MORI: A Beloved Sanuki Udon Spot on Yeongjongdo with Springy Noodles, Delicate Tempura, and Heartwarming Curry
Tucked away on Yeongjongdo Island, MORI has earned a devoted following for its expertly crafted Sanuki udon. With its chewy, house-made noodles, beautifully fried tempura, and thoughtfully prepared curry, this small eatery is a quiet sensation among locals and food lovers alike.
Located at 66-5 Unjung-ro 48beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon, MORI is more than just a place to eat — it’s a reason to make the trip to Yeongjongdo, even if you have no other plans in the area. In fact, I find myself returning every couple of months just for a comforting bowl of udon or their rich, flavorful curry.
It’s not uncommon to encounter a line during peak hours, and some menu items occasionally sell out due to high demand — a testament to both MORI’s popularity and their commitment to quality. I’ve been a regular here for nearly four years, and with each visit, the growing crowd outside only reaffirms what a hidden treasure this place is.
Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Closed: Sundays & Mondays
Phone: 0507-1354-0023
Parking: Private parking available in front of the shop
MORI in Yeongjongdo: Masterfully Handcrafted Sanuki Udon, Golden Tempura, and Soulful Curry
There are restaurants you stumble upon, and then there are those you plan entire weekends around. MORI, a quiet gem on Yeongjongdo Island, is decidedly the latter. Specializing in Sanuki-style udon, this spot has earned a dedicated following — and for good reason.
What sets MORI apart is its house-made noodles, crafted in-store using traditional techniques learned directly from Japan. The chef-owner studied Sanuki udon in Japan, then brought that knowledge and passion back to Korea to open MORI — a space where every element on the plate feels intentional and precise.
The noodles here are thick, chewy, and bouncy, offering that unmistakable al dente texture that fills your mouth in the most satisfying way. They're the kind of noodles that leave a lasting impression long after your bowl is empty.
Bukkake Udon: A Refreshing Summer Staple
On this visit, I ordered the Bukkake Udon — a cold noodle dish served with grated daikon, crunchy tempura flakes, and a chilled soy-based sauce. As the temperature climbs, more guests opt for this refreshing combination, and it's not hard to see why. The noodles remain the star — so flavorful and texturally rich they could stand alone — but the sauce and toppings take it to another level.
As always, the portion was generous, and every bite was as good as the last. I’ve never left MORI disappointed. The consistency and care they deliver with each bowl is remarkable.
Tempura That Ranks Among the Best
While it’s entirely possible to just have udon here, skipping the tempura would be a mistake. MORI’s tempura is delicately fried to a pale golden hue, light and crisp, with each ingredient retaining its original flavor. Whether it's shrimp, vegetables, or their outstanding chicken tempura (tori-ten), the quality is evident in every bite. For those who want it all, the Tempura Bukkake Udon is an excellent choice.
Curry That Warms the Soul
Another standout at MORI is their Japanese-style curry. Carefully prepared with finely chopped ingredients, it’s mild enough for children yet flavorful enough for adults to crave it. On some visits, I’ve found the curry sold out before I could order — a testament to how popular it’s become.
This time, I tried the Curry Udon, a dish that combines two comfort foods into one bowl of deliciousness. Rich, savory curry paired with MORI’s signature udon noodles — it’s no surprise that people drive out of their way just for this.
If I had to break down the reasons I return to MORI: 40% for the udon, 30% for the tempura, and 30% for the curry.
Know Before You Go
MORI operates only during lunch hours, from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM, and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The restaurant has its own small parking lot (around 8 spaces), with an overflow lot available nearby. On my latest visit, I arrived at 1:00 PM on a Saturday and waited about 30 minutes — a small price to pay for food of this caliber.
Whether it’s the handmade noodles, the artful tempura, or the comforting curry, MORI is a place where simplicity meets skill — and every dish reflects the heart behind it.
