Korean restaurant in Gwangju: charcoal jokbal at Kkankkanhan

Wanting jokbal (braised pig’s trotters) with a smoky grilled flavor, I visited Kkankkanhan Jokbal Yongbong Branch in Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju. That day, I had the charcoal-grilled jokbal.

Is the atmosphere good for a group dinner?

It had a comfortable atmosphere for sharing a plate of jokbal with a group. I thought it would also suit dinner, drinks, or a company gathering.

That day, I liked not only the main jokbal but also the selection of side dishes. Having foods to eat alongside the jokbal made it easy to vary the combinations throughout the meal.

How were the aroma and texture of the charcoal-grilled jokbal?

The charcoal-grilled jokbal had a subtle smoky flavor that made it taste rich. The outside carried a charcoal aroma, while the inside was moist and chewy.

It had a glossy look when it arrived, and it was cut into easy-to-eat pieces, making it convenient to wrap in vegetables.

The skin did not feel tough, and the meat was not dry. Overall, it was tender and chewy, so it was easy to enjoy until the end.

I placed a piece of jokbal on lettuce and added garlic, ssamjang (seasoned soybean paste), and a little of the side dishes. The chewiness of the meat was joined by the crisp vegetables, and the smoky flavor still came through in the wrap. It felt cleaner than eating it on its own.

How were the steamed egg and fish cake soup served alongside it?

Steamed egg and fish cake soup were served with the jokbal. They were good accompaniments between bites of the salty, rich jokbal.

The steamed egg was soft and warm, making it nice to eat at the start of the meal. Taking spoonfuls while eating the jokbal seemed to soften and reset the rich flavor.

The fish cake soup had a refreshing, warm broth that was good to sip between bites of jokbal. Alternating the smoky jokbal and the broth kept the meal from becoming tiring.

What other menu items are available besides charcoal-grilled jokbal?

The main menu introduced charcoal-grilled jokbal, spicy grilled jokbal, old-style king jokbal, and bossam (boiled pork wraps). There were options ranging from grilled and spicy jokbal to classic jokbal, depending on your preference. If visiting with several people, I thought a half-and-half option or a set menu could also be good to share.

What are the hours and takeout and delivery information?

According to the original post, the restaurant is open daily from 16:00 to 23:30, while takeout and delivery are available from 11:30. Reservations were also listed as available.