Yongsan I-Park Mall Makguksu | A Clean, Comfortable Noodle Escape at Dreaming Buckwheat

It was rainy Sunday in Seoul. When the weather is a bit gloomy, I usually prefer to put outdoor plans on hold and just visit a large indoor shopping complex. Last weekend, we headed to Yongsan I-Park Mall for a lunch.

Often, mall food courts tend to offer heavy or greasy options, but we were looking for something lighter. We noticed a place serving makguksu (Korean buckwheat noodles) and decided to walk in. The restaurant is called Dreaming Buckwheat (Kkumkkuneun Memil). Here is a look at what we ordered and how the food actually was.

The Space and Ordering

Dreaming Buckwheat is located on the 7th floor of The Center section in I-Park Mall. The exterior looks clean and fits the standard look of a modern and neat Korean restaurant.

We got there around 1 PM. Though it was a very crowded weekend, we managed to get a table right away without having to wait. The dining area doesn’t feel cramped, as the tables are spaced out reasonably well. Like many spots now, you can order and pay directly through a tablet on the table, which keeps the process straightforward. Overall, the atmosphere was quiet and orderly.

The Bibim Makguksu

We ordered two bowls of the Bibim Makguksu at 12,000 KRW each.

When the food arrived, the red seasoning on top looked like it might be heavily spiced. But once mixed, the flavor was actually quite mild and savory. It isn’t overly sweet or aggressively spicy. Instead, the seasoning is subdued enough to let the natural, roasted taste of the buckwheat noodles come through.

There is a slight heat that builds up gently after you finish eating, but it isn’t overwhelming. It’s a very comfortable bowl of noodles.

The Pollock Sikhae Suyuk

We also added a side of Pollock Sikhae Suyuk for 15,000 KRW to go with the noodles.

The suyuk (boiled pork) was cooked well and had a soft texture. However, the standout part of this dish is the *myungtae sikhae* (fermented pollock) served right next to it. Eating the tender pork and the fermented pollock together adds a sharp, tangy flavor that cuts right through the fat of the meat.

The fermented pollock also paired nicely with the mild bibim makguksu. Because it worked so well together, next time we visit, we will likely just order the Pollock Makguksu directly instead of the plain bibim version.

Who Should Go?

If you are at Yongsan I-Park Mall and want a meal that is easy to digest, this is a solid option. It provides a good break from the usual heavy mall food.

It is also well-suited for eating alone. Because the tables are spaced out and you can order straight from the kiosk without flagging down staff, solo diners can have a quiet, comfortable lunch here without feeling rushed or out of place.

Getting There

Finding specific restaurants inside I-Park Mall can sometimes be confusing because of how the building is split up. Dreaming Buckwheat is located on the 7th floor of “The Center” section.

If you are taking the subway to Yongsan Station, you can walk right into the mall from the main concourse. From there, just look for the signs pointing to The Center block, and take the escalator or elevator straight up to the 7th floor. It is easy to spot among the cluster of dining options up there, with a clean and simple exterior that fits the standard look of a neat Korean restaurant.

Closing

If you are at Yongsan I-Park Mall and want a meal that is easy to digest, Dreaming Buckwheat is a solid option. It is also well-suited for eating alone, thanks to the table kiosks and neat interior.

The seasoning here leans toward the milder side, which might feel a bit plain if you prefer intense, salty flavors. However, we walked out feeling full without the heavy, sluggish feeling that often comes after eating out. It’s a reliable spot for a clean, simple meal.