Woo Lae Oak

Cold noodle restaurant · Jongno-dong

Woo Lae Oak

Cold noodle restaurant · Jongno-dong

62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Highlights

Since 1946, Woo Lae Oak has been serving up stellar Korean barbecue and meaty Pyongyang naengmyeon in a spacious spot that's always bustling.

62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea Get directions

google.com

₩10,000–20,000

@eater

"Open for: Lunch and dinnerPrice range: $$Wooraeok has been serving delicious Korean barbecue in Seoul since 1946, but the restaurant is also well known for its Pyongyang naengmyeon (Pyongyang-style cold buckwheat noodles). While most versions of this dish feature a subtle broth — often derided as bland — Wooraeok’s version is meatier and more flavorful, making it suitable for first-timers.Must-try dish: Don’t miss the bulgogi either." - Matty Kim

The 38 Best Restaurants in Seoul, South Korea

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@michelinguide

"Lauded as one of the best Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodle restaurants in the city, Woo Lae Oak has been serving consistently stellar food since 1946. The family-operated establishment is tucked away in the back alleys of Euljiro 4-ga, a bustling business hub. The restaurant interior is spacious and spotlessly clean. Indulge in their legendary Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles, served in broth or in a spicy sauce, and their bulgogi, grilled tableside." - Michelin Inspector

Woo Lae Oak

View Postcard for Woo Lae Oak (Uraeok)

@eater

"Although the naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) in extra meaty broth might steal the spotlight at historic Woo Lae Oak, the restaurant has also been one of Seoul’s classic spots for barbecue since 1946. The bulgogi has been a popular choice for generations, but the pro move is to order the off-menu special: the famed naengmyeon noodles added to bulgogi broth. Although the restaurant is spacious, there’s a long line out the door all day." - Matty Kim

The Best Barbecue in Seoul: 14 Must-Try Restaurants - Eater

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@tedescau

Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles

Seoul | Food

View Postcard for Woo Lae Oak (Uraeok)

@tedescau

Seoul | Long list

View Postcard for Woo Lae Oak (Uraeok)

Aleksander Pławski

Google

The food wasn't bad, although we expected something better after such high ratings. The biggest downside to this restaurant is its service and the feeling that you are participating in a food race. The staff is inattentive and chaotic. It is clear that the restaurant is focused on serving as many guests as possible quickly. Waiters shouting at each other should not be a hallmark of a restaurant with so many Michelin awards. We were disappointed with this place.

Will Bowen

Google

I ordered the Pyongyang buckwheat noodles! They came within minutes and were very tasty. First time trying North Korean food, which was interesting! Easy to find and a nice atmosphere. It’s been open since 1946!

manshun chan

Google

Sunday wait Got there at 530pm. Wait 2hrs. 100 numbers. Had a drink across the street at micro vinyl house. I think the people who came at 7-715pm to queue would’ve been smarter elsewhere 430pm. 530pm was peak wait on a Sunday. We cleared everything on our table so it was worth it. The bulgogi sauce has a nice sweet tang to it and is so good.

Marianna SH Kim

Google

Absolutely superb noodles! The balance of firmness and chewiness was perfect 👌, and its nuttiness was fantastic 💥 The broth had so many layers of flavour with slightly ligering umami. I didn't need any extra seasoning. It was extremely busy and high turnovers, but the staff were pretty attentive and prompt. I returned as I had to take my husband to taste the goodness. He indeed agreed with me how fantastic the noodle and the balance of the broth were.

kwangjae chung

Google

Even if I give it a harsh review, it won't do much to damage the restaurant's reputation, but I can't shake the uncomfortable feeling I get from somewhere, whether it's 20 years ago or now in 2025, so I don't want to visit there again.

Supakij Khomvilai

Google

Michelin star Korean beef BBQ. Taste are so good. I used to be here 13 years ago and taste are the same. Bulgogi here is my favorite. You have to get the cue from the register box in front of the restaurant by using Korean phone number or if you do not have please go inside to tell the staffs for the cue. Avoid peak time is better chance to get the table. Seating area are big so it do not took so long for waiting. Serving are also quick. English menu are available. Credit card accepted. Enjoy !

Mara Duarte

Google

I had high hopes because this place is listed on the Michelin Bib Gourmand, but it was incredibly disappointing. I’m a foreigner who has lived in Korea for years and often visits Michelin spots, this was by far the worst. The staff ignored me while being attentive only to Korean customers. I wasn’t even given water until I asked, and then only received a small cup. A staff member accidentally dripped meat grease on my chair, burning and staining my leg, without a word of apology. The naengmyeon itself was nothing special, and there are so many better options in Seoul. Terrible service and an overall bad experience. I do not recommend this place to any foreigners.

JY H

Google

This is favorite naengmyeon restaurant. I actually think I started liking naengmyeon because of Woo Lae Oak. It used to be busy but not as crowded as now. Food is still pretty good but with 90 min waits, I’m not sure if it’s worth it. Food is not as good as I remembered and it takes so much investment- 3+ hours to get there, take the number (there were about 100 more people in front of 3 of us), wait, and eat. When I travel, I also go to restaurants like this. But this style of naengmyeon is a bit of acquired taste even for Koreans. Some think it lacks favor. So if it’s your first few times of trying it, I would prioritize eating other Korean food and experience over investing 3+ hours here. In all honesty, it’s not worth it for me either.