A Rainy Day Comfort Meal: 1969 Buwon-dong Kalguksu in Nampo-dong, Busan
On a rainy weekend afternoon, I visited 1969 Buwon-dong Kalguksu. The sound of the rain pattering outside the window enhanced the anticipation for the warm bowl of *kalguksu* (Korean knife-cut noodle soup).
Location
1969 Buwon-dong Kalguksu is conveniently located about a 3-minute walk from Jagalchi Market in Nampo-dong, Busan. It's also just a minute away from Exit 1 of Nampo Station (Subway Line 1), making it very accessible. Note that parking is not directly supported. I parked at the nearby Lotte Department Store Gwangbok branch and walked over.
BIFF Square
The restaurant is right next to BIFF Square, making it easy to take a stroll after your meal. One fun detail is that you can find actor Cho Jin-woong's hand and footprints embedded in the pavement next to the restaurant!
55 Years of History and Tradition
Since 1969, Buwon-dong Kalguksu has been making their noodles in-house daily and simmering broth with carefully selected ingredients. True to its 55-year history, stacks of flour sacks at the entrance immediately signal that they are committed to homemade noodles and broth.
Atmosphere
The interior walls are decorated with photos of Busan from the 1970s and 80s, adding to the ambiance. Tourists and visitors from abroad can experience the old charm of Busan here, making it a special experience.
Menu
Although it was still warm enough to wear short sleeves, I was sad to learn that their *kongguksu* (cold soybean noodle soup) was no longer available as it's a summer dish. I found out that oyster *kalguksu* season had begun on September 15th, replacing the mussel and Manila clam versions.
They use fresh oysters delivered every morning, which explains the rich flavor of the broth.
Kimchi Heaven
Side dishes are self-service, so you can take as much as you like. I brought back kimchi, radish kimchi, and pickled radish, but the kimchi was especially delicious.
You could definitely taste the freshness of the kimchi, made fresh every morning. It was a fantastic combination with the *kalguksu*. As a *saeng-kimchi* (fresh kimchi) lover, I was really satisfied!
Oyster Kalguksu
The oyster *kalguksu*, enjoyed on a rainy day, felt so warm and comforting. The generous amount of fresh oysters gave it a rich sea aroma, and the broth was savory and deeply flavorful.
Ordering a large portion (곱배기) doesn't cost extra, so be sure to ask if you want a larger serving.
Bibim Kalguksu (Spicy Mixed Noodles)
The *bibim kalguksu* is mixed with broth that they provide. I followed the instructions and added about 20 spoonfuls, which blended the sauce and noodles perfectly for a delicious taste.
The chewy noodles and spicy sauce offered a different appeal compared to the soup version. The presentation was similar to *jjolmyeon* (chewy noodles with spicy sauce).
Personally, I enjoyed the *bibim kalguksu* even more than the oyster *kalguksu*!
Juicy Dumplings
The juicy dumplings were not greasy, a refreshing change from typical dumplings. They were good with soy sauce or pickled radish, but especially delicious when topped with the cabbage and sauce from the *bibim kalguksu*.
Overall Impression
There's a reason why this restaurant has been around for 55 years. The noodles are homemade and chewy, the broth is flavorful thanks to fresh ingredients, and even the kimchi is delicious.
If you're visiting Busan, I highly recommend stopping by!
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