Kong-guksu (Cold Soy Milk Noodles)

Kong-guksu (콩국수) is a uniquely Korean cold noodle dish made by serving thin wheat noodles (somyeon) in a cold broth of freshly ground soybean milk (kongmul). The broth is made by soaking, boiling, and then blending yellow soybeans until smooth and creamy, then straining to produce a thick, milky white liquid. The dish is served ice cold, sometimes literally with ice cubes floating in the bowl. It is topped simply with sliced cucumber, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt. The overall flavor is mild, nutty, and subtly sweet — nothing like the spicy and bold flavors associated with Korean cuisine, making it a surprising and refreshing experience. Kong-guksu is a distinctly seasonal dish, available only in summer (roughly June through August) at most restaurants, as it is considered too cooling and refreshing for other seasons.