I am in the area for the 2023 TMN annual meeting. On the day that I arrived, there wasn't anything happening, yet. I decided to drive over and eat some Korean food. I'll just cut to the chase and say this: this was the best Korean food I've ever had! I had Ja Jjang Myeong and bim- bab. They also served me several side dishes. I liked most of them. Some of them were a "why bother" type of thing. When I first walked in, a lady waved me to a table for eight. The furniture looked like they got their tables from a church fellowship hall. The chairs were folding chairs, also. the walls were decorated with K-pop posters. It was one of those places that had their piles of rice in the dining room. But, it felt really comfortable. They had two TVs showing Korean news. The lady who had waved me to the table, came and brought my kim-bab. I was shocked to see two rolls on the plate. They were huge. I expected one like I had had in San Antonio. She came back a little later with the Ja Jjang Myeong. It was in a huge silver bowl. It looked like a serving for four. As I stirred the noodles into the sauce, I saw that there were lots of chunks of pork and cubed potatoes, hiding in the sauce. The sauce was really tasty. It wasn't salty like the ones I've had in San Antonio. All in all, I have to say that bowl of Ja Jjang Myeong was a highlight of my culinary life! I liked that place so much, that I am probably going to go There for dinner this evening. The conference ends at 10 AM, so I have the rest of the day to myself. I'll do some exploring and head over there to try some other dishes. Everybody I saw from my chapter at the conference got to hear about my experience at the restaurant. I know that one member went there last night for dinner. She raved about it! read more

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Food is authentic and very good. They give the banchan side dishes and everything is on point. Once you get your food, The waitress didnt check in on me if I needed anything else and they only serve bottled water. read more

Casual, clean Korean eatery with a lot of BTS! Clean with good banchan. Ordered the kimbap, mandu and seafood soon tofu. All were yummy. Service was friendly and attentive. I'd go back when in McAllen. Support local. read more

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We came to Nak Won Jung and tried the galbi, kimbap, and seafood soup. The galbi had great flavor but was a little on the tough side -- wish it had been a bit more tender. The kimbap was fresh and satisfying. The real standout though was the seafood soup -- packed with fresh seafood and full of rich, savory flavor. Definitely a must-try if you're a fan of soups! Service was friendly and the atmosphere was casual and cozy -- perfect for a comforting Korean meal. read more

Nak Won Jung Korean Restaurant - Korean Near Me - McAllen, Texas

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What a treat! Love trying new restaurants and really love new flavors in the RGV!! Food was delicious, hot and fresh. Service was prompt and cordial. The environment is not too exciting, but clean and pleasant. read more

Didn't expect to find an authentic Korean restaurant in McAllen, TX! The reviews are pretty accurate, the service is pretty bad. Their is definitely a language barrier and they are more there to give you authentic food than provide high quality service. When we walked in, there was only 1 other customer. The old lady just pointed and said, "sit". The first time she came up to us, she just said, "what number?". After reading other reviews, people said to help yourself to drinks, which I did, but they seemed to be annoyed by that as well. Our sides showed up first then our food. Zero explanation of anything but we slowly figured out what everything was. We enjoyed our meals and picked our way through our favorite sides. Overall, a strange atmosphere that includes walls covered in K-pop stars, authentic foreign news broadcast on tv, and laminated tables to allow easy cleaning. As others have said, the service is pretty bad but the food was delicious. read more

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HORRIBLE customer service. I ordered Soondubu, one of my favorites! Although it is served in a hotpot it was not steaming or even hot. The raw egg on top was not cooking. I stirred it up and waited a minute. It seemed just warm. I took a bite and it was warm, very watered down, and not very flavorful. The color even seemed off, the broth is normally red. I let the woman who had served me know. A man who I assume was the owner and possibly her husband came over and asked if there was a problem, so I told him. He grabbed my spoon and began stirring the soup, which for me (and I think most people) is WEIRD! He told me it looked fine to him. I told him regardless of what it looked like, it did not taste good and was watered down. He went and got a spoon and came back and tasted it. he stated it was fine. I got up and walked out. I have never experienced anything like that before. He thought I was supposed to eat it after he had not only stirred it, but tasted it! GROSS! read more

