Cold noodles or naengmyeon automatically comes to mind for most South Koreans when asked about something uniquely North Korean.<br />Naturally, the buckwheat noodle in cold broth was on the menu at last week's inter-Korean summit.<br />Its inclusion on the menu has reinvigorated interest in the dish here in South Korea.<br /> Kan Hyeong-woo reports. <br /> Some are calling it "noodle diplomacy" in reference to the Pyongyang Naengmyeon, or cold noodles, served for dinner at the 2018 inter-Korean summit.<br /><br /> That dish was suggested for the official banquet by South Korean President Moon Jae-in. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un agreed and brought noodles made in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang. Kim's comments on the menu added some levity.<br /><br /> "Hopefully, President Moon can enjoy this Pyongyang Naengmyeon that's come from so far away. Ah, actually I can't say it's that far." <br /><br />Kim Jong-un wasn't kidding; Pyeongyang is only about 170 kilometers from the summit venue.<br /><br /> "After Pyongyang Naengmyeon, or 'cold noodles', was served at the inter-Korean summit last Friday, many South Koreans have come out to get a taste of what it's all about."<br /><br />It's lunchtime, and a little warm to stand outside for too long -- but the line at this Pyeongyang Naengmyeon restaurant keeps getting longer.<br /><br /> "I heard more people have been coming to this place since the inter-Korean summit. I've been waiting here for 30 minutes already." <br /><br />And for those who've already tried the South Korean version, it seems there's some excitement for the idea of actually trying Naengmyeon in Pyongyang.<br /><br /> "People are more interested in Pyongyang Naengmyeon now after the inter-Korean summit. So I came here today to give it a try. If a visit to Pyongyang becomes possible, I would like to go there to enjoy the original dish." <br /><br /> "If peace can be maintained and unification is realized, I definitely would want to go to Pyongyang and have at least two bowls of Pyongyang Naengmyeon." <br /><br /> As we inch towards peace on the Korean Peninsula, Pyongyang Naengmyeon could one day become a small but symbolic link between the two separated Koreas.<br /><br />Kan Hyeong-woo, Arirang News <br />
