Myeongdong Kyoja Itaewon 명동교자 이태원점

This Itaewon branch faithfully carries the flavors of the famous Myeongdong original, with the significant advantage of shorter wait times. The kalguksu broth is thick and meaty, and the first spoonful carries an unexpectedly jjamppong-like complexity from what seems to be caramelized onions and black pepper in the stock. The noodles are soft yet resilient, sliding down easily, and free refills let you eat your fill. The bibim-guksu is equally compelling, and the seasonal kongguksu available from April through October exceeded expectations. The mandu dumplings are excellent and should not be skipped. The real signature here is the kimchi, loaded with so much raw garlic that it delivers a sharp, lingering burn that stays in your mouth long after eating. It is the kind of addictive heat that keeps you thinking about it on your way home. The three-floor layout is more comfortable than the original branch, and the system has you order first before being seated. Pricing is reasonable.