Dong-gu, Gwangju Korean bar with a generous spread: Ju Myeongdang

Ju Myeongdang on the second floor in Dongmyeong-dong

It is right there on the second floor of a building along the streets of Dongmyeong-dong. Even before going in, once I arrived nearby, the sign and exterior looked so pretty and inviting ✨

The entrance appears as soon as you go up the stairs, and every step says Ju Myeongdang, Ju Myeongdang, so you should have no trouble finding it haha.

It is in an easily accessible part of Dongmyeong-dong, so I thought it would be a great place to come for a date with your partner or a long-overdue get-together with friends 💖

A modern pojangmacha-style atmosphere under soft lighting

Once inside, soft, cozy lighting wrapped around the space, and the atmosphere was honestly so nice. A modern-day pojangmacha (Korean tent bar) 🕯️✨

Everything was clean, and the plants dotted around the room gave it a fresh feel, which I loved (very nature-friendly lol). The tables were nicely spaced apart too, so it never felt cramped—you could enjoy drinks and chat comfortably without worrying about the next table. It was the best space for quiet, cozy conversation 👍

Ordering Ju Myeongdang’s signature Samchon Sul-sang

As I slowly looked over the menu, I found such a tempting variety of Korean drinking dishes, or anju 📖 I wanted to try everything and deliberated for ages, then immediately ordered the signature must-try menu at Ju Myeongdang (주명당), the Samchon Sul-sang (₩49,000) 🔥

There was also an Imo Bapsang, so I debated between the two a lot, but I was not that hungry and thought I should try the drinking dishes instead.

What was included in the Samchon Sul-sang?

Finally, the highlight I had been waiting and waiting for—the Samchon Sul-sang main platter—arrived +.+ The second I saw it, my mouth just fell open with a real “wow~”!

Seriously, is this visual not unfair already?! One table was completely filled with generous, substantial dishes. I felt full before even starting—so good 💖

They served soju that was chilled enough to have a slight icy slush to it, and it was so delicious. One of those days when the alcohol calls for more alcohol... (this is trouble).

I tried the yukjeon (pan-fried battered beef slices) and fried peppers 👍✨ The yukjeon was wonderfully clean-tasting, making it a great dish with drinks. The fried peppers were not greasy either, just wonderfully crisp, and I really enjoyed them.

The galbi was seasoned just right and so tasty too 💖 The owner really put together a proper drinking table for us.

There was distilled liquor, so I ordered it. You know how ordering traditional liquor immediately makes the pojangmacha mood soar, right? The night gets deeper, and the drinks get stronger~

Yubu chobap (seasoned tofu-pocket sushi) was included in the set too, so getting some carbs along the way was no problem.

Somehow, one more bottle... Make it a Gwangju night, not a Seoul night, please~

The dishes were so excellent that I got drunk on the atmosphere and the flavors, chatting happily over drinks without noticing the time go by ✨

When you want Korean drinking dishes in Dongmyeong-dong

If you are looking for a great restaurant in Dongmyeong-dong, Gwangju, or a Dongmyeong-dong bar with an amazing atmosphere, definitely visit Ju Myeongdang at least once. Highly recommended 🔥

The soft, atmospheric, cozy space and the generous, delicious Samchon Sul-sang came together perfectly here. It seems like the ideal place for a date with someone you love or for a pleasant drink with good people over delicious food 💖