Areas · 151 stories
Cafés, restaurants and places in Gwangju, written by bloggers who went there.
Kim Taeju Seonsan Gopchang, Yongbong Branch is a gopchang hot pot restaurant in Buk-gu, Gwangju. I shared 3 servings of gopchang hot pot and 2 servings of fried rice with my parents, and adding fresh kimchi to the pot was unforgettable. Verdict: a hearty, satisfying meal with generous portions.
Gwaireui Sup Yeosu Branch is a fresh-fruit dessert café in Dolsan, Yeosu, Gwangju. After dinner, we shared melon bingsu with our 28-month-old, and loved the generous melon, cool indoor seating, and late hours. A sweet, easy family break while traveling in Yeosu.
Chomyeon is a cocktail bar in Dong-gu, Gwangju, with a low-lit, relaxed atmosphere for drinking alone or chatting quietly. I tried the cocktail of the day Old Fashioned, the red Yonggi cocktail, and Chomyeon’s signature cocktail. Chomyeon is a lovely choice for a calm post-dinner drink.
Camel Orzo is an Italian restaurant in Seo-gu, Gwangju. After more than five family visits, we had Camel di Polpo, red shrimp bisque rosé pasta, and classic vongole with a lighter-seasoning option for our child. Verdict: a place I want to revisit for both dates and family meals.
Mujinjang Sik-yuk Kkori Gomtang is a 50-year-old beef tail soup restaurant near Pyeonghwa Square in Mokpo, Gwangju. I tried its rich broth, tender tail meat, noodles, rice, and generous sides. Verdict: a soothing, satisfying meal.
Hwanggeum Hoe Pocha Gwangju Wolsan Branch is a seafood restaurant in Nam-gu, Gwangju, serving raw shrimp and live fish sashimi. The 65,000-won set for two came with neat banchan, sashimi rice, and buttery grilled shrimp heads. Verdict: a satisfying spot to return to when fresh sashimi calls for a shot of soju.
Hoyang Horim is a hanok café in Nam-gu, Gwangju. I enjoyed house-roasted coffee, black sesame cream lattes, mugwort injeolmi waffles, and Gaeseong juak in its calm traditional setting. Verdict: a lovely spot for coffee and traditional desserts at an unhurried pace.
Synth Pet & Kids Glamping is a pet-friendly kids’ glamping site in Goheung, Gwangju. We stayed in Cabin D and enjoyed the heated indoor pool, sand play, kids’ playground, and drone and board-game rentals, plus thoughtfully prepared baby amenities. Synth Pet & Kids Glamping is a wholehearted recommendation for an easy family getaway with children.
Kkankkan Jjokbal Suwan Branch is a jokbal restaurant in Gwangsan, Gwangju, serving several styles of braised pig’s trotters and sides. I visited with my children for old-style king jokbal and spicy direct-flame jokbal, plus flying-fish-roe rice balls and soft tofu stew. Verdict: the half-and-half platter is a great choice when everyone wants a different flavor.
Yuil Jangeo is a freshwater eel restaurant in Gwangsan, Gwangju, where diners choose eel before it is pre-grilled and finished over charcoal. We ordered 1,118g of eel and comfortably used the spacious dining room, parking lot, and self-service bar. Verdict: a great fit for a hearty family meal or group gathering.
Mayway is a Chinese restaurant in Gwangsan, Gwangju, serving smoky jjamppong and Chinese dishes. Near last order, we tried a jjajang, jjamppong, and tangsuyuk set meal, yusanseulbap, and charcoal-grilled chicken. Verdict: Mayway is a filling choice for solo meals or a meal with parents.
Jwasuyeong Baguette Burger is a café and dessert shop near Yi Sun-sin Square in Yeosu, Gwangju. I tried its crisp baguette burger with Cheongyang chili peppers, then packed mugwort ice cream and fat macarons to go. A handy stop for a quick bite and travel souvenirs in Yeosu.
