Ulmyeon (Thick Noodle Soup · 울면): what it is and how to order it in Korea
A hearty Chinese-Korean seafood noodle soup with a thick, glossy starch-thickened broth, bursting with squid, shrimp, and vegetables. Mild, warming, and perfect on a cold day.
Say it to order
울면 하나 주세요
Ulmyeon hana juseyo
Quick facts
How to eat it
Stir the noodles gently into the broth so the thick sauce coats them, then eat with a spoon in one hand and chopsticks in the other. Add a splash of vinegar and chili oil if you like a tangy kick.
Do
- Use a spoon for the broth and chopsticks for the noodles.
- Share the dish family-style with a bowl for each person.
Don’t
- Don't blow on the noodles loudly to cool them.
- Don't leave the broth untouched, since it is the highlight of the dish.
Local tips
- The broth stays hot for a long time because of the starch, so eat it slowly
- Ask for extra black vinegar to brighten the flavor
Goes with
- Jjajang-style pickled radish
- Black vinegar
- Chili oil
- Jjajangmyeon
- Tangsuyuk
Where to try it in Seoul
Questions
- How do you order Ulmyeon (Thick Noodle Soup) in Korean?
- Say “울면 하나 주세요” (Ulmyeon hana juseyo).
- Is Ulmyeon (Thick Noodle Soup) spicy?
- Yes — about 1 out of 5 on the spice scale.
- How much does Ulmyeon (Thick Noodle Soup) cost in Korea?
- Usually ₩8,000–11,000.
- How do you eat Ulmyeon (Thick Noodle Soup)?
- Stir the noodles gently into the broth so the thick sauce coats them, then eat with a spoon in one hand and chopsticks in the other. Add a splash of vinegar and chili oil if you like a tangy kick.
Find Ulmyeon (Thick Noodle Soup) near you
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