Gwangju gopchang hot pot restaurant after work: Kim Taeju Seonsan

My third after-work visit for gopchang hot pot in Yongbong-dong

Today, I’m introducing a truly great restaurant I’ve already visited three times. It’s Kim Taeju Seonsan Gopchang, Yongbong Branch (김태주선산곱창 용봉점), where my boyfriend and I went for dinner after work!

The address is 73 Jeobul-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, and the hours are 11:00–23:00. It is closed every Wednesday, and you can park in the alley in front of the restaurant. Their signature dish is gopchang jeongol (beef offal hot pot), at ₩11,000 per person.

We visited around 7 p.m. on a weekday after work. Even on a weekday evening, about five tables were already dining. I thought, wow, this really must be a popular Yongbong-dong spot. (So it wasn’t just my secret favorite after all...)

The interior is clean and spacious, with around 11 tables, so I think groups can comfortably visit too!!

Ordering gopchang hot pot for two

Kim Taeju Seonsan Gopchang has just one menu item, so we ordered two portions of gopchang hot pot without hesitation! Everyone knows truly great restaurants tend to have short menus, right~? It’s ₩11,000 per person! It’s domestic gopchang hot pot at a price that’s honestly unbelievable haha.

The neat basic spread includes fried ham patties, boiled dumplings, pickled peppers, and braised anchovies. The hot pot is prepared right away, but you don’t eat it immediately!! You need to let it bubble over high heat for about 10–15 minutes. While we waited, we happily munched on the fried ham patties and dumplings, haha.

Yongbong-dong gopchang hot pot tastes best properly simmered

Once the hot pot starts boiling, cut the vegetables, gopchang, and kimchi into bite-sized pieces.

When the broth seems to have reduced a little, the owner adds more broth. Even if they are busy and cannot get to it right away, they will quickly bring more if you ask for a refill. It’s perfect after simmering it thoroughly for about 15–20 minutes.

The reason I love this place is the broth :-) The rich beef-bone broth and kimchi come together for a spicy yet deep flavor, so I just keep spooning it up.

If it’s your first visit, please please read the instructions for enjoying the gopchang hot pot, haha. It really tasted best prepared this way~!

We wanted it a little spicier, so we sliced up some Cheongyang chili peppers and added them. It was even more delicious with that extra kick!! Try adjusting the spice level to your taste. The gopchang, vegetables, and kimchi are such a great combination with the broth 😋

Finish with fried rice!

Once you’ve enjoyed the gopchang hot pot, fried rice at the end is a must!! The fried rice is ₩2,000, and when you order it, the kitchen stir-fries it and brings it out.

I loved that there was no need to fry it ourselves; all we had to do was enjoy it! From the gopchang hot pot broth and gopchang to the final fried rice, it was just right for dinner after work.

Lastly, this is where the owner’s thoughtfulness really shines. There is dental floss and mouthwash available, so you can use them after your delicious meal!

A truly great restaurant I’ve visited three times

I’ve already visited Kim Taeju Seonsan Gopchang, Yongbong Branch three times, so to be honest, I would definitely come back again.

If you love gopchang hot pot with rich beef-bone broth and the spicy kick of kimchi, this could be a great place to try when looking for a good restaurant in Yongbong-dong, Gwangju! Especially on your first visit, I recommend not eating the hot pot right away and letting it simmer thoroughly. Refill the broth along the way, and be sure to try the final fried rice too. I think I’ll come back whenever I start craving gopchang hot pot again!