
Korean Acorn Jelly Somyeon
Dotorimuk chae somyeon is a chilled Korean noodle dish that combines boiled somyeon and sliced acorn jelly in cold dongchimi radish water kimchi broth. The acorn jelly has a soft, slippery texture that contrasts with the fine strands of the wheat noodles, and the fermented tang of the dongchimi broth wraps everything in a refreshing acidity. Julienned cucumber adds crunch, and a piece of kimchi contributes a spicy-savory accent. A light drizzle of sesame oil and a scatter of sesame seeds bring a nutty warmth that plays well against the cold broth, making this an appetite-reviving meal for hot weather.
Adjust Servings
Instructions
- 1
Julienne the acorn jelly and thinly slice the cucumber.
- 2
Mix vinegar and sugar into the dongchimi broth for a tangy cold soup base.
- 3
Boil somyeon for 3 minutes, then rinse repeatedly in cold water to remove starch.
- 4
Drain the noodles and toss lightly with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- 5
Place noodles, jelly strips, cucumber, and chopped kimchi in a bowl, then pour in the chilled broth.
- 6
Finish with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately while cold.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Tips
Nutrition (per serving)
More Recipes

Korean Dongchimi Cold Naengmyeon
Dongchimi naengmyeon is a Korean cold noodle dish where chewy naengmyeon noodles sit in a broth made by blending fermented dongchimi radish water with chilled beef or chicken stock. The dongchimi's lactic fermentation acidity meets the stock's savory depth, producing a clear broth that tastes both refreshing and complex. The colder the serving temperature, the more vivid the radish-fermented tang becomes. Sliced boiled beef on top provides a lean protein contrast to the icy liquid, while half a boiled egg and julienned pear add visual appeal and gentle sweetness. Cutting the noodles a few times with scissors before serving prevents clumping and helps the broth reach every strand.

Korean Yuja Chicken Cold Somyeon
Yuja chicken naeng somyeon is a Korean cold noodle dish served in a clear chicken-radish broth brightened with yuja (citron) syrup. The broth is chilled before serving, and its combination of mild chicken flavor and floral citrus aroma sets it apart from other cold noodle soups. Shredded poached chicken breast is placed on top of the cold somyeon along with cucumber or cherry tomatoes. The broth is deliberately kept lean, with no heavy oils. If the broth is prepared in advance, the final assembly takes under 30 minutes.

Korean Dongchimi Buckwheat Noodles
Dongchimi makguksu is a Gangwon-do cold noodle dish of buckwheat noodles served in well-fermented dongchimi radish water kimchi broth. The broth is strained and chilled in the freezer until ice crystals begin to form, which sharpens its tangy, lactic acidity to its peak. The noodles must be rinsed several times in cold water after boiling to strip all surface starch and keep the broth clear. Julienned Korean pear adds a fruit sweetness, and Korean mustard delivers a nasal heat that punctuates the cold liquid. With no oil or fat anywhere in the bowl, this is an exceptionally clean and light dish, well suited to hot summers or as a palate cleanser after a meat-heavy meal.

Korean Ssukgat Perilla Bibim Somyeon
This Korean cold noodle dish combines thin somyeon with a soy-perilla seed dressing that has a distinctly nutty, toasty flavor. Crown daisy (ssukgat) adds an herbal, slightly bitter note that pairs well with the richness of ground perilla. Julienned cucumber provides crunch against the smooth noodle texture. The entire dish comes together in about 25 minutes, including boiling and rinsing the noodles in cold water. It contains no significant heat, making it an approachable option among Korean noodle dishes.

Korean Acorn Jelly Cold Broth Bowl
Dotori-muksabal is a chilled Korean acorn jelly broth bowl where sliced acorn jelly sits in a cold, tangy-sweet seasoned broth. Acorn jelly has a distinctly earthy, mildly astringent aftertaste and a firm, bouncy texture that becomes more pronounced when served cold. The broth - a mixture of chilled stock seasoned with soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar - must be thoroughly cold before pouring to keep the jelly's cool snap intact. Chopped kimchi adds fermented heat and julienned cucumber contributes crunch, both compensating for the jelly's neutral flavor with sharp contrasts. The dish is notably low in calories and high in fiber.

Kongguksu-Style Cold Linguine
Kongguksu-style cold linguine reinterprets Korea's chilled soy noodle soup using Italian linguine instead of wheat noodles. Unsweetened soy milk is blended with toasted sesame seeds and peanut butter into a thick, nutty broth that is served cold. The linguine is cooked al dente, then shocked in ice water to firm up its texture and chill it completely before the broth is poured over. Julienned cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes add fresh crunch and color on top. Salt and sugar are adjusted to balance the broth's natural bean flavor. The entire preparation takes about 10 minutes, with stovetop time limited to boiling the pasta.