Where to buy it
- Asian grocery store
- Korean online shop
- Large supermarkets with an Asian food section
Hansik YoungKorean ingredient guide
Medium Noodle, 중면
Jungmyeon is one of those ingredients that makes Korean cooking at home easier. This guide explains how to use it, where to find it, and which recipes work well with it.

Somen and jungmyeon are two types of noodles often used in Korean cuisine. Somen is thin and cooks quickly, making it perfect for dishes like banquet noodles (janchi guksu), cold noodles, or bibim noodles. Jungmyeon, on the other hand, is thicker and chewier, ideal for soups or stir-fried dishes.
While I mostly used somen in Korea, I noticed that jungmyeon is more commonly available in Germany, which I found quite interesting. Jungmyeon has a slightly thicker texture than somen and takes a bit longer to cook.
In Germany, Asian markets often sell products from Sempio and Ottogi, both trusted and widely used brands among Koreans. These noodles are high-quality and work well for a variety of dishes.
Choosing between somen and jungmyeon depends on the recipe. Somen is better for light soups, while jungmyeon suits heartier or fried dishes. Always keep an eye on the cooking time for the best results. 😊
If you cannot find it, use a simple alternative and adjust the flavor carefully. Fermented ingredients are often hard to replace exactly.
You can usually find Jungmyeon in Asian grocery stores, Korean online shops, or larger supermarkets with a good Asian food section.
Korean home cooking, Banchan and side dishes, Easy everyday meals
If you cannot find it, use a simple alternative and adjust the flavor carefully. Fermented ingredients are often hard to replace exactly.
Always follow the package instructions. Many Korean pastes and opened products keep best sealed in the fridge.