Kongguksu (콩국수)

Noodles in chilled soy-milk broth — a summer-only obsession.

Korean name: 콩국수
Spice level: Not spicy
Flavor: nutty · cool
Typically contains: soy, wheat noodles
Vegetarian / vegan: Typically plant-based — one of the safer picks for vegans (still confirm when ordering)
Typical price: ₩7,000–₩10,000 per person checked 2026-07 — varies by area
Good to know: Beginner-friendly ●●○○○ Solo dining ●●●●○ Kid-friendly ●●●●○
Also written as: kong guksu, soy milk noodles, cold soybean noodle soup

Spice and flavor are editorial assessments of the standard version — individual restaurants and recipes vary. Ingredient notes are typical, not guaranteed: always check with the restaurant for allergies or dietary needs. Eating and cooking notes describe common practice in Korea; our first-hand deep-dives live in the Eat Like a Local guides.

What is Kongguksu?

Kongguksu is summer in a stainless bowl: wheat noodles submerged in thick, ice-cold soybean purée the texture of drinkable silk. It divides the nation on exactly one axis — salt or sugar in the broth — and Koreans defend their side like a regional bloodline.

How to eat it

Season it yourself: salt (Seoul orthodox) or sugar (southern heresy, delicious) — the broth comes plain.
Stir from the bottom; the bean purée settles.
Drink the remaining broth like a protein shake — everyone does.

Cooking it at home

Soak and boil soybeans, then blend with water (and optionally sesame or pine nuts) until completely smooth.
Chill hard — lukewarm kongguksu is a crime.
Pour over cooked somyeon noodles; cucumber julienne and tomato on top.

Good to know

Strictly seasonal at many restaurants (roughly May–September) — off-season kongguksu hunting ends in heartbreak.

The salt-vs-sugar debate is Korea's mildest and most eternal food war.

Where to eat it

Selected classic places — verified, sourced, never sponsored. See all →

진주회관 · Jinju Hoegwan City Hall (Jung-gu) · ₩₩

Best known for this dishSince 1962

Seoul's most famous kongguksu, blended thick as cream from Kangwon soybeans — office workers queue through the whole summer for it.

Known for: Kongguksu

Naver Map ↗ Google Maps ↗

Open as of our last check (2026-07-20) · Sources: Siksin · DiningCode — hours, prices and status can change; check the map link before visiting.

Nutrition

Calories	81 kcal
Carbohydrate	8.92 g
Protein	3.9 g
Fat	3.35 g
Sodium	67 mg

Per serving (~800g): ≈648 kcal · sodium ≈536 mg (27% of the WHO daily guideline, 2,000 mg)

Per 100g · total serving 800g · Official data: National Integrated Food Nutritional Information Standard Data (Korea MFDS) (DB item: 콩국수, synced 2026-07-17). Values vary by recipe and portion.