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Apparently, this is the highest-rated Korean restaurant in the McAllen area. Compared to other Korean restaurants in bigger cities, this is subpar in everything. First, decor. It is covered by collages of K-pop posters, scrolls and photos. The overwhelming k-pop stars are very distracting. I am not sure they are selling the photos, Apparently the photos on the walls have been replaced comparing to photos taken by another Yelp user. The K-pop decor is just wayyyyyyyy too much, take down a notch. If this is their tactics to attract k-pop fans. Well, there are k-pop shops around town. 2nd, cleanliness. Although it was not nasty the place is a bit old and stale. It's clean overall but not neatly arranged. 3rd, service was horrible. Racist as I often experience the racism from some Korean restaurants with older waitresses. She first assumed that I was Korean, and she moved Hispanic customers to make room for me. When she found out I couldn't speak a word of Korean, it all went downhill from there. Yes, I have experienced similar things in other places. I waited 20+ minutes for noodle and no side dishes were served till after main course was brought. The other waitress spilled my friends soup, probably lost 20% of the soup as he watched the event unfolded; they decided to serve the food as it was after the spill. We were never offered water nor any drink. 4th, the food. The food was ok, medicore at its best. This is the only category that saved them from getting a 1 star from me. 5th, check out. Waited approximate 10+ minutes. No one came to see if we needed a check. We asked and the lady showed up and asked how was the food. My friend replied it wasn't good and she took off $2. Overall, it was really a bad experience. If it was a self-served restaurant, it would probably get a 3 or even 4 star. But the dismal service was just...BAD 1.8 out of 5. Never will come again! read more

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Food was really good, did feel comfortable and welcomed. Definitely worth giving a try if you're curious or want try to something different. read more

Nak Won Jung Korean Restaurant - 16. Ja Jjang Myeong - Korean Near Me - McAllen, Texas

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This hidden gem truly has character! It is a small establishment that feels like I'm entering the home of a Korean family/friend. Always greeted at the door by grandma! Being that it is a small establishment, it may be crowded and you may have to share a table with other guests. Don't let that deter you! Their food is amazingly great!!! We will keep coming back for more! Be ready to grab your own drink from the refrigerators at the back end. Grandma will literally grab you by the hand to physically teach you how to grab your own water, coke, or beer! read more

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Family own restaurant. Food was amazing and definitely very filling. This is my go to stop for Korean food. read more

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Bulgogi was really great! Service, was... Uh. Ok. They never asked if I wanted a drink and they asked me three times if someone had taken my order and no one ever did. Enjoyed it. No drink and all. I would recommend regardless. Was very tasty. read more

Nak Won Jung Korean Restaurant - So far so good. - Korean Near Me - McAllen, Texas

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Amazing food!! I really like the taste of the food , the atmosphere with the K-pop theme is awesome

My mung-bean pancake was delicious!! Perfect for a light lunch. Service was efficient. Who knew I'd have delicious Korean food while in the valley? read more

Nak Won Jung Korean Restaurant - Korean Near Me - McAllen, Texas

Ok I went back. And again, AMAZING! This time I had the #3, #27, #13 and #26! Omg yes, I know, it was a lot of food but I wasn't having lunch alone guys, I shared with my niece! Haha It was her first time here and I took her for her Birthday. She LOVED it also. If you're thinking about a legit Korean restaurant, don't think too long about it and hit this place up! Service and food is always great!! It's a cute, fun little restaurant that won't disappoint. read more

