A Bowl Filled with the Time of Yangyang, the True Taste of Buckwheat Found at the 40-Year-Old Ibam Buckwheat Town (Ibam Memil Town)

A bowl of light buckwheat noodles that resembles the wind of Yangyang

In Yangyang, Gangwon-do, there is a subtle, savory scent mixed into the cool breeze that greets you when you open the window. At 155, Hwasangcheon-ro, Hyeonnam-myeon, where the road winds and turns, stands 'Ibam Buckwheat Town (Ibam Memil Town),' which has been quietly holding its place for a long 40 years. The welcoming atmosphere upon entering feels as comfortable as visiting a neighbor you have known for a long time. Knowing that the buckwheat, sourced from nearby farms, is milled in their own factory, you can feel the sincerity even before the food reaches the table.

A deep, profound taste crafted from 25 ingredients

The Makguksu (buckwheat noodles) here is not just food to fill your stomach, but a dish in itself. The 25 types of seasonings and ingredients, born from the owner's touch, harmonize to enhance the unique texture of the buckwheat noodles—both rough and smooth. A sip of the Mul-makguksu (cold buckwheat noodles in broth) fills your mouth with the deep, savory flavor of the broth, while the Bibim-makguksu (spicy buckwheat noodles) starts with a tangy flavor and finishes with a lingering, subtle scent of buckwheat. The Suyuk (boiled pork), ordered as a side, uses female pork, making it clean without any gamey smell while melting softly in your mouth. In particular, the vegetables placed on the plate felt exceptionally fresh; perhaps because they are eco-friendly, low-pesticide vegetables grown directly, every bite felt full of crunchy vitality.

Yangyang, where you want to linger: Tips for a relaxed trip

Ibam Buckwheat Town is a place that sees a constant stream of visitors during meal times. If possible, I recommend arriving early to enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace during quieter hours. After your meal, take a light walk along the low stone walls around the restaurant. The fresh air of Gangwon-do will pleasantly wash away the feeling of fullness after your meal. Nearby, the scenery of the Hwasangcheon (Hwasang Stream) unfolds, making it the perfect spot to park your car for a moment and enjoy the view after eating. The taste of buckwheat, accompanied by the changing mountain ranges of Yangyang each season, goes beyond the simple act of filling one's stomach—it leaves a clearer imprint of your travel memories.

The end of a journey, things to remember here

A place that has stood for a long time becomes a landscape in itself. With the weight of 40 years infused into every strand of buckwheat noodle, this place feels like the first refuge that comes to mind when you suddenly feel hungry during a trip to Yangyang. It is a place you want to revisit whenever you miss the simple, rustic taste of buckwheat, even if it isn't flashy. Eating soft Suyuk and cool Makguksu under the sunlight streaming through the window gives you a feeling of resting your weary mind for a while. I look forward to visiting again on my next trip to Yangyang and facing another bowl filled with as much sincerity as today.