Yeoman Guksu Review: Jeonju's Famed Noodle Spot (A 'Nopo' Featured on *Master of Living*)
Jeonju is home to countless culinary delights, but if you're a noodle lover, there's one place you absolutely must visit: ‘Yeoman Guksu.’ It's a 'Nopo' (a time-honored, legacy restaurant) that has held its spot in Jeonju for decades, and its reputation is widespread, having been featured on the popular SBS TV show *Master of Living*. Recently, it underwent a renovation, giving it a clean and pleasant atmosphere, and it continues to be a beloved noodle spot in front of Jeonbuk National University. In this post, I'll share a detailed review of Yeoman Guksu's menu, flavors, and ambiance based on my personal visit.
Visiting Yeoman Guksu
While Yeoman Guksu was a 'Nopo' that had occupied the same spot for ages, it has relocated and now operates out of a cleanly renovated house. Therefore, rather than the traditional, old-fashioned atmosphere one might expect, a well-organized and clean interior is the first thing that catches your eye. The indoor space is also bright and comfortably decorated, allowing even first-time visitors to enjoy their meal in comfort. However, there is no dedicated parking lot, so you must use nearby alleyways or public parking, and it's difficult to find a spot even on weekday afternoons. Seeing a waiting line, I could truly understand why this is one of Jeonju's most popular noodle restaurants.
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| Yeoman Guksu |
Menu & Price
The menu at Yeoman Guksu is simple and straightforward. It consists of four items: Janchi-guksu (Feast Noodles), Bibim-guksu (Spicy Mixed Noodles), Yeolmu-guksu (Young Radish Kimchi Noodles, a seasonal menu), and Heugimja-juk (Black Sesame Porridge). All items are priced the same at KRW 7,000 (approx. $5.40 USD). With few options, it’s not hard to choose, and each noodle dish has its own distinct character, allowing you to pick according to your preference. A unique feature of this restaurant is that large, medium, and small sizes are all the same price. Since it's offered at the same price regardless of portion size, it's a great value even for those with larger appetites. Additionally, they have a 'deom' (bonus) culture; when you order one noodle dish, they serve a small tasting portion of another, providing the joy of trying multiple menus at once. Side dishes could be freely taken from a self-service corner, which was simple and convenient.
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| Menu |
Bibim-guksu and Janchi-guksu
First, the Bibim-guksu (Spicy Mixed Noodles). I expected a strong, pungent flavor, but it was actually just moderately spicy. The sauce wasn't overpowering, giving it a clean taste, and it was mild enough that even children could probably have a small bite.
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| Tasting Noodle ('Deom' culture) |
The Janchi-guksu (Feast Noodles) featured a well-brewed anchovy broth that was rich yet clean. It had a deep flavor that was easily comparable to any Janchi-guksu I've had in Seoul.
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| Janchi-guksu |
I heard that the Yeolmu-guksu (Young Radish Kimchi Noodles) is a particularly popular menu item here, but this time, I personally opted for the Janchi-guksu. I made a mental note to definitely try the Yeolmu-guksu on my next visit.
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| Kids love the Janchi-guksu too |
Black Sesame Porridge at the Self-Service Bar
While waiting for your noodles at Yeoman Guksu, you can help yourself to Heugimja-juk (Black Sesame Porridge) at the self-service bar. It has a nutty and smooth flavor, making it a great appetizer to whet your appetite before the meal. I was satisfied that I could get as much as I wanted at no extra cost. It paired well with the noodle dishes without being overwhelming and was a nice accompaniment before or after the main meal.
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| Black sesame porridge and basic side dishes |
Featured on *Master of Living* & The Charm of a 'Nopo'
Yeoman Guksu has been loved by locals for a long time and was even featured on the SBS TV show *Master of Living*. After being featured on the show, it attracted even more visitors, but it remains popular enough to consistently draw a crowd. Located near Jeonbuk National University, it's frequented by students and nearby residents, and many regulars span generations. The fact that it has maintained its place with one main menu for so long gives Yeoman Guksu a sense of trust and unique charm.
If you're looking for noodles in Jeonju, Yeoman Guksu is well worth a visit. The food is genuinely good, as evidenced by the steady stream of customers, and the owner's generosity was very heartwarming. The menu is simple, but each dish has its own character, and the 'deom' culture of getting to taste other noodles is a unique charm of this place. The black sesame porridge self-service bar was also a small delight. However, you should be prepared for the lack of parking and potential waiting lines. If you're traveling in Jeonju or visiting the Jeonbuk National University area, choosing Yeoman Guksu for a meal will be a great experience.
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