Gwanghwamun Mijin Hyundai Department Store Jung-dong | Classic Buckwheat Soba & Octopus Rice Bowl
I recently had a reason to visit Hyundai Department Store in Bucheon, so I headed up to the restaurant floor on the 8th level for dinner and spotted 광화문미진 (a famous Michelin-recognized buckwheat noodle restaurant). I’d already tried the flagship branch before, so I knew it well as a spot known for its cool, chewy buckwheat soba and its nine consecutive years of Michelin recognition. I visited with both curiosity and a bit of concern about how it might compare to the original location.
The Michelin mark stood out right from the entrance.
✨ Stepping into a Cleaner, More Relaxed Space
The Bucheon Jung-dong branch had a clean interior. Since it was located on the 8th-floor dining level, it was easy to get to, and unlike the flagship branch, it felt more spacious and relaxed.
Just like at the original location, chopped green onions and grated radish were prepared at the table so diners could mix them into the soba dipping broth however they liked.
I could also order conveniently through the tablet installed at each table. One thing caught my eye, though—the menu was slightly different from the flagship branch. They had an octopus rice bowl, so I ordered it together with the buckwheat soba.
🍜 Diving into Gwanghwamun Mijin’s Signature Buckwheat Soba
The table quickly filled up once both the buckwheat soba and octopus rice bowl arrived. Since I was at Gwanghwamun Mijin, I started with the soba.
The glossy buckwheat noodles looked great, and two generous trays were served, making the portion quite substantial.
I mixed plenty of grated radish and chopped green onions into the rich broth, which came topped with tiny ice crystals. The added ingredients really brought out the savory flavor.
After dipping the chewy noodles deeply into the broth, each bite felt incredibly refreshing, especially in the summer heat. Just like the flagship branch, the broth wasn’t overly strong or salty, so it went down very easily.
🐙 With a Different Charm: The Octopus Rice Bowl
The octopus rice bowl was actually what surprised me most. From what I remembered, the original Gwanghwamun Mijin branch didn’t serve octopus dishes, so this menu item felt unique.
Large pieces of cabbage and vegetables had been stir-fried together, and the deep red sauce combined nicely with a smoky wok aroma. I spooned the generous stir-fried octopus over the bowl of rice that came with it, then mixed everything together with crunchy bean sprouts that were served on the side.
For a restaurant known for buckwheat noodles, the octopus rice bowl turned out to be much better than I expected.
🍽️ Pairing Cool Soba With Spicy Octopus
The combination of chilled buckwheat soba and sweet-spicy octopus rice bowl worked far better than I’d expected.
Whenever the octopus dish felt a little spicy, I followed it with a bite of soba. When the mild sweetness of the noodles lingered, I switched back to the octopus. The balance worked really well.
The contrast between cold and hot, mild and spicy, felt just right. Looking at the empty bowls afterward, I didn’t think I needed to explain how much I enjoyed the meal. 😅
💡 Who Should Come Here?
1. Anyone looking for a reliable, clean restaurant after shopping at Hyundai Department Store Jung-dong.
2. Anyone craving refreshing buckwheat soba.
3. Anyone who wants more than just noodles and likes the idea of adding an octopus rice bowl.
💬 Wrapping Up With Comfortable Department Store Dining
The biggest advantage was being able to enjoy the famous flagship branch’s flavors in the comfortable setting of a department store. The octopus rice bowl, which offered a different experience from the original location, was especially memorable. If I came back for shopping, I’d definitely stop by again. If you’re near Bucheon City Hall Station or dining at Hyundai Department Store Jung-dong, this place is worth considering.
At a glance
📍 Location: 8F, Hyundai Department Store Jung-dong, Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do
⏰ Hours: 10:30–21:00
💰 Price: Buckwheat soba 14,000 KRW / Octopus rice bowl 17,000 KRW
🅿️ Parking: Hyundai Department Store Jung-dong parking available
It’s located on the 8th floor of Hyundai Department Store near Bucheon City Hall Station.
Gwanghwamun Mijin Hyundai Department Store Jung-dong Branch
8F, 180 Gilju-ro, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
