Changwon Korean restaurant for pork gukbap: Myeongin Dwaeji Gukbap

Where did we eat with the children near Bukmyeon Hot Springs?

Myeongin Dwaeji Gukbap (명인돼지국밥) is a place I had stopped by for a meal after visiting Bukmyeon Hot Springs, or sought out specifically for a bowl of gukbap (rice soup). It is a familiar restaurant for our family, so I visited again with my children after a long time.

The address is 897 Cheonju-ro, Buk-myeon, Uichang-gu, Changwon, Gyeongnam, South Korea, and the hours listed in the original post are 09:10–20:50.

Which gukbap did we choose with the children?

When I eat gukbap with my children, I pay attention to whether the broth has any off smell, the quality of the meat, and whether it is overly seasoned. In those respects, our family has often come here because I felt we could eat together comfortably.

We ordered two bowls of lean-meat gukbap and one bowl of all-sundae gukbap that day. My daughter and I prefer lean meat to fattier cuts, so we chose the lean-meat gukbap. My son likes the sundae gukbap here, so he chose the all-sundae gukbap.

The gukbap arrived piping hot and bubbling in ttukbaegi (earthenware bowls). Once it was set on the table, the aroma of warm broth rose up, and the children reached for their spoons first.

How do you get the noodle add-on?

Noodle add-ons were available at the self-service bar, so I could bring as much as I needed. It was convenient because I did not have to add too much at first and could get more if I ran out while eating.

I like adding somyeon (thin wheat noodles) to gukbap. Loosening the noodles lightly into the broth gave me a different flavor from having it with rice.

How were the extra rice and gangdoenjang lettuce wraps?

Partway through the meal, I ordered an extra bowl of rice, but the owner served it as a complimentary, generously heaped bowl that day. There was plenty of rice to share with the children.

Another combination I like is a gangdoenjang (thick soybean paste stew) lettuce wrap. I took some lean meat from the gukbap, placed it on lettuce, and added a little gangdoenjang. The mild meat went well with the salty, deep flavor of the gangdoenjang and the fresh texture of the lettuce.

The children ate their gukbap well that day, so I was able to enjoy my meal comfortably too. Adding somyeon to the gukbap and eating the meat as wraps let us enjoy one meal in several ways.

Why has our family kept coming back?

Beyond the food, the owner's kind service stayed with me. We were made to feel at ease every time we visited, and the cheerful welcome that day made the meal comfortable.

Although it had been a while since our last visit, I felt that the familiar flavor and warm atmosphere were unchanged. I was grateful that they also took care of us with the complimentary rice, and I felt good as we left after the meal.

We shared the lean-meat gukbap, all-sundae gukbap, noodle add-ons, and the generously heaped rice served that day, finishing a filling meal. For our family, it is a place that comes to mind when we want lunch or dinner near Bukmyeon Hot Springs.

The gukbap that my children enjoy and the comfortable service are why we have kept coming back. The next time my family is craving a warm bowl of gukbap, I would like to stop by again.