Eulji Myeonok, 'Last Day of Business' Today... Crowds Despite Over 30-Degree Scorching Sunlight

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Eulji Myeonok, a restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul, known for its Pyongyang cold noodles and operating for 37 years, closed its doors on the 25th. Opened in 1985, Eulji Myeonok is a long-established eatery in Euljiro famous for its signature Pyongyang cold noodles. Since redevelopment procedures began in April 2017, the restaurant faced an uncertain future, and following a recent court ruling, it has finally closed.

The Sewoon Redevelopment Promotion District 3-2, where Eulji Myeonok is located, has been undergoing compensation and demolition procedures since 2019. Eulji Myeonok, which did not apply for the new development units, agreed to hand over the building for cash but failed to reach an agreement with the redevelopment developer. Consequently, the developer filed a lawsuit demanding the handover of the building, winning in the first trial, but Eulji Myeonok appealed. The developer, unwilling to wait for the final verdict of the main lawsuit, filed a provisional injunction for real estate eviction against Eulji Myeonok in January. Recently, the appellate court ordered Eulji Myeonok to hand over the building to the developer.

Although the main lawsuit is still ongoing, Eulji Myeonok decided to cease operations at this location after this day. The final business hours were from 10:30 a.m., about 30 minutes earlier than usual, until 3 p.m.

On the last day of business, Eulji Myeonok was crowded with long lines from early morning. Despite temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, the queue never stopped. Even an hour before closing at around 2 p.m., when the heat was at its peak, about 50 customers were still waiting. Customers lined up, shielding themselves from the scorching sun with parasols, to enjoy one last bowl of Eulji Myeonok’s cold noodles. Mr. Lim (29) said, "I waited 35 minutes to get in. I have always liked Eulji Myeonok, and I came alone to ease my sadness upon hearing it would close."

As the line of customers continued, Eulji Myeonok closed later than the originally planned closing time. After ending business on this day, Eulji Myeonok plans to leave Euljiro and open a new restaurant at a different location.