Gwangju Korean BBQ: three meats, then cold noodles at Ju Myeongdang

I went to Ju Myeongdang (주명당) because I really wanted a properly good meat meal in Dongmyeong-dong. These days, when I pick a BBQ place, I don't just look at the taste of the meat. I also check the atmosphere and seating depending on who I'm going with. For family meals or group gatherings especially, a space where you can talk comfortably makes a big difference. On that front, Ju Myeongdang won me over. If you're looking for a great BBQ spot in Dongmyeong-dong, the appeal is that you get not only meat but a variety of meal dishes too.

Ju Myeongdang Location and Opening Hours

• Location: 2F, 15-2 Jang-dong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju
• Hours: 15:00 to 01:00 (next day)
• Last order: 24:00

A Hearty BBQ Spot in Dongmyeong-dong

The moment I walked in, that unmistakable BBQ-restaurant smell drifted over and I was already hungry. What I ordered was the Myeongdang Imo Bapsang (명당 이모밥상, "auntie's table") for ₩49,000. The name sounds homey, and once the food was laid out I understood why it's called that. I ordered just one item, and the table filled up in no time.

The seating is cozy enough for a date, and there are private rooms too, so you can have a more private meal.

What's in the ₩49,000 Myeongdang Imo Bapsang?

The biggest plus of the ₩49,000 Myeongdang Imo Bapsang is that you don't have to think separately about meat and meal dishes. It includes straw-fire galbi (짚불갈비), pork belly and gabrisal, plus kimchi stew, seasonal bibimbap and cold noodles, all in one go.

When you're eating meat, you always start wondering, "Should we get some rice too?", "Maybe a stew?", "We have to have cold noodles at the end..." With the Myeongdang Imo Bapsang, it's all solved at once. Meat, rice, stew, and cold noodles to finish! It really cuts down the time you'd spend agonizing over the menu, haha.

A BBQ Place with Satisfying Meal Dishes Too

What I personally liked at Ju Myeongdang is that the meal doesn't end with just meat. The kimchi stew that came with the meat was nice and warm to go with it.

There's also japchae (glass noodle stir-fry), seasoned chamnamul (a wild herb), and a variety of side vegetables.

The Subtle Smoky Flavor of Straw-Fire Galbi

I started with the straw-fire galbi. The smoky aroma on the meat really stimulates the appetite. It isn't the kind of smokiness that's so strong it masks the meat; it blends naturally with the rich, savory flavor. Pick up a golden-brown piece and eat it, and you can't help thinking that meat really is best grilled.

Pork Belly and Gabrisal in One Go

Pork belly is familiar, but it's welcome whenever you eat it, right? The golden-grilled pork belly had a nicely savory flavor, and eating it alternately with the other meats made it taste even better. Gabrisal has a chewy texture different from pork belly, so there was fun in rotating among the three meats.

If you keep eating just one meat you might get tired of it, but with straw-fire galbi, pork belly and gabrisal together, each had its own charm and I never got sick of it to the end. So I think it suits anyone looking for a BBQ place in Gwangju who wants to enjoy several kinds of meat together.

Eating the seasonal bibimbap between bites of meat felt like it brought my appetite back.

The finish is of course the cold noodles (naengmyeon). After plenty of meat, the chilled noodles cleaned up my mouth and made the meal feel properly wrapped up.

If You're Looking for a Private-Room Restaurant in Gwangju

Ju Myeongdang has 6 private rooms, which is another plus, since you can eat comfortably in a room. It's good when you want a quiet family meal, and it also seems fine for gatherings with friends or company dinners where you need to talk while you eat. For meals with many people, a lot of folks prefer a room to an open hall, so if you're looking for a private-room restaurant in Gwangju, it's worth checking this.

One more thing worth noting: dogs are allowed. For people looking for a place to eat out with their pet, that's quite important information.

On this visit I was satisfied to enjoy everything from meat to meal dishes. I think it suits people looking for a BBQ place in Dongmyeong-dong, those who want to taste several kinds of meat at once, and those who want a comfortable private-room restaurant in Gwangju. For family meals, friend gatherings or company dinners with many people, the rooms make it easy to eat comfortably. Best of all, the meal doesn't end with meat: rice, stew and cold noodles all come together, and that's Ju Myeongdang's charm! If you want a hearty meat feast in Dongmyeong-dong, remember Ju Myeongdang.