Gwangju jokbal restaurant with garlic sauce: Kkankkan Jjokbal

It was one of those days when I wanted a really hearty meal, so I went to Kkankkan Jjokbal Suwan Branch, a jokbal (braised pig’s trotters) spot in Gwangju’s Suwan district that I’d been curious about for ages. I’d always seen it while walking past, but this was my first visit!

A Suwan-dong jokbal restaurant with a hanok feel

The hanok-inspired interior really stands out: black roof tiles and warm lighting come together so nicely that, for a jokbal restaurant, the atmosphere is amazing 👍 I came late in the evening, but it felt as though the place filled up in no time. Lots of families were out for dinner, and there were plenty of larger groups meeting up for the evening too!

Each table had an ordering kiosk, and there were so many jokbal and bossam (boiled pork wraps) options. After much deliberation, I ordered the Goheung Garlic Jokbal and mul naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles)! The Goheung Garlic Jokbal was what caught my eye most on the menu, haha. I thought the garlic seasoning would really elevate the jokbal, so I ordered it and waited in anticipation 🥹

The side dishes served with the jokbal

While I waited, the side dishes came out first. There was seasoned shredded dried radish, garlic, ssamjang and chojang dipping sauces, marinated shrimp, and all sorts of things that would go so well with jokbal!

They also served spicy soft tofu stew and steamed egg. Even though it’s a jokbal restaurant, the included spread was so substantial that there was lots to eat alongside it! Add an egg to the soft tofu stew and wow... 👍 The steamed egg and salad in particular... so, so delicious.

Goheung Garlic Jokbal topped with garlic sauce

Finally, the jokbal I ordered arrived, and it looked so glossy and shiny the moment it came out! 🥹 It looked incredibly goodㅜ You simply spoon the garlic seasoning we ordered over the thinly sliced jokbal, and it really cuts through the richness, making it seriously delicious 🤭 The skin was wonderfully chewy, while the meat was tender and well cooked, with absolutely no unpleasant smell!

Apparently, you can get mini spicy bossam if you sign up for notifications?? Sadly, I only found out later, so I missed itㅜ If you visit, make sure you sign up for notifications and give it a try!

Wrap the jokbal with the lettuce and garlic that came with it, and you just keep eating! The soft, tender jokbal went so well with the crisp lettuce.

Mul naengmyeon to finish the jokbal meal

To finish, I ordered mul naengmyeon with little shards of ice floating in it. It was topped refreshingly with shredded cucumber and radish, and the broth had a lovely savory depth, making it perfect with the jokbal. Unlike other mul naengmyeon, the noodles here weren’t naengmyeon noodles. Still, they went well with the broth, so I think it’s worth trying.

Coffee and ice cream for dessert

After the meal, you can have an Americano or ice cream from the coffee machine and ice cream freezer on one side of the restaurant! There were vanilla and chocolate flavors, and you can serve yourself into a cone for the perfect dessert..! There were also cups of ice in the freezer, so an iced Americano is totally doable too, haha.

Eating ice cream with your companions and taking a slow walk home afterward is proper healing! They even had deodorizing spray available so you don’t leave smelling of meat—you can head out feeling good with a lovely scent. A moment where you can really feel the owner’s thoughtfulness 💗 There were sweet fruit candies and mints too, so help yourself to whatever you like.. 🫶

How was it for a Suwan-dong dinner out?

Overall, the portions were generous and the side-dish spread was substantial, which I loved. There was plenty of seating for family gatherings or company dinners, plus parking, so I’m planning to return next time I’m craving jokbal! Above all, the jokbal itself was great, but the garlic seasoning also cut through the richness—so everyone, please try the Goheung Garlic Jokbal at least once!