What is the most famous menu at Myeongdong Kyoja?

The signature dish is Kalguksu (Knife-cut Noodle Soup) made with a rich chicken broth. Their Mandu (Dumplings) and spicy Garlic Kimchi are also must-try items.

Can I park at Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store?

No, there is no designated parking. It is recommended to use public transport or nearby paid parking lots like Myeongdong Cathedral or Shinsegae Department Store.

How much does a meal cost at Myeongdong Kyoja?

Kalguksu costs 11,000 KRW (approx. $8 USD) and Mandu costs 13,000 KRW (approx. $9.50 USD). Prices are subject to change.

Is there a break time at Myeongdong Kyoja?

No, Myeongdong Kyoja operates daily from 10:30 to 21:00 without any break time.

Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store: Michelin Guide Kalguksu & Mandu Review (Menu, Location, Waiting Tips)

Q: Does Myeongdong Kyoja offer refills?

Yes, if you order a noodle dish (like Kalguksu), you can get unlimited refills of noodles and small portions of rice for free.

While the landscape of Myeongdong changes rapidly, one place has stood its ground with unchanging taste for a long time. It is the restaurant that always boasts the longest line among countless others: Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store. As a certified Myeongdong landmark selected for the Michelin Guide Seoul Bib Gourmand for 8 consecutive years, it has become an essential course for foreign tourists. In this post, I will organize an honest review of their Kalguksu (Noodle Soup) and Mandu (Dumplings) from the perspective of a long-time regular, along with essential tips on waiting and parking for first-time visitors.

Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store: Basic Info (Location, Hours, Parking)

Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store is located in the alley right next to the Myeongdong Arts Theater, making it easy to find. However, due to the complex alleys of Myeongdong and parking issues, it is recommended to check the basic information before visiting.

Crowd waiting at the entrance of Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store

Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store Entrance

Location & Directions

Using public transportation is the most convenient option. It is a 5-minute walk from Exit 8 of Myeongdong Station (Subway Line 4) or Exit 5 of Euljiro 1-ga Station (Subway Line 2).

Address: 29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

By Subway

Line 4 Myeongdong Station: Come out of Exit 8, go straight for about 300m, turn left at the first intersection, and you will see it on your left.
Line 2 Euljiro 1-ga Station: Come out of Exit 5, go straight for about 350m, turn right towards Myeongdong Arts Theater, and it is at the beginning of the alley.

Opening Hours

Myeongdong Kyoja operates year-round without holidays. To ensure fast table turnover, there is no break time.

Hours: Daily 10:30 ~ 21:00
Last Order: 20:30

Please note that business hours may vary on traditional holidays (Seollal/Chuseok), so please check before visiting.

Parking Information

Unfortunately, Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store does not have its own parking lot. Parking fees in the Myeongdong area are expensive and spaces are tight, so public transportation is highly recommended.

If you must drive, you can use the nearby paid parking lots below:

Myeongdong Cathedral Parking Lot: About a 5-7 minute walk. Relatively cheaper, but very crowded on weekends.

Shinsegae Department Store Main Branch Parking Lot: About a 10-minute walk. You can get parking discounts based on your purchase amount at the department store.

Myeongdong Kyoja Menu & Honest Review

Myeongdong Kyoja focuses on just four menu items: Kalguksu (Noodle Soup), Mandu (Dumplings), Bibimguksu (Spicy Noodles), and the summer seasonal Kongguksu (Cold Soy Milk Noodles). Concentrating on these few dishes is likely the secret to maintaining top-tier taste for over 50 years.

Menu & Price List

This restaurant uses a Pre-payment Kiosk System. You order and pay at the kiosk at the entrance first, then follow the staff's guidance to your seat.

Menu	Price	Note
Kalguksu (Chopped Noodle Soup)	11,000 KRW (approx. $8 USD)	Signature Menu
Mandu (Dumplings)	13,000 KRW (approx. $9.50 USD)	10 pieces
Bibimguksu (Spicy Noodles)	11,000 KRW (approx. $8 USD)	Spicy flavor
Kongguksu (Soy Milk Noodles)	13,000 KRW (approx. $9.50 USD)	Seasonal (Apr~Oct)

Insider Tip: Free Refills!

