Chundam Magoknaru Review: Seoul's Best Perilla Oil Noodles

After a lively creator event, my stomach started rumbling, and instead of heading straight home, I found myself drawn to a highly-rated spot called Chundam.

Chundam is renowned for its signature perilla oil buckwheat noodles – a dish that, to be honest, I don't usually gravitate towards, preferring rice most days. But a strong craving for something unique struck, and I knew I had to try it.

Chundam Magok Main Branch

B2, 212-213, Lewest City Main Building, 143 Magokjungang-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Operating Hours:

Weekdays: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Break time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Weekends: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Break time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Find Chundam on the Map:

You'll find Chundam conveniently located on the second basement floor of the Lewest City complex in Magok. The easiest way to get there is directly from Magoknaru Station, using Exit 6.

If you're driving, parking is available at COEX Magok (143 Magokjungang-ro). You get up to 2 hours of free parking, and after that, it's about ~$1 for every 15 minutes.

This spot gets incredibly busy, especially during lunchtime, so be prepared for a potential wait! Near the entrance, they even have beautifully bottled sesame and perilla oils on display – a testament to their dedication to quality ingredients.

I wasn't alone in my solo dining adventure; many guests seemed to be enjoying a meal by themselves or in small groups of one or two, which speaks to its welcoming atmosphere.

The Menu at Chundam

Let's dive into the menu! The Shiitake Perilla Oil Buckwheat Noodles were a non-negotiable for me. They also offer classic Pyeongyang Naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles), Bibim Memil-myeon (spicy mixed buckwheat noodles), and On-myeon (warm noodles). If you're visiting with two or more people, the Burdock Bulgogi Hotpot is an excellent choice. I also added a small plate of the Assorted Seasonal Fried Delights from the side menu.

My Shiitake Perilla Oil Buckwheat Noodles arrived, a feast for the eyes! Generous portions of shiitake mushrooms and their fragrant powder topped the dish, and the noodles themselves gleamed with a beautiful luster, undoubtedly from the rich perilla oil.

While the noodles were delicious, a little kimchi on the side truly elevated the experience, providing that perfect tangy counterpoint.

With my first bite, I was genuinely astonished. The depth of flavor and aromatic richness in these perilla oil buckwheat noodles surpassed any I've ever tried. Sometimes strong flavors can be overwhelming, but this was an exquisitely balanced, invigorating taste that made my eyes light up.

It's fantastic that Chundam caters to solo diners by offering small plate versions of their side dishes. I received a delightful trio of sweet potato, pumpkin, and eggplant fritters, each perfectly fried, and the price point was very reasonable for the quality.

Being freshly fried, each piece was wonderfully crisp and hot. If you're ever at Chundam, I wholeheartedly recommend the Shiitake Perilla Oil Buckwheat Noodles paired with these fantastic fried delights – it's a winning combination you won't regret!

So there you have it – my experience at Chundam Magok Main Branch, a truly special handmade noodle spot near Magoknaru Station. It was such a refreshing change to enjoy a simple yet incredibly flavorful noodle dish in an era dominated by overly stimulating foods. This place is perfect for a clean, delicious meal, and I'd highly recommend it for a family outing or anyone seeking an authentic, satisfying culinary experience.