Naengmyeon is a Korean noodle dish where the noodles are served cold.  

It typically consists of long, thin noodles made from ingredients like buckwheat or sweet potato starch. 

The noodles are served with a sauce or in broth, accompanied by a variety of garnishes.  

Naengmyeon comes in different varieties, including Bibim naengmyeon and mul naengmyeon.  

Bibim naengmyeon and mul naengmyeon both consist of cold noodles made from buckwheat or sweet potato starch.  

These noodles are characterized by their chewy texture, a key component in both dishes.  

However, the noodles in these dishes are mixed with different sauces, resulting in distinct presentations and flavors. 

In this post, we’ll explore these varieties of naengmyeon and discuss the features that distinguish them. 

What is bibim naengmyeon?

Bibim naengmyeon is a Korean cold noodle dish known for its spicy and tangy flavor.  

The word “Bibim” means mixed, and “naengmyeon” refers to cold noodles.  

The dish typically consists of buckwheat noodles served with a spicy gochujang-based sauce, vegetables such as cucumber, radish, and sometimes a boiled egg.  

The sauce is made by mixing gochujang, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil.  

The noodles are tossed with the sauce and arranged on a plate, then topped with julienned vegetables and a boiled egg. 

 Some versions may include shredded beef or other meats.  

The flavor profile of this dish is a blend of spiciness, sweetness, and tanginess.  

What is mul naengmyeon?

Mul Naengmyeon is a Korean cold noodle dish that translates to “water cold noodles.”  

It typically consists of thin, chewy buckwheat noodles served in an icy, tangy broth made from beef or radish.  

The broth is seasoned with ingredients like soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar, providing a refreshing tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor that sets it apart.  

The noodles are also garnished with various toppings such as cucumber and a hard-boiled egg.  

The noodles have a unique chewiness, and the cold temperature of the dish makes it a popular choice, especially during hot summer months. 

Difference between bibim naengmyeon and mul naengmyeon

The key distinction between these dishes is the presence of a spicy sauce in bibim naengmyeon and a chilled broth in mul naengmyeon.  

Bibim naengmyeon features cold noodles mixed with a spicy gochujang-based sauce, vegetables, and possibly a boiled egg, while mul naengmyeon consists of cold noodles served in a chilled broth made with beef, and it includes toppings like sliced radish and cucumber.