled in Paju's Simhaksan Mountain, my family and I decided to give it a try.

Narrow Parking, but Assistance Provided

Narrow Parking

The parking lot, located underneath the building, can feel a bit cramped. Although we arrived before the lunch rush, the parking area was almost at capacity - likely due to patrons visiting the spa or cafe within the same building or hikers. Nonetheless, parking attendants are available from lunchtime onwards, making the process less worrisome.

Clean Dining Atmosphere & Views

Clean Dining Atmosphere

The restaurant offers a spacious dining area with a considerable number of tables. Both the exterior and the interior of the building are well-maintained and clean. Moreover, the window views of the surrounding rice fields add to the overall pleasant dining experience. The restrooms are also tidy, with separate facilities for men and women.

separate facilities for men and women 

Variety of Menu & Generous Servings

Ｍｅｎｕ

In addition to the classic naengmyeon, the menu boasts galbi-tang, dumpling soup, braised short ribs, boiled pork, and sashimi. We chose to enjoy half a plate of boiled pork, half a plate of steamed dumplings, naengmyeon, and a bowl of rice.

naengmyeon

The chewy noodles and the cool, savory broth were refreshing and satisfying. However, the serving size for the naengmyeon was not particularly large. To achieve a heartier portion, you can opt to add mulsari or bibim-sari.

Kid-Friendly Options

boiled pork

We ordered the suyuk (boiled pork) and rice for our child. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the dumplings were quite palatable, despite being refused by our child.

boiled pork

Pricey but Worth a Try

Despite being on the expensive side, the quality of the dishes makes the experience worthwhile. The food was good overall, but I wouldn't say it was exceptional considering the price. It didn't quite stand out from the naengmyeon served at local restaurants priced around 8,000-9,000 won. Once prices go up, it's tough to bring them down, so the current pricing is likely to persist.

In conclusion, while Gangnam Myeonok in Paju offers a decent dining experience, the search for my new go-to naengmyeon restaurant continues.