Korean restaurant in Daegu: king rib yukgaejang for two, Yukbanjang

On a domestic trip to Daegu, I wanted to shake off the previous night's drinking and get a solid meal, so I visited the well-known yukgaejang restaurant Yukbanjang Gwangjanggakoa Gwangko Branch (육반장 광장코아 광코점).

With its deep, spicy broth and plenty of nutrition, I could really feel why locals strongly recommend it as a Daegu hangover spot.

I hope this is useful for anyone looking for a hearty lunch or a soup to settle the stomach, so here is my review of this Gwangjang Core-area restaurant in Daegu.

Location and opening hours of Yukbanjang Gwangjanggakoa

Yukbanjang Gwangjanggakoa Gwangko Branch is at 177 Dangsan-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, on the 1st floor. It is 230 m from Exit 2 of Gamsam Station on Subway Line 2.

Hours are 10:30–21:00 Monday to Saturday, with a break from 15:30 to 16:30 (except Sunday). On Sundays it only serves lunch, 10:30–15:00. I heard it was also featured on episode 328 of the TV show Amazing Saturday (놀라운 토요일).

Parking and amenities

You can use the public parking lot across from the restaurant, and parking at the LG Best Shop lot at Gamsam Station gets you 1 hour of parking support. It's convenient whether you come by public transport or by car.

Atmosphere and seating

The inside of this Daegu yukgaejang restaurant is very clean and pleasant. Thanks to quick, friendly service, we ate comfortably with no wait.

There are floor-seating rooms (1 to 10 people) and group seating (4 to 16 people), so it suits everything from solo meals to big gatherings. Takeout, reservations, Wi-Fi and local currency (card-type) payment are also supported.

King rib yukgaejang for two, limited to 20 a day: how was it?

This time we ordered the signature king rib yukgaejang for two, sold in limited quantities of just 20 a day, to cure our hangovers.

The look of huge whole ribs sitting in an earthenware pot was overwhelming already, and the meat was simmered so long that bone and meat separated with ease. I cut the meat into big pieces with scissors and ate it with the broth, where the juices and the spicy seasoning came together for a deep flavor.

The broth wasn't spicy from artificial capsaicin either; it was deep, clean and kick-y, and I could feel last night's alcohol clearing out of my stomach. Basic sides like kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi) and white kimchi were neat too, making this a very satisfying hangover meal at a Gwangjang Core-area restaurant in Daegu.

In particular, the crunchy kkakdugi, nutty bean sprouts and tidy kimchi that come as basic sides went wonderfully with the spicy yukgaejang. There is also a neatly kept self-serve bar at one side of the restaurant, so you can refill side dishes as much as you need without hesitation, which I really liked. It was a perfect setup for a Gwangjang Core-area restaurant in Daegu.

Why I recommend Yukbanjang's yukgaejang for a hangover

I strongly recommend Yukbanjang as a Daegu yukgaejang restaurant because it covers both flavor and health.

• Spicy, refreshing heat: the deep, clean broth really settles the stomach, which makes it excellent for a hangover.
• Nutritious green onions: plenty of green onion goes in, and it is said to offer vitamins A and C and potassium to help immunity, plus better digestion, stomach health and relief from inflammation thanks to natural anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Something for different tastes: there is a mild white yukgaejang for people who can't eat spicy food, and it goes well with kalguksu (knife-cut noodles), so you can choose to your liking.

A walk after the meal: Seonam Sinsijang Market

After a hearty meal at Yukbanjang, I walked it off at Seonam Sinsijang Market, one of Daegu's best-known traditional markets, close to the restaurant. It is clean thanks to modern facilities, and the arcade roof means you can browse without worrying about the weather.

I enjoyed strolling slowly through the lively market, taking in the charming sights and all sorts of snacks. I highly recommend dropping by for a walk after your meal.

Final verdict

With its perfect match of deep, spicy broth and tender king ribs, Yukbanjang Gwangjanggakoa Gwangko Branch was a true Daegu yukgaejang restaurant.

Packed with green onions for added nutrition, it was easily the top Daegu hangover spot for calming the stomach after a night out, and a solid Gwangjang Core-area restaurant for anyone wanting a hearty meal.

I was happy with the taste, the friendliness and the atmosphere, so I recommend stopping by if you're traveling in Daegu or nearby.