Pasta in Sangmu, Gwangju with my daughter: kung pao pilaf, Bueokgan

If you're looking for a restaurant with a great atmosphere in Sangmu, I recommend Bueokgan Sangmu Branch (부엌간 상무본점). It works for dates, family meals, brunch, wedding invitation gatherings and group get-togethers.

First, let me go over what's worth knowing before you visit.

Where is the parking lot entrance at Bueokgan Sangmu Branch?

Bueokgan Sangmu Branch has its own parking lot, so parking is fairly easy: go a little past Jjamppong Jijon (짬뽕지존) and turn right right away. The entrance can be a bit confusing the first time, though. You don't turn in right next to Jjamppong Jijon; you go a bit past it and turn right immediately, and that's where Bueokgan's private lot is.

The golf fitting sign is much bigger than any Bueokgan sign. This is the parking lot! ^^ Mudeung Church's parking lot is also available.

How long is the weekend wait at Bueokgan Sangmu Branch?

When I went at 12 noon on a weekend, I waited about 45 minutes, and after 1 pm lots of guests had left so there was no wait. It's a famous place in Sangmu with a line, so on weekends there's almost always a wait. You have to wait outside, but there were chairs and shade.

If you write your name and phone number at the entrance, they call you. You can reserve the day before, so I recommend booking ahead on weekends. 👍

Interior inspired by the Titanic's ballroom

They say Bueokgan Sangmu Branch is designed as an Italian vintage classic hotel, inspired by the ballroom on the Titanic.

The ceilings are high and it feels open, and vintage furniture and props said to be imported directly from England, France and Italy are placed all around, so it's a really pretty space for photos.

The atomic chandelier in the center and the moody interior make it a popular date spot. I came on a date with my grown-up daughter ^^

Signature dishes at Bueokgan Sangmu Branch

• Pastry soup
• Basil pesto cream pasta
• Lasagna
• Kung pao chicken pilaf
• Jambon pizza

What comes in Couple Set B and how much does it cost?

Couple Set B at Bueokgan Sangmu Branch is ₩51,000, and choosing the chicken pilaf adds ₩4,000, so we paid ₩55,000 in total. This time we ordered Couple Set B.

We chose the garden salad, chicken pilaf, pepperoni pizza, a batch brew iced coffee and a single orange drink.

Is the kung pao chicken pilaf too spicy for kids?

The kung pao chicken pilaf is a little spicy because of the spicy kung pao sauce ^^ Be careful with very small kids. The chicken itself isn't spicy. We'd had pasta at home the day before, so I picked the chicken pilaf, and my fifth-grader ate it really well.

She said the chicken was grilled nicely on both sides and was so good.

How was the pepperoni pizza?

Bueokgan's pepperoni pizza especially balances a salty flavor with chewy dough, and my kid gave the pizza a thumbs up too. (She had pepperoni pizza at home yesterday too, T_T)

They gave us scissors, so I snip-snip-snipped it into pieces.

Tablet menu and Naver review event

The tablet menu at Bueokgan Sangmu Branch carefully lists allergens and country of origin, so you can order with peace of mind. You can also call staff from the tablet, and things like the review event, coffee refills and takeout requests are easy to use there, which was convenient.

The Naver review event gives out a pastry pie.

The whole place feels like a classic hotel, so I felt relaxed throughout the meal, and the view from the window seats is pretty too, great for photos.

Bueokgan Sangmu Branch vs. the Suwan branch

Bueokgan Sangmu Branch has easy parking and is bigger than the Suwan branch, so the waits tend to be shorter. The music is good, the atmosphere is good, and above all the food is delicious.

If you're looking for a great pasta place in Sangmu, or a nice brunch or date spot, I recommend Bueokgan Sangmu Branch.

I took the leftover pizza to go ^^♡