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Udon Kinu: a chilled bukkake udon spot in Bangbae, Seoul (honest review)
Udon Kinu (우동키누) is a long-loved udon restaurant in Bangbae-dong, Seoul, famous for its springy house-made noodles and a refreshing cool bukkake udon. Even committed rice lovers come away converted — this is an easy recommendation if you are anywhere near Bangbae.
Where it is
Udon Kinu sits in Bangbae-dong, Seocho-gu, near Bangbae and Naebang stations. The address is 16, Bangbae-ro 28-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul. It has earned a reputation that reaches well beyond the neighborhood, drawing diners from other parts of the city.
Opening hours
Open daily 11:00 to 20:30, with a break from 15:00 to 17:30. Last orders are 14:30 for lunch and 20:00 for dinner, and the restaurant is open year-round with no regular closing day.
What to order
We had the bukkake udon set and the tonkatsu set. The house-made udon noodles are wonderfully chewy and springy — just looking back at the photos brings the texture to mind. The kitchen also does tempura beautifully: crisp, freshly fried, and the perfect partner for the noodles. The tonkatsu was a real surprise too. You might assume all katsu tastes about the same, but the pork here is tender and nutty, satisfying with every bite. And the heart of it all is the cool bukkake udon: those springy noodles with chilled tsuyu are simply chewy, bouncy perfection. Honestly, photos and words can only go so far — you have to taste it.
The vibe
The dining room has an open kitchen, so you can watch the cooks at work, with seating set further inside. It draws every kind of guest — solo diners, friends, and families alike. There is a steady, easy energy to the place.
Verdict
There is a clear reason Udon Kinu has been loved in Bangbae for so long. It is a place that pleases noodle lovers, of course, but also rice lovers like me. If you are visiting Bangbae, Udon Kinu is well worth a stop.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Udon Kinu?
Udon Kinu (우동키누) is in Bangbae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, near Bangbae and Naebang stations. Address: 16, Bangbae-ro 28-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul.
What are Udon Kinu's opening hours?
Open daily 11:00 to 20:30, with a break time from 15:00 to 17:30. Last orders are at 14:30 for lunch and 20:00 for dinner. Open year-round with no regular closing day.
What should I order at Udon Kinu?
The signature cool bukkake udon set (springy house-made noodles with chilled tsuyu and tempura) and the tonkatsu set are both excellent.
Is the udon at Udon Kinu house-made?
Yes. The noodles are made in-house, which is why they are so chewy and springy. The tempura is fried fresh and crisp.