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Feel free to seat yourself! The ladies are attentive and will notice you, don't worry. I only saw two employees (the ladies in question) and they were so sweet. I wish I lived here - they have a sign asking for help, and i would love to! The menu is ample for the area. I'm traveling from out of town and wasn't expecting to see my favorite cuisine, and they got it RIGHT. I ordered my favorite food - kimchi jjigae! I forgot to ask for it extra spicy as per my personal liking but it was still very good. I usually ask for no meat as well, but didn't bother this time - the pork in the soup was so tasty. Everyone wanted a bite! It was a very generous serving too; I didn't get to finish. The tteokbokki was wonderfully chewy and saucy. I am actually ambivalent towards tteokbokki but if everyone made it this way, I'd order it every time. Loved it. My friends got pork belly and black bean noodles, which they thoroughly enjoyed. As for the noodles they claimed it was "savory... but in a sweet way" (as it should be!). The other also cleaned his plate and said it was perfect. As the one who suggested this restaurant, I was very pleased. The banchan came with more variety than I'm used to! I could only identify about 75% of it. The kimchi was fantastic. A little rude of me but I stole it all to add to my soup lol, it was that good. Same with the cucumbers and zucchini! My favorites. As we were leaving one of the sweet ladies held the door open for us, and gave us little treats as dessert. It was very heartwarming. Again, wish I lived nearby - they would at least get a weekly visit from me. read more

Nak Won Jung Korean Restaurant - Menu - Korean Near Me - McAllen, Texas

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Delicious food, great vibes! The owners are amazing and kind individuals! Super sweet and make you feel like home. read more

Nak Won Jung Korean Restaurant - Korean Near Me - McAllen, Texas

The ladies are great! The food is superb!! You don't find Korean food like this anymore! If you're in McAllen, this a must on your list! Stop thinking if you should...get off your phone, type in the gps this place and go! You'll thank me later. I promise. read more

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I've been here many times with my friends and mother. The food is always good and I'm always craving their food! The food comes out pretty quickly, just look up what you're ordering so you don't get anything thats too spicy. Portion sizes are very good and extremely filling. They're always trying to improve their atmosphere. The place looks a lot better than it did a few years ago! You can tell that the people there care about their restaurant . The waitress might come off as rude when taking your order, but I promise you both her and everyone else is very sweet! Their first language might not be english so their tone when speaking might be a bit off, but thats not anything to fault them for. Things to note: You will be asked what you want to eat and drink the moment you sit down so be ready, but there's no harm in asking for some more time. Don't take it as the waitress rushing you. There isn't a kids menu. I recommend looking up the menu before hand to see what you can maybe share amongst your family. read more

Delicious! Great portions. Service was excellent. You just walk in and seat yourself. Casual mom and pop place.

Amazing food. We tried the #2 and #10, which were both delicious. The owner is also so welcoming and makes you feel like family. read more

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this place definitely has an oriental feel bcz of their decor, they offer delicious food and great customer service!!

Best Korean food in the valley. Very small and friendly service. The ambiance is very oriental. The food if you do order spicy will be extremely spicy. read more

I really like this place. Great Korean food at a good price is what this place is about. No bs. No fancy trappings. Think casual. Be at ease. Seat yourself if nobody points to a table. Feel free to get your own drink from the cooler. They will happily hand you a can opener for your bottle. Now you know where the drinks are so getting a second is easy. Go for the food and enjoy the differences. read more

The food was sooo gooodd I don't usually eat gimbap but it was the best! And the lady taking care of us was so sweet:) read more

Nak Won Jung Korean Restaurant - Korean Near Me - McAllen, Texas

This cozy little restaurant serves excellent food. Family run and the food authentic and delicious. The sides are good and rice fresh. Kimchi tastes homemade and the meat is succulent and well made. read more

Food was pretty good. It was the server standing over us basically chasing us out. We didn't get our food 5 mins and she brought us the bill. After we paid, we wanted to enjoy the food but she kept standing at our table as if she wanted us out. Not that it was busy or anything. read more

Nak Won Jung Korean Restaurant - Pork ribs and beef with squid meal - Korean Near Me - McAllen, Texas

Tried this for the first time a while back & loved it immediately! Kimbap was to die for as was the cucumber kimchi! Great food, great service, they even have K-Pop playing on the tvs! read more

