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Cafés, restaurants and places in Gwangju, written by bloggers who went there.
Ju Myeongdang is a Korean bar in Dong-gu, Gwangju, serving Korean-style drinking dishes. I ordered the 49,000 won Samchon Sul-sang platter with yukjeon, fried peppers, galbi, and yubu chobap; Ju Myeongdang is a lovely spot for drinks with a date or friends.
Vibe Log Coffee Naju Dongshin University Branch is a café in Daeho-dong, Naju. I stopped by in the evening for decaf Dutch coffee and a vanilla maple croffle, and looked around its spacious, quiet seating. Verdict: a lovely stop for dessert and a calm break near Naju Gomtang Street.
Bueokgan Suwan Branch is an Italian restaurant in Gwangsan, Gwangju. I went back for the truffle mushroom pizza and also tried abalone cream risotto, kung pao chicken pilaf with reduced spice, and shrimp rosé pasta. Verdict: the chewy crust and fragrant truffle-mushroom topping are absolutely worth returning for.
Bueokgan Sangmu Branch is an Italian restaurant in Seo-gu, Gwangju, serving brunch, pasta, and pizza in a European vintage-hotel setting. Couple Set B, with salad, truffle mushroom cream gnocchi, arugula prosciutto pizza, and drinks, was satisfyingly filling. Verdict: a great brunch pick for creamy gnocchi and crisp oven-baked pizza.
Kkankkanhan Jokbal Yongbong Branch is a jokbal restaurant in Buk-gu, Gwangju. I ordered medium charcoal-grilled jokbal for 42,000 won and added flying fish roe rice balls through a receipt review. The subtly charcoal-scented, clean-tasting jokbal was the highlight.
Deokeun Jangeo Main Branch is an eel restaurant in Buk-gu, Gwangju, where diners choose and pay for packaged eel on the first floor before grilling it upstairs. We chose 774g for ₩37,380, then paid separately for the table setting and extras. A lively, worthwhile place for charcoal-grilled eel—just budget for the separate charges.
Kkankkanhan Jokbal Yongbong Branch is a jokbal restaurant in Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju. We had the half-and-half jokbal for 45,000 won with steamed egg, fish cake soup, and ssam vegetables, enjoying its charcoal aroma and satisfyingly spicy sauce. Kkankkanhan Jokbal Yongbong Branch is a great choice for a generously set group meal.
Kkankkan Jjokbal Suwan Branch is a Korean restaurant in Gwangsan, Gwangju, serving jokbal and makguksu. I had the charcoal-grilled jokbal and bibim makguksu set for two with my mom, plus the included soft tofu stew and steamed egg. Verdict: the jokbal-and-noodle bite was the standout.
Hoyang Horim is a hanok roastery and handmade-dessert café in Yangnim-dong, Nam-gu, Gwangju. I visited with my mom for injeolmi mugwort waffles, gotgam sando, a vanilla bean cream latte, and decaf Americano, and loved the courtyard and floor-seating area. Verdict: a lovely stop for a parent outing or a Yangnim-dong date.
Mayway is a Chinese restaurant in Gwangsan, Gwangju, known for house-made noodles and wok-fired dishes. We shared hot stone jjajang, assorted fried dumplings, and grapefruit cream shrimp, and found the food, atmosphere, and value all well balanced. Verdict: Start with the hot stone jjajang for a different lunch in Cheomdan.
Synth Pet & Kids Glamping is a child- and pet-friendly glamping site in Goheung, Gwangju. We stayed in Building F with its large yard, enjoying the warm pool, play areas, charcoal barbecue, and a fireside evening. Verdict: a wonderfully easy family getaway.
Yuil Jangeo is a grilled eel restaurant in Gwangsan, Gwangju, where diners can see, choose, and grill their own eel. My family had three servings of eel and eel soup, with fresh self-bar wraps and great green onion kimchi; Yuil Jangeo is an especially easy pick for groups and meals with kids.
