Woo Lae Oak

Cold noodle restaurant · Jongno-dong

Woo Lae Oak

Cold noodle restaurant · Jongno-dong

5

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

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Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by Photo by Matty Kim
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null
Woo Lae Oak by null

Highlights

Classic Korean BBQ & acclaimed Pyongyang cold noodles  

Featured on Michelin
Featured in Eater
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62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea Get directions

google.com

₩10,000–20,000

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

+82 2 2265 0151
google.com

₩10,000–20,000

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Last updated

Aug 20, 2025

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@eater

The 38 Best Restaurants in Seoul, South Korea | Eater

"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

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-seoul-restaurants-38
View Postcard for Woo Lae Oak (Uraeok)
@michelinguide

Woo Lae Oak

"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

https://guide.michelin.com/en/seoul-capital-area/kr-seoul/restaurant/woo-lae-oak
View Postcard for Woo Lae Oak (Uraeok)
@eater

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

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-barbecue-seoul-korea
View Postcard for Woo Lae Oak (Uraeok)
@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)

Ann G

Google
We arrived at 2 pm. Shocked to see many people queuing. There were 81 teams before us when we took the queue number. Waited for around 1 1/2 hrs. The naengmyeon taste delicious - noodle goes well with the sliced pear, white kimchi, savoury beef broth and kimchi side dish. Also order beef with rice - generous amount of beef but I think it needs to be salted (they didnt provide salt). Side note - While waiting, check out Add Coffee beside. Their tarts are good.

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.

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.

jayce yenson

Google
Overrated place, you must come early to get in. Ipad checkin 1 hr before open. After we done, there were 107 group waiting. That is going to be 3-4 hr.

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.

Elyn

Google
The crowd is insane even at 3 pm for late lunch. Waited for about 35 mins at that time. Many people were waiting outside, do wait inside the restaurant as there is aircon for the waiting are inside, otherwise which can be hot during summer. See mostly locals rather than tourists. Do get the queue number from the lady inside if you do not have a Korean handphone number. The ajooma serving our table is able to converse in simple English and attentive. Explaining how to approach some of the dishes. Saw most customers only order the cold noodles. The cold noodles are nice. The grilled Galbi and Bulgogi are fantastic. However, had a nicer Galbi in Busan. Please see my other review for that. The Bulgogi here is better than the one in Busan though.

David Turner

Google
Worth the wait for delicious bulgogi and Pyongyang naengmyeon! Such a delicious broth!

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!