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The household word for passion, U-Know Yunho, released True Color, his first solo album since his debut 16 years ago, with a colorful expression of his own original world of music. Not only that, but he is highly active with his passionate character, well-versed in current trends of performance arts, ranging from TV to the internet. Among these, he appeared on Wassup Man, a JTBC web program run by G.O.D member, Joon Park, talking with viewers while letting his sleek, easy-going side come out naturally. Let's go to Namdaemun Market to see where U-Know Yunho went!

Deep flavor of Pyongyang naengmyeon

Buwon Myeonok

This is the cold noodle shop in Namdaemun Market that U-Know Yunho and Joon Park visited after a recommendation from a shop owner in the market. Famous for Pyongyang-style naengmyeon (cold noodles), this is an older restaurant currently in its 3rd generation of operation. It is already famous among the naengmyeon mania crowd for a long-standing reputation of good food. With a pickled cucumber and hard-boiled egg garnish, thick pork slices, and thin-sliced white radish, the light and not-too-strong flavor of the noodles is superb. The spicy pork jeyuk muchim offered by the owner to the two guests is also a popular item, and goes well with the naengmyeon.

Rich, homemade flavor

Jungang Galchi Shikdang

Recommended by a local person met in the market, “Jungang Galchi Shikdang” is one of the major cuisine destinations of Namdaemun Market, and always has a long line of people waiting. The main menu item here is galchi jorim (spicy belt fish) served in spicy boiled-down broth. Eaten with a piece of fully cooked white radish after removing the soft meat from the fish, it needs no other accompaniment. Even U-Know Yunho highly approved, saying he was happy that it tasted so good. We recommend also ordering the fish fry if you go with several people.

A specialty item with a 40-year tradition

Jeil Store

While enjoying Namdaemun Market, U-Know Yunho was especially glad to see the Italy Towel shop. The inside of the shop, which has been kept in the same place for 40 years, is full of all sorts of Italian towels. You can find a wide selection of products here, from glove towels that you can use by sliding onto your hand, to body towels for drying your back. Italy Towel, where you can choose the color and type of towel that you like and take it to experience Korean bath culture, offers a fitting souvenir for foreign tourists as well.

Classic street snack

Namdaemun Yachae Hotteok

Yachae hotteok (vegetable-filled snack pancake) is one of the Namdaemun Market specialties that U-Know Yunho ate on TV. The hotteok filling, made with glass noodles and a colorful mix of vegetables, is put into the dough and fried in oil. It is already famous as the most popular snack for people visiting Namdaemun Market. A specialty sauce is spread onto the hotteok, made with things like soy sauce, paprika, Cheongyang chilis, apples, and jujube for a fantastic combination with the hotteok. If you take a bite out of it you may be surprised at how hot it is, so it's best to eat it slowly while letting it cool.