Milmyeon: Busan's summer staple food

Milmyeon is Busan’s seasonal summer favorite. Its soft noodles and refreshing broth makes a perfect meal for a hot day.​

Milmyeon, cold noodles
The story behind milmyeon, cold, slightly chewy noodles in tangy broth, dates back to the Korean War from 1950-53. At that time, North Korean refugees were flooding the city and craved the comfort of their native cuisine: naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles). The refugees began to make mil (wheat) naengmyeon, from the available flour and the popular dish was born.

The core ingredients in milmyeon have remained the same over the years: simply noodles, broth and spices. Quality milmyeon is the result of a careful balance between the three – soft and chewy noodles, savory broth from boiled beef bones, and spicy, somewhat tart, condiments.

Milmyeon is a summer staple; its cool broth welcome on hot days. For fans of spicier fare, bibim (mixed) milmyeon might be the best dish for you.