국수
guksu[kuks͈u]
The Korean word for noodles is 국수 (guksu).
국수 is a general term for noodles, but it is also frequently used to refer to the specific dish of noodle soup. For example, you might see variations like 비빔국수 (Bibim Guksu), which consists of wheat noodles mixed with vegetables and a spicy sauce or 칼국수 (Kalguksu), a noodle soup made with handmade knife-cut noodles served in a clear broth. Other common dishes include 자장면 (Jajangmyeon), which features noodles topped with a black bean sauce and 냉면 (Naengmyeon), a cold noodle soup typically made with thin buckwheat noodles.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Busan and nearby regions, the term 밀면 (milmyeon) is used specifically to refer to a spicy wheat flour noodle dish.
How do you pronounce it?
guksu
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, eating noodles 국수 is often associated with longevity because of their long, unbroken shape.
Did you know?
- In traditional Korean wedding culture, asking 국수 먹으러 가자 ('Let us go eat noodles') is a common indirect way to ask someone when they are getting married.
- The regional dish 밀면 (milmyeon) from Busan was developed during the Korean War when wheat flour was available but buckwheat for 냉면 was scarce.
- While 국수 is the general term, the word 면 (myeon) is a Sino-Korean root used for more formal or specific noodle dishes like 냉면 (naengmyeon).
Examples in context
- 이 식당에서 맛있는 국수를 먹을 수 있을까요?Can I have delicious noodles at this restaurant?
- 오늘 메뉴에 국수가 있어. 같이 먹을래?There's noodles on the menu today. Do you want to eat together?
- 점심으로 국수 어때요?jeomsimeuro guksu eottaeyo?How about noodles for lunch?
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo오늘 저녁에 뭐 먹을까요?oneul jeonyeoge mwo meogeulkkayo?What shall we eat for dinner tonight?
- 서연 Seo-yeon따뜻한 국수 어때요?ttatteut-han guksu eottaeyo?How about some warm noodles?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아요. 근처에 맛집이 있어요.joayo. geuncheoe matjibi isseoyo.Sounds good. There is a famous place nearby.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그럼 빨리 가요!geureom ppalli gayo!Then let's go quickly!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 국수, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
