Gwanghwamun Mijin Brings Michelin-Approved Korean Soba to Singapore on August 20, 2025

Get ready, Singapore foodies! The culinary scene is about to get a delicious upgrade with the arrival of Gwanghwamun Mijin, a legendary Korean restaurant that’s been serving authentic, Michelin Bib Gourmand-approved cold buckwheat noodles since 1954. Mark your calendars for August 20, 2025, when this Seoul institution opens its first-ever overseas flagship outlet at Far East Square (47-49 Pekin St, #01-01, Singapore 048779). Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting new addition to Singapore’s dining landscape.

A Taste of Korean Heritage

Gwanghwamun Mijin, named after its historic location in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun district, is renowned for its “grandma-style” QQ buckwheat noodles. Think of them as Korea’s heartier, chewier answer to Japanese soba. With over 70 years of history, this Michelin-recognised eatery has served everyone from locals to notable figures like former South Korean President Park Chung-hee.

Now, Singaporeans can experience this authentic taste without hopping on a plane, as 95% of the ingredients, including the noodles, sauces, and condiments, are airfreighted directly from Seoul to ensure the same flavour and texture as the original.

What’s on the Menu?

Expect a lineup of Gwanghwamun Mijin’s signature dishes that have won hearts in Korea. The star of the show is the Naeng Memil (SGD $15), a refreshing cold buckwheat noodle dish served with a chilled, secret family-recipe broth made from 14 ingredients, including dried anchovies, katsuobushi, and kelp. It comes with two trays of springy noodles and a condiment station featuring grated daikon, wasabi, chopped green onions, and crispy seaweed for you to customise your dipping sauce.

Other must-tries include:

- Bibim Memil (SGD $16): Spicy buckwheat noodles for those who love a kick.

- Perilla Buckwheat Noodles (SGD $16, or $20 with marinated salmon): A vegetarian-friendly option with a nutty twist.

- Bossam (SGD $15): Tender, razor-thin slices of boiled pork belly wrapped in napa cabbage.

- Donkatsu (SGD $18): Crispy Korean-style pork cutlet.

- Memil Jeonbyeong (SGD $19): Buckwheat crepes stuffed with bean sprouts, tofu, aged kimchi, and ground pork.

- Kimchi Buckwheat Pancake (SGD $19) and Spring Onion Seafood Pancake (SGD $19): Savory sides to complement your meal.

- Singapore Exclusives: Look out for unique offerings like pan-fried salmon ($20) and fried chicken cutlet ($17), crafted just for the Lion City.

The noodles, made fresh daily in Seoul’s basement factory, blend buckwheat with a touch of wheat flour for that signature chewy texture, packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. The commitment to authenticity means even the ssamjang, chili paste, and perilla oil are flown in from Korea.

The Story Behind the Singapore Opening

The idea to bring Gwanghwamun Mijin to Singapore came from Kimmy Tang Jiawen, a Chinese national and healthy-eating enthusiast, and her Korean-American husband, Roger Kim, whose grandfather was a regular at the Seoul flagship. After falling in love with Mijin’s frozen meal kits (available on Lazada Singapore for SGD $17.90), Kimmy queued for 40 minutes in Seoul to try the real thing. One slurp of the icy noodles, and she was hooked, declaring, “Let’s bring this to Singapore.” The couple is now leading Mijin’s Southeast Asia expansion, with Kimmy having trained hands-on at the Seoul restaurant to ensure authenticity.

What to Expect at Far East Square

Located in the heart of Singapore’s CBD, near Raffles Place and Telok Ayer MRT stations, Gwanghwamun Mijin’s new outpost will feature 68 indoor seats and 22 outdoor seats in a modern, minimalist space that preserves the brand’s homey spirit. The restaurant is expected to draw crowds, especially during lunch hours, given its prime location and reputation. To maintain quality, Mijin’s Korean head chef will oversee a month-long training for the local team, ensuring every dish meets Seoul’s high standards.

Why You Should Visit

Gwanghwamun Mijin isn’t just another Korean restaurant riding the Hallyu wave. It’s a culinary institution with a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod and a legacy of serving soul-warming, authentic Korean comfort food. Whether you’re a naengmyeon enthusiast or new to Korean-style soba, this is the perfect spot to slurp chilled noodles on a hot Singapore day, paired with classics like bossam or donkatsu. Plus, with prices starting at $15, it’s a Michelin-approved experience that won’t break the bank.

Plan Your Visit

- Opening Date: August 20, 2025

- Address: 47-49 Pekin Street, #01-01, Far East Square, Singapore 048779

- Opening Hours: TBD

- Note: Gwanghwamun Mijin is not halal-certified.

Ready to dive into a bowl of icy, chewy buckwheat noodles? Stay tuned for more updates on Gwanghwamun Mijin’s Singapore opening, and be sure to follow their official channels for the latest news. This is one culinary gem you won’t want to miss! Photo: Gwanghwamun Mijin