The Kongguksu Restaurant Featured on Hangout with Yoo: Location and Characteristics

A Kongguksu (cold soybean noodle soup) restaurant recently featured in episode 332 of the Korean variety show 'Hangout with Yoo' (놀면뭐하니) has generated significant buzz in Korea. The broadcast showcased the cast members enjoying the dish and engaging in a debate over adding sugar versus salt to Kongguksu, capturing viewers' attention. The visibly thick and rich soybean broth on screen particularly sparked curiosity among many.

This celebrated Kongguksu establishment is 'Matjarang', located near Seolleung Station in Gangnam, Seoul, boasting a 36-year history. It originally started near Eunma Apartment in Daechi-dong before relocating and expanding to its current Seolleung spot. Known as one of Seoul's top three Kongguksu restaurants, its distinctive features include using black buckwheat noodles instead of typical wheat noodles and a thick, creamy soybean broth made from domestically sourced king soybeans, ground with a millstone and without any added water. Herbal ingredients are used to eliminate any bean-like odor, and the restaurant emphasizes its use of 100% domestic soybeans and no artificial additives.

Bloggers describe 'Matjarang's Kongguksu as having a unique flavor profile, where the chewy texture of the buckwheat noodles harmonizes with the rich, savory soybean broth. The yogurt-like consistency of the broth is often highlighted, noted for its clean, smooth taste without any bean odor. Its convenient location, just a one-minute walk from Seolleung Station Exit 8, and the availability of two hours of free parking in the building, are frequently praised. However, many suggest visiting early to avoid long queues during lunchtime.