Gwanghwamun Mijin: Affordable but Best Michelin Buckwheat Noodles in Seoul Since 1954

January 19, 2026



Hello to all my fellow travelers 🍜

Are you looking for a meal that locals have loved for over 70 years? If you're visiting the Gwanghwamun or Gyeongbokgung area, there is one place you absolutely cannot miss. It’s the legendary "Gwanghwamun Mijin," a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant famous for its incredible Korean-style buckwheat noodles (Soba).

A Little Bit of History:
Gwanghwamun Mijin has a deep history; it originally started in 'Pimatgol,' a famous food alley since the Joseon Dynasty, before moving to its current location. If you visit during weekday lunch hours, you'll see long lines of local office workers waiting—a true sign of a local-favorite spot.

Today, I’ll show you why there's always a long line of locals here and how you can enjoy this historic taste like a pro.


❄️ Quick Overview: Gwanghwamun Mijin

  • Specialty: Cold Buckwheat Noodles (Pan-momi) & Pork Cutlet
  • Award: Michelin Bib Gourmand Seoul (Multiple consecutive years)
  • Vibe: Authentic, bustling, and very local-friendly
  • Best For: A refreshing lunch or dinner after visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace


1. How to Get There (Location & Transport) 📍

SUBWAY (Line 5) Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 4). It's only a 3-minute walk from the station. Located in the 'Le Meilleur Jongno Town' building.
SUBWAY (Line 1) Line 1 to Jonggak Station (Exit 1). Walk straight for about 200 meters. You will find the restaurant in the 'Le Meilleur Jongno Town' building on your right.
BUS Get off at "Jongno 1-ga" stop. Most blue buses heading to central Seoul stop here.

🚕 SHOW THIS TO THE TAXI DRIVER:

종로 피맛골 광화문 미진 (주소: 종로구 종로 19) 으로 가주세요.



2. Opening Hours, Menu & Waiting 🕒

🕙 Operating Hours

  • Everyday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Last Order: 8:30 PM
  • *No break time! (Perfect for a late lunch)

🍴 Signature Menu & Price (Recent 2024-2025)

  • Cold Buckwheat Noodles (Momi): 11,000 KRW (Comes with 2 trays!)
  • Mijin Pork Cutlet (Donkatsu): 11,000 KRW
  • Buckwheat Crepe (Memil Jeonbyeong): 6,000 KRW
  • Buckwheat Dumplings: 6,000 KRW

🎟️ How to Wait

Since it's a Michelin spot, there's almost always a line. But don't worry, the turnover is very fast.

  • System: They use the Tabling kiosk at the entrance.
  • Tip: If you see a crowd, head straight to the tablet and enter your phone number to get your turn.


3. ✨ Real User Reviews: The Good & The Bad

👍 PROS

  • Unlimited soup, green onion, and radish to customize your dipping sauce.
  • Huge portions! One order of noodles gives you two full trays.
  • Incredible location—right next to major palaces and museums.

👎 CONS

  • Extremely busy and noisy during peak hours (11:30~13:00).
  • The seating can feel a bit cramped because they maximize the space.


4. 💡 Essential Tips for the Full Experience

  • The DIY Sauce: On your table, you'll see bowls of shredded radish, green onions, and dried seaweed. Locals fill their soup bowls with LOTS of these for the best taste.
  • The Combo: If you're traveling with a partner, order one Buckwheat Noodle and one Pork Cutlet to share. It's the perfect sweet & salty balance.
  • Main vs. Annex: There is a main restaurant and an annex in the same building. Both serve the same food, so just go where the line is shorter.

#GwanghwamunMijin #SeoulMichelinGuide #BibGourmandSeoul #KoreanSoba #GwanghwamunFood #SeoulTravelGuide #BuckwheatNoodles #WhereToEatSeoul #KoreaTravel2026

Planning to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace?
Make sure to stop by Mijin for a refreshing meal! Have any questions? Leave a comment below! 🇰🇷🍜

CK

Posted by CK

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