A lunchtime line at Jinju Hoegwan is around the block on Aug. 13, 2026. (Yoojin Lee/Stars and Stripes)
Protein lovers still have time to try the Korean summer favorite, kongguksu — “bean noodles” in Korean — made with a cold, creamy broth from ground yellow soybeans.
At Jinju Hoegwan, a one-story restaurant a short walk from Seoul Station, the only item on the menu in warm months is kongguksu. Two entrances make for easy entry and exit, and lunchtime waits can stretch to 30 minutes.
Customers pay once seated. Several employees work to keep things moving.
Cold noodles in a white soup might seem uninviting at first, but once you try them, you might fall in love.
Kongguksu, meaning bean noodles in Korean, is served with a plate of kimchi. (Yoojin Lee/Stars and Stripes)
The broth is thick and nutty. Unlike many other kongguksu restaurants, Jinju Hoegwan does not add ice to the soup to maintain its rich, thick consistency.
You may add salt or sugar according to your preference. I prefer to add nothing and enjoy the authentic flavor, then add the kimchi made from scratch with locally grown cabbage and Korean red peppers.
Regardless of the size of your party, each person gets an individual plate of kimchi.
A full house for kongguksu (bean noodles) at Jinju Hoegwan in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 13, 2026. (Yoojin Lee/Stars and Stripes)
The sour, spicy and slightly sweet flavors complement the mild bean broth. The kimchi is freshly made and heavily fermented. The mild, light noodles become much more flavorful with a bite of kimchi.
Jinju Hoegwan first opened in 1962 and has appeared on several TV shows. The yellow soybeans from Gangwon province are provided directly to the restaurant.
The broth is made solely from ground soybeans with not additional ingredients. According to a sign inside the restaurant, soybean powder is also added to the noodle dough.
Autographs of political patrons and newspaper articles about the restaurant cover the walls of Jinju Hoegwan on Aug. 13, 2026. (Yoojin Lee/Stars and Stripes)
The restaurant is even popular among politicians. One wall displays the autographs of former presidents and mayors who have dined at the restaurant’s tables.
During the wintertime, the restaurant adds other items to its menu, including kimchi fried rice, kimchi stew and Korean barbecue. In January and February, kongguksu is not available.
Jinju Hoegwan
Location: Sejong-daero 26, 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: A 15-minute walk from Seoul Station.
Hours: Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays; closed Sundays.
Prices: 16,000 won, or about $11.90, for one serving of kongguksu.
Dress: Casual
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