Sunday brunch in Sangmu, Gwangju: Couple Set A plus free pie, Bueokgan

On a food tour of Gwangju last weekend, a friend recommended an Italian-style restaurant already famous around town for its atmosphere. Visiting Bueokgan in person, I was satisfied on every front — not just the classic, relaxed mood, but the taste of every single dish.

Where is Bueokgan Sangmu Branch, and where do you park?

Bueokgan Sangmu Branch (부엌간 상무본점) sits a bit away from the busy restaurant strip in Sangmu district, in a quieter spot. There's a fairly large Starbucks right next door, so it's easy to find.

If you're driving, pass Jjamppong Jijon and turn right to reach Bueokgan's private parking lot. If that lot is full, the Mudeung Church parking lot past Bueokgan Sangmu Branch is also available, apparently.

What Bueokgan Sangmu Branch looks like inside and out

The exterior of Bueokgan Sangmu is done in calm, sophisticated black and gray tones with gold accents. It's apparently designed around the concept of a vintage classic Italian hotel. Inside, the motif is the Titanic's ballroom.

The interior is spacious and relaxed. We arrived around 11:30am on a Sunday. Even though it had just opened at 11, quite a lot of tables were already full, including groups with reservations, and by the time we finished eating there were people waiting. If you're coming during weekend peak hours or with a group, I'd recommend booking ahead through Naver Reservation.

The guests seemed to be mostly families, groups of friends or acquaintances, and couples.

Around the central hall, there are about 5–6 window-side sofa tables catching the sunlight on the sides, which looked like the most popular seats. If you want one of those on a weekend, you'll probably need to do an opening run.

Ordering is done via the tablet on the table. You pay on the way out.

We ordered Couple Set A (₩48,000). We picked pumpkin soup, seafood tomato pasta, rice, an americano, and grapefruit juice. You can choose from various other menu items by paying extra.

What comes in Couple Set A at 48,000 won

First up was the pumpkin soup. It was smooth but not too sweet — perfect for an appetizer to open up the appetite. There was a faint hint of olive oil too. The portion was just right for two people to share.

Kung pao chicken pilaf

This was the dish I enjoyed most — the kung pao chicken pilaf. It's not the ordinary chicken fried rice you see everywhere. What stands out first is the well-grilled chicken leg, tender and generously fleshy. The chicken meat was so soft and really delicious... and the fried rice, fragrant with garlic and scallion, was perfectly fluffy and completely satisfying. I think it might be the best chicken fried rice I've ever had.

Seafood tomato pasta

Next came the seafood tomato pasta, packed with shrimp, clams, squid, and more. It wasn't very spicy or intense, so it seemed like it would be great for kids too. A classic flavor that anyone could enjoy comfortably, and the portion was quite generous.

The free pie and the coffee that comes with the set

Last was the pie given to us as a free service. Our food came out a bit late, so they thoughtfully gave every table a pie as a courtesy — haha. Crispy on the outside, soft and sweet inside, it was the perfect finishing touch with a cup of coffee.

Here's the coffee included in the set. The americano had just the right amount of acidity, which I think went even better with the meal. After finishing our food, my friend and I lingered over coffee, chatting away and enjoying our brunch for quite a while before leaving.

Is Bueokgan Sangmu Branch worth a Sunday brunch?

Bueokgan Sangmu Branch feels like a stylish restaurant tailor-made for women's taste — perfect for a date or a gathering to hand out wedding invitations. Every dish was made with care and tasted great, and on top of that, the staff were kind and the service was excellent. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a pleasant meal out with someone special. I'd definitely go back.