Korean restaurant in Gwangju: spicy and mala gukbap at Gujeon

The gukbap I had here before was good, so I returned to Gujeon Gukbap Yongbong Main Branch (구전국밥 용봉본점) in Yongbong-dong, Gwangju. This time, I ordered a spicy gukbap alongside a mala gukbap.

Where is it, and can I go late at night?

It is in Yongbong-dong near Chonnam National University, at 69 Yongbongtaekji-ro, 1st floor, Buk-gu, Gwangju, South Korea. The original post lists it as open 24 hours every day, so it is a place where you can eat late at night.

I visited at lunchtime. There were many customers on my previous visit, and it was bustling again from lunch onward.

What did I order?

I ordered Halmep mixed pork gukbap, mala assorted sundae gukbap, and meat dumplings. The mala assorted sundae gukbap was a menu item I was trying for the first time.

How were the complimentary glutinous rice and side dishes?

After ordering, I started with the complimentary glutinous rice. I do not usually eat much glutinous rice, but I enjoyed it here while waiting for the gukbap.

The glutinous rice went well with the Halmep kimchi that came with it. I could cut as much kimchi as I wanted, and its spiciness whetted my appetite.

I kept reaching for the kimchi even before the gukbap arrived. It suited my taste so well that I would buy it if it were sold separately.

I could take as many additional side dishes as I wanted from the self-service bar.

There were chives, green onion kimchi, garlic, ssamjang (dipping paste), and more, so I took what I wanted.

How did the spicy Halmep and mala gukbap differ?

After preparing the side dishes and waiting, the gukbap I ordered arrived.

How spicy was the Halmep mixed pork gukbap?

At first, the broth looked lighter in color than I expected, so I thought it would not be very spicy. But it contained spicy dadaegi (seasoned chili paste), and the heat became more noticeable as I ate. After continuing to eat, it was enough to make me quietly break into a sweat.

It was generously filled with glass noodles, beef tripe, vegetables, and other ingredients. I think it would suit anyone who likes spicy gukbap.

Was the mala flavor strong in the mala assorted sundae gukbap?

I was curious about how mala would work in gukbap. When I tried it, the mala aroma did not stand out strongly; it was subtle, so it did not feel overwhelming. It also went well with the gukbap for my taste.

It was also generously filled with sundae (Korean blood sausage). It tasted good with a little saeujeot (salted shrimp) on the sundae.

I also added pepper to suit my taste.

How were the seasonal bibimbap and meat dumplings?

I received the seasonal bibimbap through a review event. I broke the egg and mixed it in, and I liked the crisp texture of yeolmu (young radish greens).

I had some bibimbap alongside the gukbap throughout the meal.

The meat dumplings came four to a plate and were larger than I expected. They tasted good while hot, dipped in soy sauce.

I had another filling meal here. I could try both the Halmep gukbap, which grew spicier as I ate, and the gukbap with its subtle mala aroma, and the Halmep kimchi with the glutinous rice also stayed with me. If I am craving gukbap in Yongbong-dong, I think I will return.