Chicken wing skewers at a Gwangju skewer restaurant: Jangbaeksan

I paid a visit to Jangbaeksan Yangkkochi Songjeong in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju. I was curious why it's called the "Songjeong flagship," and after actually going, I think I get why.

Jangbaeksan Yangkkochi Songjeong: hours and how to get there

Jangbaeksan Yangkkochi Songjeong is open every day from 11am to midnight, with no closed days. It's practical knowing you can drop by whenever, and it's a great spot for those late-night cravings for lamb skewers and a drink.

The location is also right near Songjeong Station, so accessibility is really good. It's easy to get to by public transport, and also a natural stop if you're wandering around the Songjeong area.

Jangbaeksan lamb skewers: juicy, with no gamey smell

This time I ordered Jangbaeksan lamb skewers, chicken wing skewers, and onmyeon (warm noodle soup). Of these, the lamb skewers were by far the most impressive. From the very first bite, the juiciness came through clearly. There was no trace of the gamey smell lamb can have — it was clean, with a proper smoky char that made every bite savory.

I've had lamb skewers plenty of times, but a place this satisfying is rare. The balance of a crisp, well-grilled exterior with a juicy, tender inside was really good. The signature spice blend was there without being overpowering, which kept me reaching for more.

What do the chicken wing skewers taste like?

The chicken wing skewers I ordered alongside the lamb at Jangbaeksan Yangkkochi Songjeong were excellent too. The chewy texture and crisp exterior typical of chicken wings came through well, and the seasoning had real depth of flavor without being too aggressive. It's a different kind of appeal from the lamb, and having both together made for a nicely varied meal.

Onmyeon noodle soup: the break between skewers

Along with the skewers, I also ordered onmyeon (warm noodle soup), and it played the role of balancing out the bold skewer dishes. The warm broth and soft noodles felt calming on the palate. If I'd just had skewers, the meal might have felt a bit monotonous, but thanks to the onmyeon the whole meal felt more complete.

The complimentary egg soup

Partway through, an egg soup arrived as a complimentary side, and it was genuinely surprising. You'd usually think of a free side dish as just for show rather than taste, but this egg soup completely exceeded that expectation. The soft, gently beaten egg and the delicate broth worked so well together that it was hard to believe it was free. That kind of detail really showed the sincerity behind this place.

Inside the restaurant and who eats here

Watching customers keep streaming in the whole time I was there, I could really tell this place has earned its reputation. In particular, it seemed popular with young people coming for a drink. It has a casual yet lively atmosphere — a great spot to unwind with friends over skewers and a drink.

Seeing the steady flow of customers, I got the clear impression that this place has firmly established itself in the neighborhood.

Strongly recommended as a lamb skewer restaurant near Gwangju Songjeong

Is Jangbaeksan Yangkkochi Songjeong worth a visit?

Jangbaeksan Yangkkochi Songjeong was worth the visit for the lamb skewers alone. Juicy lamb skewers, chewy chicken wing skewers, well-balanced onmyeon, and an egg soup that outshines its status as a freebie — if you're looking for a lamb skewer spot in Gwangju or a restaurant near Songjeong Station, I'd definitely recommend visiting Jangbaeksan Yangkkochi Songjeong.

With great access near Songjeong Station and no closed days, it's clear why young people find this a good spot for a drink.

• Address: 20 Songjeong-ro 1beon-gil, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, South Korea
• Hours: Daily 11:00–24:00 (no closed days)