Noodles are sometimes called “smiles of monks” at Korean Buddhist temples. This nickname is given because noodles, called guksu in Korean, have the power to make even these often stoic religious figures visibly happy.
In their continuing series, Dynamic Busan offers restaurant recommendations from the dongjang, community heads of each neighborhood.
Cheonseori Lee’s House Buckwheat Makguksu
According to the Jangjeon 3-dong (neighborhood) community head, Cheonseori Lee’s House Buckwheat Makguksu is the place for proper makguksu (buckwheat noodles).
The owner of the restaurant reportedly learned a secret recipe from the famous Cheonseo-ri in Gyeonggi-do (province) and has reproduced that restaurant’s amazing flavor for Busan.
Cheonseori Lee’s menu is filled with buckwheat-focused foods, including makguksu (6,000 won), suyuk (boiled pork slices) with buckwheat sprouts and buckwheat makgeolli (rice wine).
Noodles here are made in-house and carefully placed among dong-chimi (water-based radish kimchi) broth and garnished with buckwheat sprouts before serving.
The marriage of dongchimi and broth provides an excellently-balanced sweet and sour combination. Chilli powder can be added to individual taste.
The community head recommends ordering the restaurant’s buckwheat sprout suyuk. Wrap a slice of the suyuk in baekkimchi (white kimchi) with seasoned buckwheat sprout for an extraordinary culinary experience you’ll want to share with your friends.
Restaurant Information
Address: 27, Singmurwon-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan
How to get there: Oncheonjang Station (Metro line 1), exit 5. Walk about 10 minutes from the exit. Take bus 51, 100, 121, 131, 144 or 183 and get off at the Geumjeong Elementary School bus stop.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Information: 051-517-2226
