Crash Landing on You Pyongyang Naengmyeon (평양냉면)
Why this food?
Pyongyang naengmyeon is North Korea's most famous cold noodle dish — austere, minimalist, and profoundly comforting. In Crash Landing on You, this dish becomes a window into Ri Jung-hyeok's longing for home. Unlike its Southern cousin bibim-naengmyeon (mixed and spicy), Pyongyang style is served in a clear, beef-based broth with just a few toppings — a reflection of the character's reserved nature.
🇰🇷 K-Culture Tip
Naengmyeon dates back to the Joseon Dynasty and became the signature dish of Pyongyang in the 19th century. North Korean naengmyeon uses buckwheat noodles in a chilled beef or radish broth — no gochujang (red chili paste). The dish symbolizes unity across the divided peninsula; eating naengmyeon together is a Korean dream of reunification. Many Koreans and diaspora visit naengmyeon restaurants as an act of cultural remembrance.
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Substitute Ingredients
All available at Walmart
| Original | Substitute |
|---|---|
Buckwheat noodles 메밀국수 | Great Value Buckwheat Soba Noodles Great Value Soba noodles are the closest substitute; look for 100% buckwheat for authenticity Shop at Walmart |
Beef broth 소고기 육수 | Swanson Beef Broth Swanson Low-sodium recommended; use bouillon cubes if broth unavailable Shop at Walmart |
Sliced beef (brisket or chuck) 소고기 편육 | Hillshire Farm Deli Roast Beef Hillshire Farm Ask deli counter to slice thin; pre-packaged roast beef works for convenience Shop at Walmart |
🛒 Can't find it at Walmart? Try a Korean grocery store
Your Shopping List
Walmart edition
- 8 oz (1 package) Great Value Buckwheat Soba Noodles
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) Swanson Beef Broth
- 4-6 slices (about 2 oz) Hillshire Farm Deli Roast Beef
Instructions
- 1
Step 1: Bring 6 cups of water to boil in a large pot. Add 2 beef bouillon cubes and simmer for 5 minutes to create the broth base. Season lightly with salt and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
- 2
Step 2: Cook buckwheat noodles according to package directions (usually 4-5 minutes). Drain and rinse under ice-cold water until completely chilled, then divide into 2 serving bowls.
- 3
Step 3: Chill the beef broth in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes (or use ice if serving immediately). Pour the cold broth over the noodles until bowls are three-quarters full.
- 4
Step 4: Top each bowl with 2-3 thin slices of deli beef, 1 tablespoon of shredded cucumber, 1 hard-boiled egg half, and a pinch of sesame seeds.
- 5
Step 5: Serve immediately with a small dish of mustard on the side. Eat with a fork and spoon, mixing gently before each bite. The simplicity is intentional — let the clean, cold broth shine.
