Gangnam Myeonok 강남면옥

The sign says naengmyeon, yet many diners come for galbi-jjim, braised short ribs on big bones in a sweetish house sauce that departs from the traditional recipe. A medium portion feeds three. The Apgujeong dining room is usually hectic, with late afternoon the calmer window, and valet parking is offered. Many visitors come from abroad, and the menu is laid out to be easy to follow. The ribs come with a bowl of galbitang broth and a kettle of hot beef stock, and the unofficial finish is rice fried in the leftover sauce. Mul naengmyeon, buckwheat noodles in a faintly funky fermented broth, balances the sweetness of the ribs. Hoe-naengmyeon with skate and mandu dumplings round out the menu.