Singapore’s ever-evolving dining scene has just welcomed another exciting name to its culinary landscape – Gwanghwamun Mijin, one of Korea’s oldest and most beloved noodle institutions. With a legacy stretching back to 1954, this Bib Gourmand Michelin-awarded eatery has finally made its international debut, and it’s happening right in the heart of Singapore’s Far East Square.
The restaurant officially opens its doors on 20 August 2025, bringing with it a taste of authentic Korean ‘halmeoni’ (grandmother-style) cuisine, most notably its signature chilled buckwheat noodles – the Korean cousin of the more familiar Japanese soba. If you’re someone who enjoys discovering culturally rich, time-honoured culinary traditions, this new opening deserves a firm spot on your must-visit list.
A 70-Year Culinary Legacy from Seoul
Gwanghwamun Mijin isn’t just another trendy K-dining spot riding the Hallyu wave. It’s a Seoul institution that’s been feeding generations of Koreans since the post-war era. Founded in 1954 by Ahn Pyung-soon, the restaurant was eventually passed on to Lee Young-joo, a fellow restaurateur and loyal friend. Since then, the legacy has been continued by the Lee family, who have taken it upon themselves to uphold the original recipes and flavours that made the eatery a national treasure.
One of its most famous patrons was former South Korean President Park Chung-hee, who dined at the original Seoul shop regularly. Today, the restaurant still stands proudly in the historic Gwanghwamun district, operating alongside 11 franchise branches across Korea. The decision to open its very first international outlet in Singapore is a significant one – and one that speaks volumes about Singapore’s growing appetite for high-quality, authentic Asian cuisine.
The Journey to Singapore
The Singapore venture is spearheaded by Chinese entrepreneur Kimmy Tang Jiawen, who first discovered Gwanghwamun Mijin through its frozen meal kits. Her Korean-American husband, Roger Kim, added a personal touch to the story – his grandfather was a regular customer at the Seoul flagship restaurant.
Inspired by a shared love for healthy, soul-nourishing Korean food, the couple visited Seoul in August 2024, queued for 40 minutes outside the Gwanghwamun shop, and after that first taste of icy buckwheat noodles, made a decision that would change their lives – and the local dining scene.
Tang left her consulting career to fully dedicate herself to bringing Gwanghwamun Mijin to Singapore, while her husband continues to run his investment advisory business. Together, they are helming the Southeast Asia expansion of this iconic Korean brand.
Why This Opening Matters
So, what sets Gwanghwamun Mijin apart from the slew of Korean eateries already operating in Singapore? Authenticity. The team has gone to great lengths to recreate the Seoul experience down to the last detail.
Firstly, the buckwheat noodles are air-flown directly from Korea. They are crafted in the original Seoul shop’s basement factory, and are never produced locally to preserve consistency. As anyone who’s dined in both countries can tell you, water quality, flour sources, and even air humidity can impact the final taste and texture. The decision to import these noodles speaks to the restaurant’s uncompromising standards.
Secondly, nearly 95% of the ingredients and condiments are also flown in – including essential Korean staples like ssamjang, gochujang (chilli paste), salted shrimp, sesame, perilla oil, and seaweed flakes.
The difference is noticeable in the noodles themselves. While Japanese soba is smooth and subtle, Korean buckwheat noodles are chewy and springy thanks to a blend of wheat and buckwheat. Served in a rich, icy broth brewed from seafood and kelp, this dish offers a refreshing, umami-packed punch that’s ideal for Singapore’s hot, humid weather.
Hands-On Training from Seoul
To ensure the Singapore outlet lives up to its reputation, the franchise’s local kitchen team underwent training directly from Gwanghwamun Mijin’s head chef. Tang also spent several months in Seoul earlier this year, learning the ropes and mastering the family recipes.
The restaurant itself features 90 seats in total – 68 indoors and 22 outdoors – and combines modern, minimalist design with warm, traditional Korean touches. It’s an inviting space where both regulars and first-time diners can gather for a meal that’s equal parts nostalgic and comforting.
What’s On the Menu
The highlight, of course, is the Signature Cold Buckwheat Noodles ($15). Served with two trays of noodles and a chilled broth kettle, this dish comes complete with a condiment station featuring grated daikon, chopped spring onions, wasabi, and crispy seaweed. This DIY setup allows each diner to customise their flavours to taste.
For those who prefer warm dishes, the Hot Buckwheat Noodles ($16) offer a hearty alternative. The Bibim Buckwheat with savoury beef sauce ($16) and the vegetarian-friendly Perilla Buckwheat ($16) provide variety for different dietary preferences. You can also choose to upgrade the latter with marinated salmon for a slightly more indulgent twist at $20.
Beyond noodles, the restaurant serves an array of Korean comfort classics. Standouts include the Pork Cutlet ($18), a crispy and juicy Korean take on the familiar tonkatsu; the Bossam ($15), featuring tender pork belly with napa cabbage wraps; and pancakes made from buckwheat flour – like the Kimchi Buckwheat Pancake ($19) and Spring Onion Seafood Pancake ($19).
Singapore-Exclusive Dishes
For those looking to try something new, the Singapore menu also introduces exclusive dishes such as Pan-fried Salmon ($20) and Fried Chicken Cutlet ($17). These were designed with local palates in mind and are not available at the original Korean outlets, making a visit even more enticing for food lovers eager to try everything.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This
With the sheer amount of attention being paid to authenticity, ingredient sourcing, and customer experience, Gwanghwamun Mijin is more than just a restaurant – it’s a cultural experience. Diners are not only treated to excellent food, but also a rare opportunity to taste the results of seven decades of culinary craftsmanship.
Whether you’re a fan of Korean cuisine, someone who appreciates legacy brands, or simply searching for something refreshingly different from the norm, Gwanghwamun Mijin ticks all the boxes.
The opening of this long-standing Seoul eatery in Singapore isn’t just another foodie trend. It’s a celebration of tradition, culture, and the love for good food that transcends borders.
Promotional/Event Details:
Date: From 20 August 2025 Onward
Time: Daily, 11am to 9:30pm
Venue: Gwanghwamun Mijin, #01-01 Far East Square, 47-49 Pekin Street, Singapore 048779
More Info: https://www.instagram.com/gwanghwamunmijin.sg/
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