TLDR: Just go. McAllen's hidden gem. If you love Korean food or trying new cuisines, this restaurant is a must. With hole in the wall vibes and a facade of K-pop star posters, you feel as if you've been transported to the dining room of a Korean aunty. There is nothing fancy about the decor. However, as an Asian American, there is some nostalgia in its chaotic randomness. Two older Korean women run the joint. They'll let you sit anywhere you like. When taking your order, they aren't afraid to get close, even leaning along your arm as they write your order. Ordering is simple. You'll find a bright highlighter green laminated menu on each table. If you're a visual person, look just above the entrance to the kitchen for images of some menu items. Before your main dish arrives, bonchon, or a slew of appetizers, is served. Several mini dishes of kimchi, pickled radish, dried squid, zucchini, and more are laid out to get your palette going. This could nearly be a meal in itself, and all included at no extra cost. One of the things I truly love about eating Korean food--your money goes a long way. What's good? We've had bulgogi, jahjangmyun, and haemul jjampong. All I'd order again. Note: it's a small place with about six tables so try to go during off peak hours to ensure social distancing. Although masks are required and they sanitize the tables, they don't seem to enforce social distancing (you could end up eating back to back with someone). read more

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We recently had a dinner here. They were able to seat 10 of us at a table, and due to our party size the older lady recommended the types of dishes and quantities to satisfy us. I enjoyed the meal immensely and loved the way the ladies treated us like family. The establishment itself is small and the tables and chairs are hodgepodge, but the food was good and I will probably return for another meal. read more

Nak Won Jung Korean Restaurant - Exterior of Nac Won. - Korean Near Me - McAllen, Texas

Loved it. Very authentic Korean food. I mean the ladies barely speak English that's how authentic it is. Loved the environment. The prices were not bad either. We will definitely go back. read more

Nak Won Jung Korean Restaurant - Bulgogi lunch. - Korean Near Me - McAllen, Texas

Amazing food and you can taste how it's freshly made Good service , very attentive ladies and always check up on you Good ambiance and location read more

Delicious bulgogi! Service was quick and owner was very attentive to our needs as a family. Ambiance was also interesting.

I like this small korean restaurant , The food is so delicious for a Chinese here in McAllen read more

Nak Won Jung Korean Restaurant - Korean Near Me - McAllen, Texas

The definition of a mom and pop joint. Small? Yes. Might be asked/told to move over and share your table if it's packed? Yes. Take reservations? Yes, but you'll have to wait if it's packed. Greeted at the door? Maybe, if you count "ma" making eye contact with you and pointing to a table a greeting. And you'll have to flag down mom or pop to order your food. But now for the true gem of the place, the food. That's the reason why this place is PACKED. The flavors are delicious and the portions are good. We had the bulgogi, the bibimbap, and bbq chicken. All delicious. All the meats are marinated just right and tender and all the veggies are fresh and crisp. Not a lot of choices in the drink department other than canned soda or bottled beer, but we didn't come here for the drinks. Oh, and if you like kpop, you'll love the decor.We will most definitely return for the ribs and the beef soup. So forget some of your western niceties and come pleasure your taste buds. They won't be disappointed. read more

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What an unexpected find in McAllen. Authentic and delicious Korean food. I didn't get past the BBQ on the menu and it was great. Eat in or takeout- I'll be back. read more

Nak Won Jung Korean Restaurant - Menu - Korean Near Me - McAllen, Texas

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Great place for great Korean food, where the ladies who serve have that harsh biting tone yet do so in a way that you feel great in the end!

Fucking weird ass vibes I ordered a squid and long story short the waitress told me it was a good choice and then later proceeded to ask me how it tastes and if everything was fine and thus girl literally starred and me and watched me eat with a creepy ass smile for like 8 minutes and I didn't want to be rude so I proceeded to say everything is fine . Super creepy vibes !!!! read more

No. Feas las instalaciones, el servicio y la comida; no lo recomiendo; la persona que atiende no es amables

I got a #10 it was bland My wife got a #11 and it was super good, flavorful & tender beef. It was average read more