Hello! Today, I visited Hayeonok, a beloved Jinju naengmyeon restaurant and one of the proud culinary traditions of Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, with 81 years of history.
Address: 383 Daesin-ro, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do
Jinju naengmyeon is a distinctive regional specialty with a character all its own—different from the better-known naengmyeon of Pyongyang.
Since 1945, Hayeonok has remained faithful to its traditional methods across two generations, earning a devoted following along the way.
✨ What makes Hayeonok’s Jinju naengmyeon special
A distinctive seafood broth: Alongside a beef stock, the broth is made with a variety of seafood, including anchovies, kelp, shrimp and clams, creating a clean, refreshing depth of flavor.
The restaurant also places cast iron heated to more than 400°C into the broth to tame the seafood’s fishiness and add a clean, savory finish.
A generous topping of yukjeon: Thin slices of beef coated in egg and pan-fried—known as yukjeon—are the signature topping of Jinju naengmyeon. The tender beef pairs beautifully with the noodles.
Personally, I think it goes especially well with bibim naengmyeon.
Thoughtful side dishes: Every naengmyeon order comes with a fresh salad and steaming seonjit-guk, a soup made with congealed beef blood, making for a comforting start to the meal.
📍 Must-try dishes
Jinju mul naengmyeon: KRW 11,000 (I loved the cool, clean-tasting broth.)
Jinju bibim naengmyeon: KRW 12,000 (The sweet sauce, with a gentle kick of spice, really awakens the appetite.)
Jinju yukjeon: KRW 27,500 (An unbeatable match with the naengmyeon.)
✅ Tips for your visit
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (last order at 8:30 p.m.)
Parking: Free parking is available, although the lot may be limited.
Facilities: Group dining, takeaway, reservations, Wi-Fi, and separate men’s and women’s restrooms are available.
Nearby attraction: Jinju Fortress (12 minutes by car)
A long tradition is a sign of lasting trust.
After tasting the broth, I could see exactly why Hayeonok’s legacy has endured.
The broth and yukjeon complement each other beautifully.
Sometimes I feel a little guilty about enjoying food this good all by myself.
Next time, I’ll bring my parents along.
Until the next post!
