Daegu Korean restaurant lunch with burdock refills: Banwoldang

Today I want to introduce a place I go back to whenever I'm near Banwoldang and craving a good meal. It's the first place that comes to mind whenever I'm picking somewhere to eat with friends or recommending a good restaurant. This is my review of 'Banwoldang Bujasikdang,' a well-known spot near Banwoldang.

Where is Banwoldang Bujasikdang, and what are its hours?

Banwoldang Bujasikdang is at 13-13 Gwandeokjeong-gil, 1st floor, Jung-gu, Daegu. This place is already famous, so there's always a wait. It's the kind of Banwoldang restaurant where you line up and wait.

Banwoldang Bujasikdang / 13-13 Gwandeokjeong-gil, 1st floor, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea

• 112m from Exit 20 of Banwoldang Station (Lines 1 & 2)
• Right in front of Exit 21, behind the NongHyup building, tucked into a small alley (enter through the alley between NongHyup and Bando Yubora)
• Hours 11:00–20:45 (closed every Sunday)
• Break time 15:30–17:00
• Last order 14:45, 20:00

How long is the lunch wait at Banwoldang Bujasikdang?

Banwoldang Bujasikdang is popular with office workers nearby, so there's always a wait at lunchtime. Don't worry too much though — turnover is fast, so we got seated pretty quickly.

Why order the fire-grilled squid-and-pork stir-fry?

After putting my name down at the entrance, I spent a moment agonizing over the menu haha. I love both spicy pork stir-fry and squid stir-fry, so I wanted both — after much deliberation, I went with the fire-grilled squid-and-pork stir-fry (오.제 볶음).

When I walked in, the place was already packed. I couldn't confidently snap interior photos, but there are plenty of tables so you don't need to worry about seating. There's also a group section further inside, which would be great for a work dinner. Just seeing the place packed with customers gives off major good-restaurant energy haha.

The burdock fritter side dish worth a refill

Once you sit down, they set out the side dishes first. The burdock candy fritter is always the first thing I reach for! Apparently it's crispy fried burdock cooked fresh in clean soybean oil every morning, then tossed in a sweet candy glaze made with a mother's touch. It disappears fast... so I always ask for a refill haha. The staff are always kind and super quick too.

How the squid-and-pork stir-fry and cheonggukjang stew taste

The fire-grilled squid-and-pork stir-fry arrives!! The smell and visuals were amazing the second it hit the table. Chewy squid and pork in a delicious sauce with that smoky fire flavor that keeps calling you back. Totally the right choice haha.

It's not just good-looking either — the kind of flavor that makes a whole bowl of rice disappear in no time. A total rice thief.

The country cheonggukjang (fermented soybean) stew comes alongside it. That earthy soybean stew is delicious in its own right! The rich broth pairs perfectly with the spicy-sweet fire-grilled stir-fry.

Lettuce ssam wraps and bibimbap from the self-serve bar

Make sure to grab the vegetables and lettuce from the self-serve bar — you'll want to wrap some ssam.

Here's the meat and squid on the hot plate, well coated in that delicious sauce.

Wrapped in lettuce with that spicy fire flavor, it's genuinely great.

Try mixing it into your rice with the side dishes too.

Mixed up together, the fire-grilled sauce and rice make for a real treat. The kind of flavor you keep going back for. Eating with my coworker, I ended up stuffed and happy.

Is Banwoldang Bujasikdang worth a lunch visit?

If you're looking for a good Korean restaurant near Banwoldang, definitely check out Banwoldang Bujasikdang for its delicious Korean dishes and fire-grilled stir-fry! It's the kind of place that's had celebrities visit, and every time I go, I leave satisfied! I'll definitely be back often.