Gwangju brunch with 11am opening rush parking, jambon pizza: Bueokgan

Today I went out for a brunch date with my husband, who had the day off. After searching for Gwangju brunch spots again, I ended up at Bueokgan, famous for brunch in the Sangmu district.

Bueokgan is probably already well known as a Sangmu date course or brunch spot, but this was actually my first visit haha. Afterward I thought, why did I wait so long to come here? Let me introduce Bueokgan Sangmu Branch, famous for pasta brunch in Sangmu!

• Address: 25 Seogwangju-ro, 1st floor, Seo-gu, Gwangju, South Korea
• Hours: Daily 11:00–22:00
• Break time: 16:00–16:30
• Last order: 21:00
• Parking available ⭕

A brunch spot in Sangmu with parking — where's the Bueokgan lot?

Bueokgan Sangmu Branch has a spacious lot behind the building, so I didn't have to worry about parking. We arrived right at the 11am opening, so it was pretty empty, but when we left a little after noon after eating, the lot was completely full. I'd recommend coming a bit early, and if it's full, you can use the Mudeung Church lot next to Starbucks.

We actually drove past it once and had to turn back to enter the lot haha. Once you see the Bueokgan parking sign and the golf fitting sign, pull right in! Start slowing down when you see the Jjamppong Jijon sign.

A European-feeling terrace exterior

I already knew Bueokgan Sangmu Branch had a pretty interior, but seeing it in person it was even more gorgeous than I expected. It really felt like stepping into a street café somewhere in Europe — so exciting.

It had been so long since I'd been to such a pretty brunch spot ㅠㅠ I could've taken hundreds of photos. Today's the day I change my profile picture!

I hadn't been out for brunch in so long that I must have lost my touch, because I showed up dressed too casually and didn't get any pretty photos — I regret that now. If you're heading to Bueokgan Sangmu Branch, dress nicely and grab a few atmospheric shots!

Is this Europe or what...ㅜㅜ Apparently Bueokgan Sangmu Branch was designed with inspiration from the Titanic's banquet hall, styled as a vintage classic Italian hotel. Ugh... Italy is my favorite country in Europe, so this really hit my taste perfectly.

The Italian hotel classic vibe inside Bueokgan

Ugh, seriously, the moment I walked in — oh my gosh, so pretty, so pretty, SO pretty!!

That is Italian hotel vibes for real!!! Ahhh... I should've sat here looking chic reading a book for a photo but I never got around to it... I blame myself.

Looking around, there are quite a few reserved seats. If you're coming with a group or want a good seat, I'd recommend booking ahead on Naver. Or, do what I did — show up right at opening!!!

Honestly, where do people even learn this kind of aesthetic? I wandered around admiring the elegant Italian hotel feel.

Bueokgan Sangmu Branch, recommended for anniversaries in Gwangju

They also have a good wine selection, so if you're looking for a date restaurant, an anniversary dinner spot, or a celebration venue in Gwangju, toasting with wine at Bueokgan in Sangmu sounds like a great idea.

Bueokgan Sangmu Branch menu guide

True to a Sangmu brunch spot, the menu is divided into Salad / Spaghetti / Risotto / Pizza / Steak.

We ordered the shrimp rosé pasta, the famous jambon pizza, and sweet potato fries. You order through the tablet at your table.

If you leave a Naver receipt review, you get a pastry pie. It's delicious, so definitely give it a try!

Even the tableware at Bueokgan Sangmu Branch is pretty. The attention to detail is so lovely.

Honest review of Bueokgan brunch in Sangmu

Our dishes came out quickly. Looking out the window felt very much like being abroad, which made for a lovely date meal. Just sitting at the table and gazing at the trees through the window was healing for the eyes and mind. If you're looking for an anniversary or date restaurant in Gwangju, I recommend Bueokgan Sangmu Branch.

Shrimp rosé pasta

The shrimp rosé pasta had less of that sharp tomato-sauce tang and was instead smooth and nutty — rich but not heavy.

The shrimp mixed in were really big and plump, with great texture that paired nicely with the sauce.

Jambon pizza

Jambon is the French word for ham — pork hind leg salted, dried, and smoked, then thinly sliced. This jambon pizza is generously topped with it. It was softer and saltier than the ham you might usually picture, and paired well with the wood-fired dough. Delicious.

My husband ate his elegantly with a knife and fork, while I just dug in with my hands. Thin, chewy dough with salty jambon on top — a savory, satisfying jambon pizza.

Sweet potato fries

Instead of regular fries, Bueokgan Sangmu Branch has sweet potato fries as a side. I was curious so I ordered some — crispy outside, soft inside, and sweet, great as a side dish. Kids would probably love these too.

Naver review pastry pie

Here's the pastry pie we got for the Naver review.

Bite-sized, sweet, soft, and flaky pastry — really good. Perfect for dessert.

While eating, a message popped up on the tablet — apparently at lunchtime things get busy and food takes a bit longer to come out. Bueokgan really is a spot everyone knows for Sangmu brunch. Guess I was the only one who hadn't been before, haha.

Bueokgan Sangmu Branch: final verdict

I visited Bueokgan Sangmu Branch, a well-known Sangmu brunch spot, on a weekday off with my husband. The interior, styled after a vintage Italian hotel, gave it a European atmosphere that elevated a plain weekday brunch into something special. The shrimp rosé pasta and jambon pizza were both excellent, and the greenery through the window made for a truly relaxing, healing lunch.

If you're looking for a brunch restaurant in Sangmu or an anniversary date spot in Gwangju, I definitely recommend Bueokgan Sangmu Branch. Guys, be sure to bring your girlfriend here on a date!! You'll get major bonus points.