비빔국수 Bibimguksu
Thin wheat noodles served cold in a sweet and sour chili paste sauce, mixed before eating.
Spice: Medium
Myeon (noodles)
잔치국수 Janchiguksu
Thin wheat noodles in a light, hot anchovy broth, topped with vegetables and egg strips, eaten as a quick meal.
- Banquet Noodles
- Spice: Not spicy
- Contains seafood
At a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Thin wheat noodles, anchovy broth |
| How it's served | Hot in a large bowl, with kimchi and a soy sauce seasoning on the side |
| Spice level | Not spicy — No chili heat. |
| Diet | Contains seafood — Fish, shellfish, fish sauce, salted seafood (jeotgal) or anchovy stock is a standard ingredient. |
| Allergens | Wheat · Fish · Egg · Soy · Sesame |
| Ask about | Some broths add dried shrimp or kelp; toppings vary and may include fish cake or kimchi. |
| On the menu | 잔치국수 (Janchiguksu) |
| Also called | janchi guksu · janchi gooksu · Korean wedding noodles |
| Region | Nationwide |
Based on the usual recipe. Restaurants vary, so always tell the staff.
How to eat Banquet Noodles
Add the seasoning sauce
Many places serve a soy sauce seasoning on the side. Stir in a little and taste the broth.
Mix the noodles and toppings
Lift the noodles with chopsticks so the toppings spread through the bowl. Use the spoon for the broth.
Eat it with kimchi
Take a bite of kimchi between mouthfuls of noodles.
How to order it
Order it as 잔치국수. It comes as a single bowl, so one person can order it alone.
- On the menu: 잔치국수
- Usually sold: 1 serving
Where it comes from
Koreans have made noodles from wheat since the Goryeo period. Wheat was scarce, so wheat noodles were likely a rare food for ceremonies. In the Joseon period they were served at feasts. At weddings, the long strands stood for a long and close marriage.
Sources: Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (encykorea.aks.ac.kr)
Similar dishes
잡채 Japchae
Glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables, often with beef, in soy sauce and sesame oil.
Spice: Not spicy
짜장면 Jjajangmyeon
A Korean-Chinese dish of thick wheat noodles topped with a black bean sauce of pork and onion, mixed before eating.
Spice: Not spicy
Questions about Banquet Noodles
Is janchiguksu vegetarian?
Usually not. The broth is usually made with dried anchovies, so ask the staff if you avoid seafood.
How spicy is janchiguksu?
Not spicy. The broth has no chili heat, though some seasoning sauces include chili flakes.
Can you eat janchiguksu alone?
Yes. It comes by the bowl, and solo diners often order it at markets and noodle shops.
- By Jason Kim (Bumsoo)
- Last reviewed October 25, 2026