On the evening of September 18, 2025, MBC’s beloved variety program 'Cooking! Holseu' (also known as '구해줘! 홈즈') will treat viewers to a culinary and cultural journey through Seoul on a special episode titled 'Noodle Road in Seoul.' The episode, filmed in the bustling Daeyang-dong district, promises to deliver not just mouthwatering food discoveries but also a hearty serving of laughter, nostalgia, and a few unexpected emotional moments.
Leading the adventure are three familiar faces: broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon, The Boyz’s Younghoon, and veteran MBC announcer Kim Dae-ho. Their mission? To explore the famed 'noodle zones' of Seoul, uncovering hidden gems that keep locals and even university professors coming back for more. It’s a trip that’s as much about the stories behind the dishes as it is about the flavors themselves.
According to SpotvNews, the episode kicks off with the trio embarking on a lunchtime crawl through Seoul’s noodle hotspots. From quick-stop eateries favored by office workers to favorite haunts of professors and even restaurants with reputations among executives, the group’s itinerary is a testament to the city’s diverse and vibrant food culture. As they wind their way through these culinary corridors, each stop reveals not just a new dish but a slice of Seoul’s daily life.
One of the highlights of the journey is their visit to Yeouido, a district renowned for its concentration of office buildings and, not coincidentally, its bustling lunchtime scene. Here, Kim Dae-ho’s expertise shines. With 14 years at MBC under his belt—four of those spent in Yeouido—Kim is something of a local food sage. He confidently guides Hong Seok-cheon and Younghoon to what he describes as Yeouido’s top buckwheat noodle (memil) restaurant, a place that’s been serving satisfied customers for over four decades.
The verdict? Younghoon is floored. After tasting the signature buckwheat noodles, he exclaims, “It’s really so delicious. It’s in the top three of all the buckwheat noodles I’ve ever eaten.” The praise isn’t just lip service; Younghoon reportedly can’t stop eating, much to the amusement of his companions. It’s moments like these that give the show its charm—genuine reactions to simple pleasures, captured on camera.
But the episode isn’t just about the food. It’s also about the people and the places that make Seoul unique. After their noodle feast, the trio turns their attention to a piece of Korean architectural history: a large apartment complex in Yeouido, completed in 1971. As Kim Dae-ho explains, this 55-year-old building holds the distinction of being Korea’s first apartment complex with an elevator. Back in the day, the concept of an elevator was so novel that the building employed 98 elevator guides to help residents navigate this new technology.
Despite its retro exterior, the apartment has undergone a complete interior remodel, boasting a sleek and modern design. The spacious living room, with its high ceilings and sweeping green views, leaves all three hosts in awe. Kim Dae-ho points out a unique feature of the building—a special space originally intended for storing traditional Korean earthenware jars (jangdokdae). Today, residents use it as a private storage area or even a small garden, a testament to how old spaces can find new life in modern times.
Throughout the episode, Hong Seok-cheon’s warmth and humor are on full display. He reminisces about his own past ventures in Yeouido, recalling the time he opened a Thai restaurant in the neighborhood. “I didn’t really understand how fast-paced the Yeouido business district was, so I ended up giving up,” he admits, analyzing his misstep with a mix of candor and good humor. “Yeouido is a place where you have to make money during lunchtime.” His honest assessment provides a rare look into the challenges of running a restaurant in one of Seoul’s most competitive districts.
The camaraderie among the hosts is palpable, but it’s not without its playful tensions. During their apartment tour, Hong Seok-cheon showers Younghoon with attention, leaving Kim Dae-ho feeling a bit left out. The mood shifts as Kim, in a fit of mock jealousy, starts nitpicking Younghoon’s behavior. This sudden turn earns him the nickname ‘Kkondae-ho’—a playful jab at being old-fashioned—from the studio coordinators, who respond with good-natured boos. Hong Seok-cheon diffuses the situation with a laugh, saying, “Kim Dae-ho was once my jewel box when he was a rookie. After I saw him on 'I Live Alone,' he was out of the jewel box.” The moment draws laughter from everyone, a reminder of the show’s lighthearted spirit.
Yet, amidst the banter and culinary delights, there are moments of genuine emotion. According to MBC, Hong Seok-cheon reveals that Kim Dae-ho was deeply moved during their visit to 'Noodle Road,' even shedding tears while filming. Such candid displays of feeling are rare on variety shows, and they add a layer of authenticity to the episode. It’s clear that, for these hosts, food is more than just sustenance—it’s a bridge to memories, relationships, and sometimes, a bit of self-discovery.
Food authenticity is another recurring theme. Hong Seok-cheon, who has explored food scenes in districts like Taeguk and Daeboi, is quick to note the growing popularity of spicy cuisine in Seoul. He and his fellow food expert are meticulous in their evaluations, always on the lookout for artificial flavors and insisting on dishes that deliver genuine taste. This commitment to authenticity resonates with viewers who value tradition and quality in their dining experiences.
One intriguing detail from the episode is the mention of a Western-style meat dish with a rich flavor, a nod to the evolving tastes of Seoul’s residents. It’s a small but telling sign of how international influences continue to shape the city’s food landscape, even as it remains rooted in local traditions.
For fans of variety and food programs, 'Cooking! Holseu' offers more than just entertainment. It’s a window into the everyday lives of Seoulites, a celebration of the city’s culinary heritage, and a reminder that sometimes, the best stories are found over a shared meal. The episode airs on September 18, 2025, at 10 PM on MBC, promising viewers a delightful blend of history, humor, and, of course, delicious food.
As the credits roll, it’s hard not to feel a little hungry—and maybe a little nostalgic—for the simple joys of good company and a steaming bowl of noodles in the heart of Seoul.
