Jinjujip

Jinjujip has been serving noodles in the basement of the Yeouido Department Store building since 1974, and its roots go back to a restaurant in Jinju in 1962; it shares that family history with Jinju Hoegwan near City Hall. The dining hall is large, plain and fast, with bowls arriving within a minute or so of ordering. The signature is kongguksu, chilled wheat noodles in a soy-milk broth so thick and nutty it coats every strand; it comes lightly seasoned, and you can ask for extra salt or sugar. Locals also order the bibim-guksu, a sweet-and-spicy cold noodle dish piled with pickled radish and cucumber, and the chicken kalguksu, a clear, savory broth with shredded chicken and two big dumplings tucked in. A plate of ten round dumplings is good for sharing. Portions are generous, close to one and a half servings. The punchy red radish kimchi on every table is a highlight in its own right. It is an easy lunch before or after The Hyundai Seoul or IFC Mall, which are a short walk away.