Late-night lamb skewers until 2am in Gyeongan-dong, Gwangju: Sinbaegok

The weather's been perfect for a terrace hangout lately, and I didn't feel like going to a bar, but I still wanted that outdoor terrace vibe while having dinner. So here's a low-temperature aged lamb skewer place in Gyeongan-dong — Sinbaegok Yang Kkochi Gyeongan Branch! Let me introduce it.

A Gyeongan-dong restaurant that serves until 2am

There aren't many places in Gyeongan-dong open late, which was always a bummer, but Sinbaegok Yang Kkochi Gyeongan Branch runs until 2am, so it's perfect for gatherings or drinking sessions. It's also great for just a simple dinner!

Second-floor window seats: what about the smell and bugs?

It's gotten a bit chilly outside in the evenings lately, so having these big open windows is even better. I tend to avoid BBQ places because of the smell that clings to your clothes, but the ventilation here is great so you don't need to worry about that! And terrace seating usually comes with lots of bugs, but since Sinbaegok Yang Kkochi is on the 2nd floor, no bug worries either.

A thoughtful detail on Sinbaegok's menu

I was so surprised looking at the menu. Whenever I eat out for meat, I always wear black on purpose because of the smell that soaks in and the grease that splatters on clothes — but Sinbaegok Yang Kkochi even has a stain remover ready..! The owner is seriously thoughtful, haha. That means you can eat meat with total peace of mind.

Also, these days a lot of places give you reusable water bottles, but here they give single-use bottled water, which is so nice — it's more hygienic.

What's with this thoughtfulness — taking care of birthdays, pregnant guests, even soldiers? I need to come back on my birthday. And one free garlic serving — everyone, make sure to grill it on skewers. I couldn't get a photo, but I ate it up properly, haha.

Review events and discounts at Sinbaegok

There are also tons of review events —

Naver receipt reviews, Danggeun Market review events,

and even a KakaoTalk channel friend discount..! Getting a discount while you wait for your order seems like such a nice bonus.

There's also a cute serving robot roaming around — a total workaholic cat robot. Sometimes you feel bad constantly calling staff or the owner when the place is busy, but with a robot you can call it as much as you want, no guilt. Call it and it comes right over, haha.

There are so many drink options too — from kids' drinks to alcohol for adults. Whether it's a work dinner, family gathering, date, or hangout with friends, this place works for any occasion. Next time I'll try the boksosa (peach-flavored soju).

Why the sauce self-bar was the best part

The best part is the self-bar!!

So many different sauces...

Great for people who love loading up on sauce. Every time I eat lamb skewers I go through a lot of the powder seasoning, and it always felt awkward calling the owner over and over — but here you can just help yourself as much as you want. Super convenient. Lamb skewers = powder seasoning is the best.

BBQ places that only give you salt or basic dipping sauce are always a bit disappointing no matter how good the meat is — but Sinbaegok Yang Kkochi Gyeongan Branch has great meat and tons of sauces... The curry sauce comes highly recommended!! Everyone should try dipping in the curry sauce.

You can also grab as many basic side dishes as you want from the self-bar!

Each table also comes with basic seasonings already set up, so you don't even need to go far.

You might get tired of eating just lamb skewers, but they have this kind of loaded-up menu too.

Ridiculously delicious. Everyone, order this if you want something rich and greasy.

Tsingtao beer and Chinese fruit soda

Tsingtao goes perfectly with lamb skewers.

And I tried Chinese fruit soda for the first time!! Sweet and pretty good. I love places that have new menu items like this.

The window seat view and open-air yajang mood

And even the view is just... too good. Feeling happy. I fully recommend this as a date spot and terrace hangout in Gwangju, Gyeonggi.

There are plenty of window seats, and even the seats across from them have a good view outside, so wherever you sit you get that terrace vibe!!

Alright, time to start grilling.

Looking at these photos makes me want to eat it all over again...

Three-flavor guobaorou and how to slide the lamb off the skewer

The guobaorou (sweet and sour pork) I'd been waiting for finally arrived. This is the first time I've seen such a unique side menu at a lamb skewer place!! Kids would love this too. And the owner kindly explained everything — from left, original, black vinegar, and chili. Never got tiring, all three were delicious.

And did everyone know...? The owner taught me how to slide the meat off the skewer with chopsticks instead. Apparently it's possible because they keep the grill so meticulously clean — everyone give it a try!!

Ordering makchang in sets of 5

Just lamb skewers alone felt like not quite enough, but they also sell makchang (grilled beef intestines)...

You can even order it in sets of 5, which is perfect for just trying a taste. Highly recommend.

A good restaurant never lets guests leave empty-handed. The snacks are delicious, so make sure to try them 🤍