Korean restaurant in Yongbong-dong, Gwangju: Gujeon Gukbap

Can you eat late near Jeon Cheol-woo Intersection?

I had an errand in the Unam-dong area and visited Gujeon Gukbap Yongbong Main Branch (구전국밥 용봉본점) that evening. It is a gukbap restaurant near Jeon Cheol-woo Intersection in Yongbong-dong, Gwangju.

The hours displayed at the time of my visit were 24 hours a day, every day of the year. There is dedicated parking behind the restaurant.

Is it also suitable for eating alone at lunch?

Inside, it had the comfortable atmosphere typical of a gukbap restaurant. I visited with my boyfriend in the evening, but there were solo seats, so I thought it would also be fine to come alone for lunch.

The self-serve bar had several kinds of side dishes. It seemed like a good setup for a satisfying solo meal with a bowl of gukbap.

What is on the menu, and how much were the dishes we ordered?

They served pork gukbap, sundae gukbap, gosari gukbap, and even Jeju bomal kalguksu. I chose the Gwangju-style zucchini gukbap, while my boyfriend ordered the mixed Halmaep pork gukbap.

These were the dishes and prices we ordered that day.

• Gwangju-style zucchini gukbap: ₩12,000
• Mixed Halmaep pork gukbap: ₩11,000
• Meat dumplings: ₩5,000
• Zero Coke: ₩2,000

A Naver receipt-review event was also advertised at the time of my visit. It said participants would receive either seasonal bibimbap valued at ₩9,000 or Jeju freshly squeezed juice valued at ₩4,000.

What were the complimentary dishes served before the gukbap?

Glutinous rice, roasted seaweed, and Halmaep kimchi were served as basics. The Halmaep kimchi reminded me of Silbi kimchi. Wrapping the glutinous rice and kimchi in seaweed lightly coated with sesame oil made a nice bite before the main meal.

How were the zucchini gukbap and mixed Halmaep pork gukbap?

I prefer a spicy, peppery broth to a milky-white one. The gukbap I chose that day suited that preference well.

Does the Gwangju-style zucchini gukbap come with the rice already mixed in?

The Gwangju-style zucchini gukbap was served torim-style, with the rice already mixed into the soup. It contained zucchini and pork, with a generous amount of pork. Eating the zucchini and rice in the hot broth was filling, and the broth was deep and peppery enough that my boyfriend was interested in my dish too.

How was the mixed Halmaep pork gukbap we ordered together?

My boyfriend, who usually enjoys gukbap, chose the mixed Halmaep pork gukbap and was pleased with it. The hot broth with meat and rice made for a filling meal.

Was there anything disappointing during the meal?

Our meat dumpling order was missed, so we could not eat it with our meal at the restaurant. We asked for it to be packed separately and reheated it at home; it was generously filled and tasty. I thought it would have been nice to have it with the gukbap broth.

The missed order was disappointing, but the staff were kind and I was happy with the food. I would like to return when I am craving a peppery bowl of gukbap.