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Hwangsaengga Kalguksu is a renowned restaurant located at 78 Bukchon-ro 5-gil in the Jongno District of Seoul, South Korea. This establishment specializes in Kalguksu, which are handmade knife-cut noodles, and has earned a spot on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list for eight consecutive years. Known for its limited yet focused menu, Hwangsaengga Kalguksu attracts food lovers eager to experience authentic Korean cuisine in a cozy setting.

At Hwangsaengga Kalguksu, diners can expect a delightful experience centered around the following offerings:

Kalguksu: The star of the menu, these handmade noodles are served in a rich broth, providing a comforting and satisfying meal.

Mandu: Delicious dumplings that complement the Kalguksu, offering a perfect balance of flavors.

Korean Pancakes: An assortment of pancakes that add variety to the dining experience.

Situated in the heart of Jongno District, Hwangsaengga Kalguksu is conveniently located near several notable attractions, making it an ideal stop for both locals and tourists. Nearby landmarks include:

Gyeongbokgung Palace: A stunning historical site that showcases traditional Korean architecture and rich history.

Bukchon Hanok Village: A picturesque area filled with traditional Korean houses, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Insadong: A vibrant neighborhood known for its art galleries, shops, and tea houses.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, Hwangsaengga Kalguksu promises a memorable dining experience with its focus on quality Kalguksu and a welcoming atmosphere. Be prepared for a short wait, as this popular eatery is often bustling with patrons eager to savor its delicious offerings.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2Mk9HZUl3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ13yZpsaifDURUpD__4MZcT4/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2Mk9HZUl3EAE

This place has found a spot on Michelin Bib Gourmand's list for 8 years. There is usually a decent wait— typically 20-30 minutes. The menu is limited, Kalguksu focused. We got the Kalguksu and the Korean assorted pancakes. Both were pretty great!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURQMW9PVXFRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ13yZpsaifDURUpD__4MZcT4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURQMW9PVXFRRRAB

For our last dinner in this Korea trip, we went to a Michelin Kalguksu (handmade knife cut noodles) restaurant.

Arrived at 6.45pm and the queue was maybe 20 tables ahead of us. As the temperature was plummeting, workers were busy putting up temporary tentage to keep out the cold winds and keep the customers warm as they queue.

Slowly but surely, we made our way to the front of the queue and got in at 7.15pm. We were led to our table on second floor. We were served by an ajuma who later started to speak in Chinese with us as we struggled to order in Korean. Attitude was nice at first but she became rather brusque when she learnt that we are not PRC Chinese. From her accent, guessing she is from Dong Bei, China.

Everything in the restaurant has beef in it, in one form or another, except for the Mandu , the boiled pork with kimchee and the pancake. So non beef eaters should avoid.

Paid 149000 won for 2 bowls of knife cut noodles, a plate of beef brisket, a plate of boiled pork with kimchee, a pancake, a small serving of mandu and a bottle of Makgeolli. I’ll let you decide if it’s value for money.

Taste wise, I found it to be quite normal, nothing to scream about. So I am wondering how this place got its Michelin Bib Gourmand whose mantra is to give awards to eateries which are good tasting and cheap. Maybe I am just used to the ubiquitous knife cut noodles in Singapore and China that are good and cheap.

After dinner, some of us found that the toilets were closed for cleaning. Clearly customers are still eating and may need to use the bathrooms. This work should be left for after all customers have left.

Overall, an underwhelming dinner experience.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYLTVUT3lnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ13yZpsaifDURUpD__4MZcT4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYLTVUT3lnRRAB

This Michelin-starred restaurant is very popular. Be prepared for a queue—my recommendation is to arrive right when they open to avoid a long wait. The menu is limited, focusing on Kalguksu (handmade noodles) and dumplings.

We ordered the dumplings with soup and Kalguksu. The noodles were good, with a satisfying texture, though I personally would have preferred them to be a bit firmer, which is why I’d rate them 4 stars. However, the dumplings were delicious.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3X3VQcG13RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ13yZpsaifDURUpD__4MZcT4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3X3VQcG13RRAB

There is about a 45min wait at peak lunch time, but after that it is about a 15-20min wait. The person managing the queue underestimated the wait time, but it wasn't too bad as there are many chairs and fans outside.

The food was amazing! I had the dumpling soup, which had 4 huge dumplings. The broth was very flavourful and had a similar taste to wonton soup. The dumplings themselves were well-made but fell apart rather easily using chopsticks. The kalguksu had a great broth as well.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChRDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURIc2VCbRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ13yZpsaifDURUpD__4MZcT4/reviews/ChRDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURIc2VCbRAB

The noodles were nice and bouncy but the soup was only average. The mandu arrives overly soft so you should wait 5minutes for the skin to tighten. The spicy sauce was very good and you should add some to the noodles.

Kalguksu: 8/10
-Noodles were very good
-Soup was average
-Add the red sauce to the noodles for a second way to eat it

Mandu: 6/10
7 pieces per serving

Visit: 1

Michelin Bib Gourmand Kalguksu at Hwangsaengga, Seoul

Dine In

Takeout

Restroom

Good for Groups

Serves Beer

Good for Children

Hwangsaengga Kalguksu is a culinary haven in Jongno District, Seoul, offering authentic Korean kalguksu noodles in a charming atmosphere. The restaurant features handmade noodles, rich broth, and a welcoming ambiance, making it a perfect stop after exploring nearby cultural landmarks.

Hwangsaengga Kalguksu

Savor authentic Korean flavors at Hwangsaengga Kalguksu in Seoul's Bukchon-ro 5-gil. Indulge in homemade noodles and vibrant dishes! Visit now!

Michelin Bib Gourmand Kalguksu at Hwangsaengga, Seoul

Dining & Culinary Delights

Location & Nearby Attractions

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