Gwangju restaurant open on Chuseok with no break time: Ju Myeongdang

Today I visited Ju Myeongdang, a go-to spot in Dongmyeong-dong, Gwangju. This fusion Korean restaurant has no break time and stays open through the Chuseok holiday too — so nice~!

As you can see, the menu lineup is solid and the space is clean and comfortable, so I left satisfied.

Hearty Korean food by day, and a generous imo babsang (auntie's table) and samchon suljang (uncle's drinking table) by night — here's my honest review of this Korean pub-restaurant, Ju Myeongdang :)

Where is Ju Myeongdang, and what are the hours?

• 📍 전남광주 동구 장동로 15-2 2층 (Jangdong-ro 15-2, 2nd floor, Dong-gu, Gwangju, South Korea)
• ⏰️ Hours 11:30–01:30 (last order 00:00, no break time)
• 🅿️ 1 hour free at ACC affiliated parking lot
• ✅ Waiting area, reservations, baby chairs, pet-friendly, corkage allowed (free/paid)

Located in Dong-gu, Gwangju, Ju Myeongdang sits right in the heart of Dongmyeong-dong, so it's fairly easy to get to. There's no need to fuss over picking individual dishes — one order gets you a generous spread.

Parking in Dongmyeong-dong: 1 hour free at the ACC lot

For parking, use the ACC (Asia Culture Center) affiliated parking lot. One hour free — a real relief in a neighborhood where parking is usually a headache.

Inside Ju Myeongdang: the room layout and mood

True to its fusion Korean vibe, blue paper lanterns greet you at the door. Ju Myeongdang is on the second floor of the building. Inside, it's spacious and clean. With six private rooms, it's great for group gatherings, and pets are welcome too.

Even though I visited after lunch hours, there were still people enjoying a daytime drink. If I hadn't had plans after, I might have joined them with some anju (drinking snacks) too — this is a popular Dongmyeong-dong bar with real atmosphere.

It looked like a great spot not just for dates but for family gatherings and group meetups too. Ju Myeongdang's Gwangju flagship stays open even through the fully-loaded Chuseok holiday, and Naver reservations are available too (call ahead for parties of 6 or more).

The restroom is inside the restaurant, which is convenient, and baby chairs are available too.

Ordering by kiosk, with the meat grilled over a straw fire

You order at the kiosk on each table. The lineup — from lunch sets to the imo babsang, samchon suljang, gujeolpan (nine-section platter) and more — was pretty impressive. All the meat is aged, seasoned, and carefully grilled over a straw fire before it reaches you, so there's no need to grill it yourself at the table — just sit back and enjoy it warm.

• 🏷 Myeongdang Imo Babsang (recommended for 2–3 people)
• 🏷 Hanwoo yukhoe yubu-chobap 4p

There's a Naver photo review event running too, so keep an eye out — pairs nicely with draft beer or a mini patbingsu (red bean shaved ice).

As soon as I sat down, they brought out cold water, with water cups and bowls set for the number of people at the table.

What comes with the Myeongdang Imo Babsang?

The Myeongdang Imo Babsang (recommended for 2–3) is said to be Ju Myeongdang's most-ordered menu item. As you can see, the spread was substantial — straw-fire char siu bossam, straw-fire aged seasoned galbi, beef yukjeon, aged kimchi jjigae, seasonal bibimbap, and handmade bibim guksu all came together in one generous table.

The char siu bossam and seasoned galbi had great savory depth, and the beef yukjeon was light and clean — really good. The side dishes made with seasonal ingredients, like the pickled onions, were nice too, and wrapping the meat in lettuce made it even better.

The aged kimchi jjigae was spicy and delicious too. I kept reaching for it — perfect drinking food.

The seasonal bibimbap, which changes with the season, came piled high with vegetables.

A healthy, thoughtfully made bibimbap — good on its own with the aged kimchi jjigae, and even better piled with meat. Total rice thief.

The handmade bibim guksu was also great wrapped up cold with meat, lettuce-wrap style.

Hanwoo beef yukhoe yubu-chobap, 4 pieces

The hanwoo yukhoe yubu-chobap (4 pieces) piles freshly trimmed 1+ grade hanwoo (Korean beef) yukhoe generously on top of fried tofu rice pockets. Bigger than expected, and surprisingly filling — a great drinking snack and one of Ju Myeongdang's signature dishes.

Is Ju Myeongdang worth it over the holiday?

Ju Myeongdang, located in Dongmyeong-dong, Gwangju, is a Korean pub-restaurant with great atmosphere. With no break time, it was easy to visit, and parking was convenient too. All the meat arrived pre-grilled, so eating was fuss-free, and the menu worked well whether it was day or night. If you're looking for a spot for a Dongmyeong-dong date, a family meal in Dong-gu, or a group gathering, I recommend this Gwangju restaurant, Ju Myeongdang :)