In modern times, the mul naengmyeon (물 냉면) variant is commonly associated with and popularly consumed during the summer; however, it was historically a dish enjoyed during winter.

[6] Naengmyeon is served in a large brass or stainless-steel bowl with a tangy iced broth, julienned cucumbers, slices of Korean pear, thin, wide strips of lightly pickled radish, and either a boiled egg or slices of cold boiled beef or both.

The latter is served with a spicy dressing made primarily from gochujang (red chili paste) and eaten mixed.

In South Jeolla Province, mul naengmyeon is often served with red chili paste that is mixed in with the broth.

Jungguk-naengmyeon (중국냉면) is a Chinese-influenced cold noodle soup in Korean Chinese cuisine served with mustard and peanut butter on the side.

[11][12] Significant variation in preparation exist inside Northeast China, from the famous sour-and-sweet Yanji Naengmyeon (延吉冷面; 연길랭면) to the sour-and-salty Jixi cold noodles.

In the South Korean variety show Infinite Challenge, Park Myeong-su and Jessica, a former member of Girls' Generation, performed the song "Naengmyeon" which was named after the food.