Kalguksu (knife-cut noodles)
칼국수 Kalguksu
Knife-cut wheat noodles in a hot broth, often made with anchovies or clams, served with kimchi.
- Noodle Soup
- Spice: Not spicy
- Contains seafood
At a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Wheat noodles, anchovy or clam broth, zucchini, potato |
| How it's served | Steaming hot in a large bowl, with kimchi 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 |
| Ask about | Clam broth is common instead of anchovy; some noodle doughs contain egg or soy. |
| On the menu | 칼국수 (Kalguksu) |
| Also called | kal guksu · kalgooksu · knife-cut noodles |
| Region | Nationwide |
Based on the usual recipe. Restaurants vary, so always tell the staff.
How to eat Noodle Soup
Let it cool a little
The broth comes very hot. Lift a few noodles with your chopsticks and blow on them first.
Use chopsticks and a spoon together
Pick up the noodles with chopsticks. Use the spoon for the broth and vegetables.
Eat it with kimchi
Take a bite of kimchi between mouthfuls. Kalguksu places often serve freshly made kimchi, and refills are usually free.
How to order it
Order it as 칼국수. It usually comes as a single bowl, so one person can order it alone.
- On the menu: 칼국수
- Usually sold: 1 serving
Where it comes from
In one of the oldest Joseon cookbooks, knife-cut noodles appear as jeolmyeon. They were made mainly from buckwheat, with wheat flour mixed in to bind them, because wheat was scarce. Later cookbooks switch to wheat flour. Today the noodles are usually boiled right in the broth, which makes it cloudy but rich.
Sources: Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (encykorea.aks.ac.kr)
Questions about Noodle Soup
Is kalguksu vegetarian?
Usually not. The broth is often made with dried anchovies or clams, and some versions use chicken or beef bone broth. If you avoid meat or seafood, ask the restaurant.
Is kalguksu spicy?
Not spicy. The broth has no chili heat, but some places offer a chili seasoning you can stir in yourself.
Can you order kalguksu alone?
Yes. Most places serve it by the bowl. Seafood versions cooked in a large pot at the table are often meant for sharing.
- By Jason Kim (Bumsoo)
- Last reviewed October 10, 2026