Chik Sarang Maemil Sarang Hongcheon: My Top Makguksu 2026

Driving down from Sokcho towards Daejeon, we decided to make a quick stop in Hongcheon for an early dinner.

After a couple of disappointing meals (yesterday evening and today’s lunch), I was extra cautious about choosing a local eatery.

I made my selection very, very carefully!

(This is a genuine, unsponsored review – I paid for everything myself!)

While I wouldn't typically call myself a huge fan of Makguksu (Korean buckwheat noodles), when you're in Gangwon-do, it's practically a rite of passage!

I've tried many famous Makguksu spots like Baekchon Makguksu in Goseong, Dongrugol Makguksu, and Gyoam Makguksu, but the Makguksu I had in Hongcheon today? It instantly became my number one… seriously!

Hongcheon Restaurant Recommendation, Paid for by Me!

Sutasa-ro 372-5, Yeonggwi-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do

🚗 Parking

Ample parking available.

🌿 Outdoor Seating

They have both indoor and outdoor seating, so if you visit on a lovely day, the outdoor area would be perfect.

⏰ Opening Hours

Hours vary by season, so it's best to check Naver or call before you visit.

📞 Phone

033-436-0225

My Personal #1 Makguksu in Gangwon-do

For our meal at this fantastic Hongcheon restaurant,

Chik Sarang Maemil Sarang, we ordered:

✔️ Two Buckwheat Noodles (Makguksu) + One Boiled Pork Slices (Suyuk)

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We opted for two servings of Makguksu and one order of Suyuk.

First off, the noodles were absolutely incredible. They weren't overly chewy or prone to breaking, and the rich buckwheat aroma and savory flavor were spot on!

I usually don't prefer Makguksu because the noodles often break too easily, but here, both the texture and taste of the noodles were exactly my style.

They were so savory and delicious even on their own – a unique taste you truly have to experience to understand, somehow rustic yet refined!

The Makguksu arrived with the spicy bibim sauce already on top. Initially, I added a little broth, then adjusted the flavor with a touch of vinegar and mustard to my liking.

The broth itself was perfectly seasoned, leaning slightly towards savory rather than bland, which was exactly what I love.

You can start by eating it like a bibim (mixed) noodle dish, then add more broth to enjoy it as mul-makguksu (noodle soup). I actually found the mul-makguksu version even more delicious!

First, enjoy it as a mixed dish, then halfway through, transform it into a refreshing noodle soup. For the grand finale, drizzle some perilla oil over the remaining broth – it felt like enjoying three different dishes in one! So clever, right?

And get this – they gave us an extra serving of noodles per person, even though we didn't specifically order more!

You can add these to your Makguksu, but I tried mixing them with soy sauce and perilla oil, and it was surprisingly delightful – a true hidden gem!

Eating the noodles without any sauce really allowed their natural flavor to shine through. Here I am, a self-proclaimed non-Makguksu fan, devouring extra noodles like there's no tomorrow!

We also ordered Suyuk (boiled pork slices), and it was slightly chewier than typical Suyuk.

Personally, I found it had a texture that reminded me a bit of Jokbal (braised pig's trotters).

The accompanying baek kimchi (white kimchi) was also delicious. We were piling it onto the Suyuk, then savoring a spoonful of Makguksu – where did our initial hesitation about ordering just one Makguksu go? We devoured everything, including the service noodles, without a second thought! Haha!

We skipped the Gamja-jeon (potato pancake) because we thought it might be too much food, but next time, I definitely need to order it. The aroma wafting from the neighboring table was absolutely incredible!

And what's even better, especially if you visit around October 2026, is that they have outdoor seating. The weather was just perfect today, and the families dining outside looked so incredibly happy!

Hongcheon was just a stopover on our way from Sokcho to Daejeon, but Chik Sarang Maemil Sarang was so incredibly delicious that it's made me want to plan a dedicated trip to Hongcheon in the future!

If you're searching for an amazing Makguksu restaurant in Hongcheon, I wholeheartedly recommend Chik Sarang Maemil Sarang. That's the end of my honest, self-funded review – enjoy your trip! Haha!