Sangmu brunch spot in Gwangju: pastry-wrapped pumpkin soup, Bueokgan

Today I went back to a Western-food spot I really love in Sangmu — Bueokgan. Bueokgan is great for a light brunch, but it also has a solid lineup of pasta, pizza, and pumpkin soup, so I end up visiting often!

Inside Bueokgan Sangmu Branch: outdoor tables and indoor seating

Bueokgan Sangmu Branch has outdoor tables that remind me of a European street, so you can enjoy a very atmospheric brunch. Maybe because the vibe is so nice, a lot of people seemed to just be dropping by for a quick meal.

Inside, the clean, modern interior really stands out. There are lots of different table types too, so it's good for kids, families, or gatherings. The indoor space also has that European-style modern look. If you visit in the evening, the lighting makes the atmosphere even prettier.

We went pretty early, so it wasn't too crowded. During lunch peak hours there can be a wait, so I'd recommend booking ahead!

They set the table neatly before anything arrives. I notice it every time I come — the cutlery is heavy and sleek, and somehow that makes the food taste even better. I keep wondering where they got it; I'd love to use something like it when I make pasta at home haha.

Pastry-wrapped pumpkin soup: why order it only now?

The pumpkin soup is something we never skip whenever we come here! This time I ordered it wrapped in pastry instead.

Oh... I've always just had the plain pumpkin soup, but after trying the pastry version, I genuinely thought — why did I wait this long? The soup was already delicious, and the warm, chewy texture of the bread went perfectly with the pumpkin.

Bueokgan's pumpkin soup is moist and smooth, with a soft, sweet flavor that's just outstanding. I always try the appetizer wherever I go, and Bueokgan's pumpkin soup is one of my favorites.

Dunking the moist, buttery bread straight into the pumpkin soup is so~~ good haha. If you visit Bueokgan, you have to try this!!

What does Bueokgan's seafood tomato pasta taste like?

I was in the mood for pasta, so I tried the seafood tomato pasta. I usually just get carbonara, but I wanted something refreshing this time. The seafood tomato pasta has that classic tomato pasta flavor with seafood depth added in, so it's even more savory. It's clean and not too tangy, so I think kids would really like it too!

Basil margherita wood-fired pizza: a first try

I usually get the arugula pizza, but today I tried the basil margherita instead.

The pizza at this Sangmu brunch spot is really good. Because it's wood-fired, the dough is chewy and moist enough to eat on its own, and the cheese is generous too — it's a menu item that never disappoints.

The tomato pasta was loaded with seafood. There were nice, plump shrimp in it. The seafood tomato pasta had a great bouncy bite — today's menu picks were really good.

It was my first time trying a basil pesto pizza, and the subtle basil aroma was lovely. It also came topped with arugula, which I love, so I think I'll be ordering the basil pesto pizza a lot from now on. Trying something new turned out to be a win.

Ordering for two: one pasta plus one pizza

The pizzas at Bueokgan Sangmu Branch run on the smaller side. So for two people, ordering one pasta and one pizza is just the right amount.

Tearing off pieces of the pastry from the pumpkin soup was so fun — I'll definitely order the pastry version of the pumpkin soup from now on!

What kind of gathering suits Bueokgan Sangmu Branch?

It had been a while since my last visit, but I enjoyed this Sangmu brunch spot so much again ><. It's great for a simple lunch with friends, and just as good for a wedding-invitation get-together. The atmosphere is especially lovely, so I think women in particular would love it. Also a great date spot!! If you're craving pasta or brunch, definitely give this place a try!!