Jeonju Korean barbecue fresh pork set at Oillaenae

We were looking for somewhere to eat meat around Jeonbuk National University’s old main gate on a weekend evening and ended up at Oillaenae Jeonbuk National University Branch (오일내 전북대점).

There are so many barbecue places around Jeonbuk National University these days that we went back and forth over where to go. What drew us here was its claim to use super-fresh meat within five days of slaughter—and, sure enough, it seemed like a popular local spot, with everyone from students to families dining there.

Oillaenae Jeonbuk National University Branch was also easy on the wallet, which made it an even nicer place to visit.

Oillaenae Jeonbuk National University Branch: location and hours

It is on the second floor of Gosu Dakgalbi on Daehak-ro by Jeonbuk National University’s old main gate. Hours are 11:00–24:00, with last orders at 23:30.

They give you a parking voucher if you park at the indoor gym lot. I visited on a weekend, though, and even the indoor gym was full ㅠㅠㅠ

Weekend-evening wait thank-you event

We went on a weekend evening, and as expected, it was busy. There was a wait, but they had an event based on how long you waited?

It was an event based on waiting time, and you can see it clearly if you click the photo. They asked us to choose steamed egg or alcohol, and it looked like lots of people chose the steamed egg. I was already eating the cheese steamed egg I had ordered, so I asked for a soft drink instead haha.

They even brought the soft drink in a super-chilled cup haha.

Even while busy, the staff kindly showed us to our table, and tables turned over faster than expected, so we waited comfortably. They also brought out the side dishes as soon as we sat down.

The Half-Platter Set and sides for two

The two of us ordered the Half-Platter Set with doenjang-jjigae (Korean soybean-paste stew), then added cheese steamed egg plus bibim noodles and a bowl of rice as sides, hehe. We wanted to try a little of several things together, so that was our order. It ended up being a lot of food, but we happily finished it all. Overall, the value was great.

They also sold non-alcoholic beer, and every alcoholic drink was ₩1,900. Anyone who enjoys meat with drinks would probably be pleased.

How was the meat in the Half-Platter Set?

The meat looked fresh from its color the moment it arrived. Oillaenae had signs everywhere saying it uses super-fresh meat within five days of slaughter. Maybe that is why it is called Oillaenae?

Once we grilled it, there was no unpleasant meat smell at all. The meat browned beautifully. Even though it was the Half-Platter Set, the cuts were thick and there was enough for two people to eat their fill.

Doenjang-jjigae with blue crab

For the stew included with the set, you can choose kimchi-jjigae or doenjang-jjigae, and I went with doenjang-jjigae. It even had blue crab in it to flavor the broth, which gave it a nice savory depth.

It was earthy with a little kick, so it was great to spoon up between bites of meat. I think choosing the doenjang-jjigae was the right call.

Soft cheese steamed egg

The cheese steamed egg we ordered as a side was fluffy and puffed up, with melted cheese on top, so it looked all pale and creamy haha.

The steamed egg itself was soft and fluffy, and the cheese made it extra nutty. Some places have steamed egg with a fishy smell, but this one had none of that and was delicious.

It was nice to nibble on while the meat cooked, and it went well with the meat too.

Bibim noodles and pork belly together

After debating, we ordered the bibim noodles (spicy mixed noodles) because we were curious. Bibim noodles at a barbecue restaurant are such a hard-to-fail combination lol. With well-grilled pork belly, the sweet-spicy noodles balanced the meat’s richness for a spicy, savory bite.

I debated between naengmyeon and bibim noodles, but it just felt like a bibim-noodle day, so that is what I got. The meat fried rice at the next table looked sooo good, though... It looked like a huge portion...

A good place for meat near Jeonbuk National University

There was a wait because it was a weekend evening, and the restaurant was packed, but the staff were so kind that we had a pleasant meal.

It was good for a family meal, a gathering with friends, or a date. The prices were good and so was the quality, making it a great-value barbecue restaurant.

There was deodorizer and mouthwash by the exit too, which felt like a thoughtful touch.

If you are visiting as a pair like us, I recommend the Half-Platter Set, choosing one stew, then adding whichever sides you want plus extra rice.

They also had reviews from celebrities displayed on the wall. It seems popular in every way.