[Jeju, Korea] Just like how Singaporeans love noodles, Koreans also have a soft spot for noodles, which usually serves as a budget alternative to a fuss-free meal.
”Gogi-guksu”, which loosely translates to Pork Noodle Soup, is a noodle variant that is available only on Jeju Island and not anywhere else in South Korea.
Back in the olden days when resources were scarce, pork and noodles were considered to be premium food ingredients.
Hence, Gogi-guksu was only prepared and meant to be consumed during special occasions.
Fast forward till today, the hearty bowl of noodle soup has become the iconic heritage dish of Jeju Island.
So much so that there is even a Jeju Noodle Culture Street coined after the famed noodle dish, which houses about 10 Gogi-guksu stores situated along the same stretch of road.
I once asked a local tour guide for recommendation and was then directed to Sister Noodles.
At Sisters Noodles 자매국수, their Gogi-guksu (KRW7,000, SGD8.10) came in a slightly luscious pork broth, topped with simmered sliced pork, chopped scallions and seaweed flakes.
With influences from Japanese dining habits, the noodles then resembled ramen noodles with firm and chewy bite texture.
The pork broth was both tasty and balanced, but not to the extent of rich and overwhelming.
So if you are expecting tonkotsu-like pork broth, you may probably be left disappointed.
Other than pork broth, they also serve Myeolchi-guksu (KRW 6,000, SGD 7.00) which came with sliced pork and various greens in anchovy broth.
Contrary to pork broth, the anchovy broth was clear and scented with light fish flavor. Making the bowl of noodle soup generally quite healthy.
I took a liking to the Bibim-guksu (KRW7,000, SGD8.10), which was served with pork slices and assorted vegetables tossed in gochujang sauce.
Similar to Bibimbap, the noodle salad has crunchy vegetable texture and pack filled with intense flavor, add the spiciness from gochujang sauce.
Definitely nailed the spot for spicy food lovers like me.
There is also a summer delicacy, Kong-guksu (KRW8,000, SGD9.25) which features their signature noodles in chilled white bean soup.
The dish has an interesting mix of sweet and savory blend, with subtle hints of bean and nutty aroma. Imagine eating meekia soaked in cold soya milk (probably the closest taste reference that I can think of).
For sharing sides, you can go for the Simmered Sliced Pork with Fermented Fish Sauce (KRW30,000, SGD34.70) or Boiled Pork Dumplings (KRW12,000, SGD13.90) for a complete meal.
There are two Sister Noodles stores. Main store located along Jeju Noodle Culture Street with limited seating and long waiting time.
I personally prefer the branch at Nohyeong-dong which operates 24 hours and has more seating space as well as ample parking lot.
Sister Noodles (Jamae Guksu) 자매국수
67 Samseong-ro, Ildoi-dong, Cheju, Jeju-do, South Korea
제주특별자치도 제주시 일도이동 삼성로 67
Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
GPS: 727-1112
https://store.naver.com/
Google Maps – Sister Noodles
Sister Noodles (Jamae Guksu), Nohyeong-dong 자매국수 노형동
6 Wollang-ro 4-gil, Nohyeong-dong, Cheju, Jeju-do, South Korea
제주특별자치도 제주시 노형동 월랑로4길 6
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
GPS: 746-2222
https://naver.com/
Google Maps – Sister Noodles Nohyeong-dong
Other Related Entries
Myeong Jin Jeon Bok 명진전복 (Jeju Island, South Korea)
Jeju-si Saewoori (Jeju Island, South Korea)
* Written by Lewis Tan @juicyfingers, a self-proclaimed coffee addict. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
