Dongmyeong-dong Korean pub with the Samchon Suljang set: Ju Myeongdang

Today's story is about a Korean restaurant and bar in Dongmyeong-dong that's got the vibe, the side dish quality, and the value all locked down — Ju Myeongdang, which is super hot right now.

Inside Ju Myeongdang Dongmyeong branch and its six private rooms

Ju Myeongdang is a Korean restaurant and bar on the 2nd floor at 15-2 Jangdong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, with six private rooms for a more intimate experience. With its soft wood-toned lighting and a retro-yet-clean atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for a Dongmyeong-dong date course or a drink with friends over a meal!

Above all, having six private rooms on site makes it great for gatherings or work dinners too. Most bars in Dongmyeong-dong tend to be cramped, so it's often hard to talk over the noise or find a comfortable seat. Ju Myeongdang has six fully separated private rooms, so it's the ideal space if you prefer a private atmosphere, haha. There were plenty of group parties, and even foreign visitors dining there.

On top of that, it's rare to find a pet-friendly spot in Dongmyeong-dong, Gwangju, so I saw people who'd come with their cute dogs, along with foreign guests who'd heard about the hip vibe and came to check it out — it definitely felt like the hot place right now.

Even on a Sunday evening it was packed. The menu is really varied. Everyone seemed to be ordering either the Imo Babsang (auntie's rice table) or the Samchon Suljang (uncle's drinking table).

Such a good mood!! The owner (?) was also super friendly.

What we ordered at Ju Myeongdang: the Samchon Suljang set and rice soju

This time we ordered Ju Myeongdang's signature set, Samchon Suljang, and picked a clean rice soju for the drink. The rice soju goes down really smoothly with a subtle aroma that spreads out, and it paired so well with the deep, savory Korean side dishes! If you like a clean, traditional-liquor feel, you have to try the rice soju.

(Turns out you can order the Samchon Suljang sized to fit your group! So it looks like extra dishes get added on for bigger groups.)

Potato pancake...! Eating it with pickled onions is so good, T_T

Yukjeon grilled over a straw fire

The yukjeon (pan-fried beef slices) has a thin, soft egg coating, so the natural savoriness of the meat really comes through. Since the meat is grilled over a straw fire, it had such a lovely subtle aroma. It came out grilled just perfectly.

So generous, right!! It really feels more like a rice restaurant than a bar.

The doenjang sulbap that comes with the set

The doenjang sulbap (soybean paste rice soup) that comes alongside.... this is seriously so good. The broth is thick and deep, giving you that feeling of your stomach settling right down. It's spicy yet earthy, like homemade soybean paste, and it plays a perfect role as a drinking snack.

Of everything in the Samchon Suljang set, the yukjeon is truly the best bite! There's zero gamey smell, it's fried soft and golden, and when you bite in, savory juices burst out and the rice soju just keeps flowing. Add the sauce or side dishes on top and the umami explodes.

(I recommend eating it with gat kimchi, haha — I refilled it three times.)

Fried peppers and yukhoe yubu-chobap

The freshly fried peppers were also a delicacy among delicacies! The crispy batter was packed full of filling, and you get a satisfying crunch the moment you bite in.

And the yukhoe yubu-chobap (raw beef tartare in fried tofu rice pockets) was delicious as expected, with a crazy good sweet-salty combo. The size was also huge.

First stop or second round? How to book a room at Ju Myeongdang

Ju Myeongdang's side dish spread is so hearty and generous that it's perfect for a first round with a meal and a drink, and just as good for a second round to keep the night going with a clean drink. Since the six private rooms are so well set up, anyone planning a private gathering or a pet-friendly visit in Gwangju should book a room in advance — you'll enjoy it much more comfortably!