If you order Kalguksu, you can get unlimited refills of noodles and small bowls of rice. Even those with big appetites can have a hearty meal.

Mandu and Kalguksu

Signature Menu 'Kalguksu' Review

Unlike typical Korean Kalguksu which often uses anchovy broth, Myeongdong Kyoja uses a rich chicken broth. The soup is deep yet clean. The noodles have a soft texture, and it is topped with finely chopped meat and four small pyramid-shaped dumplings (wontons).

Kalguksu

Juicy 'Mandu' (Dumplings) Review

The characteristic of Myeongdong Kyoja's Mandu is its abundant juice. The thin dumpling skin is filled with pork, chives, and vegetables so densely that the filling is visible. You can taste the natural flavors of the ingredients, and it pairs perfectly with the soy sauce provided.

Mandu

The Highlight: Garlic Kimchi

In a Kalguksu specialty restaurant, Kimchi often determines the quality of the meal. Myeongdong Kyoja's Kimchi is famous for its very strong garlic scent. It has a crunchy texture like freshly made kimchi, but the garlic flavor is intense enough to numb your mouth slightly. This spicy kick plays a role in balancing the rich flavors of the Kalguksu and Mandu.

Garlic Kimchi

Since the garlic scent is very potent, you might want to control your intake if you have an important meeting afterward. However, some people visit Myeongdong Kyoja just for this addictive Kimchi.

Waiting Tips: Minimize the Wait, Enjoy the Meal!

The long line in front of Myeongdong Kyoja is a familiar sight, but if you know a few tricks, you can significantly reduce your waiting time. Thanks to the fast turnover rate, you often wait less than the line suggests.

Myeongdong Kyoja Atmosphere

Wait Time: Weekend vs. Weekday

Naturally, weekends and public holiday lunchtimes (12:00 PM ~ 2:00 PM) are the busiest. You might wait more than 30 minutes during these times. On the other hand, on weekdays, if you avoid peak lunch hours, you can enter with almost no wait or wait just around 10 minutes.

Weekdays: Little to no wait, except for lunch hours.
Weekends/Holidays: Expect long waits during lunch and dinner.

Recommended Visiting Times to Avoid Crowds

If you want to minimize waiting, aim for these time slots:

Right after opening: Visiting at the 10:30 AM opening time guarantees a meal without waiting.
After lunch peak: The time between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM is the quietest.
Before dinner peak: Visiting before 6:00 PM for dinner is also a good strategy.

Pre-payment System & Fast Turnover

The secret to Myeongdong Kyoja's speed is the 'Kiosk Pre-payment System'. Since you order and pay at the entrance before being seated, the time between sitting down and receiving food is very short. Because the menu is simple and eating times are quick, the line moves faster than it looks.

Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store: Final Verdict

Taste: The combination of rich Kalguksu and intense Garlic Kimchi is still satisfying. It's a flavor you keep coming back for.
Price: Considering the location in Myeongdong, it is a reasonable price for a meal (~$8 USD).
Waiting: Thanks to the kiosk system, the turnover is fast, so the actual waiting time feels shorter than the line suggests.
Atmosphere: With many foreign tourists, you can feel the global vibe of Myeongdong.
Service: While efficient, the old-school warm hospitality has decreased slightly (e.g., refilling rice is systematic now).

Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store, which has guarded Myeongdong for a long time, proves why people never stop visiting. The combination of rich chicken broth Kalguksu, filling-packed Mandu, and the unforgettable spicy Garlic Kimchi explains why it has been selected for the Michelin Guide for 8 years in a row. Crowded waiting lines and parking issues might make you hesitate, but if you use the tips in this guide, you can enjoy a more comfortable meal. If you want a fail-proof meal in Myeongdong, Myeongdong Kyoja is an excellent choice.