Myeongdong Kyoja New Building MJ — Restaurant in Seoul

After a long overnight flight, we arrived in Myeongdong feeling utterly famished. While dragging our heavy luggages off the airport bus, I couldn’t help but notice a bustling restaurant drawing a steady crowd. That image stuck with me, and the moment we checked in, we made a beeline straight there to satisfy our growling stomachs

Myeongdong Kyoja

The dining pace was brisk, with a steady stream of customers and quick table turnover. We placed our order and paid upfront, a system that kept things moving efficiently.

The menu was simple, with just a few key items, but what they lacked in variety, they made up for in quality. We ordered the kalguksu with dumplings, and it didn’t disappoint, the handmade noodles were served in a rich, comforting broth, topped with a generous scoop of minced meat and plump dumplings. The thick, flavorful broth harmonized beautifully with the chewy noodles and fresh garnishes, making each spoonful incredibly satisfying

Chopped Noodles - ₩ 11,000

Alongside the kalguksu, we couldn’t resist ordering a basket of freshly steamed mandu. These dumplings were delicately wrapped in thin, almost translucent skin and filled with a fragrant mixture of minced pork, chopped leeks, and a touch of fresh sesame oil. Each bite was juicy and aromatic a perfect complement to the hearty noodle soup.

Dumpling - ₩ 13,000

What truly impressed us was the mandu’s filling, juicy, well-seasoned minced pork generously mixed with chopped leeks, and lightly perfumed with fresh sesame oil. You could taste the freshness in every bite. The filling was moist and flavorful without being overly greasy, showcasing the kind of balance

It was only after passing by the stall a few times that I noticed the familiar red signage, they had been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand. That explained the constant crowd and the comforting quality of their food.Best restaurants near me I’m glad we stumbled upon this spot by chance for our very first meal; it turned out to be such a satisfying find. If you’re visiting Myeongdong, this humble Michelin-recognised eatery is definitely...

Myeongdong Kyoja (Annex) — Absolutely NOT recommended. PLEASE DON'T GO. I honestly have no idea how this place ended up on the Michelin list. It feels like they survive only by ripping off clueless tourists.

The staff are extremely rude on both the first and second floors, which made the whole experience very unpleasant. One server even told us to “step aside if you’re not paying first,” which was shockingly unprofessional. I felt embarrassed for the kids I had with me, because the treatment was so uncomfortable. The older females server especially need proper training.

The food itself was even worse. The bibim noodles were so bad that after just one bite, I couldn’t eat any more and left the entire dish untouched. The kimchi was overloaded with garlic, leaving a terrible aftertaste that lingered long after the meal. On top of that, they don’t even let me pack leftovers.

The bottom line: the food tastes awful, the service is rude, and it’s simply not worth your time or money. Do yourself a favor...

The menu is very limited. They only have 5 items but I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing.

When you first walk into queue, there is someone who will help guide you to order at the doorway.

The entire dining experience felt like a well oiled machine in a prison dining hall. There were barriers between the seatings so you ate in your own boxed wall.

The food came out quickly. You either chose noodles or dumplings. The noodles were ok. The texture was a tad too soggy and not bouncey. I wish they offered other meat choices besides beef.

Water is self serve from a fridge and there is communal kimchi. The kimchi wasn't the best to be honest. It wasnt as sour as I hoped and it was very garlicky and spicy.

Overall, it was an ok dining experience but the food didn't leave me any special impression that would make me want to come back...