Special Thanks to Patrick Conway

Tucked in the Back Gate of Chonnam National University (CNU) is a restaurant called Corona. Filled with a menu of simple Mexican-style meals and finger foods, this restaurant has one key ingredient: cilantro.

During the Spanish takeover in Mexico and the Americas of the late 1500s, not only did Spain export seeds from tomatoes (for example) from Mexico to Italy – and thus create the famous “spaghetti sauce” – but also the Spanish influenced the foods we forever cherish in the U.S. and Mexico today, for instance by importing cheese and coriander – also known as cilantro.

What some do not realize, and that includes later generation Latinos, is that the U.S. has created its own Mexican-style menu ranging from “Tex Mex” (Texas region) to “SoCal” (Southern California), which signifies key ingredients, creating a diversity of tastes.

Choong Jun is a Korean native raised in Wisconsin, where he first encountered home-style Mexican food from his best friend’s mother. Later he relocated to Los Angeles to follow film and city life.

Choong and his wife, who is a Gwangju native, fell in love, got married and relocated here.

“We wanted to open a business where we can offer something for the community but there are way too many coffee shops to begin with. And then I thought about the one food I miss the most from America and thus I decided to open up a Mexican fusion restaurant,” said Choong.

 

Corona

The restaurant’s name derives from the famous bottled beer made in Mexico, which literally translates into “Crown.” The owners also import two other delicious brews called Sol and Negra Modelo. The Mexicans also have a “SoMac,” calling it a Coronarita, which is made from a Tequila and fruit mix drink called a Margarita, served in a huge “copa” cup.

 

Area

Walk towards the first MiniStop of CNU’s Back Gate. Go straight. On the left you will see an Italian coffee shop. Turn left. Corona will be on the second floor straight-ahead, so walk to the left side for the entrance. You cannot miss the giant Mexican flags on the glass doors.

 

Atmosphere

A bright-colored interior décor, just like Mexicans do it, comes with second story view, along with cool photos and a projector to screen movies or sports games inside. Music is always playing, including Spanish artists. Great space for parties of four or more or cute. There are Korean-style bunks for a more intimate meal.

 

Service

Friendly staff are attentive and willing to answer any questions about the menu and beer. No kimchi or radish are served, only chips and salsa as side dishes.

 

Food

For a great, fulfilling snack, hard shell tacos or flour tortillas are the best choices. You can ask for a beef or chicken combination. Burritos are the same price but are loaded with pinto beans, rice, cheese, onions, sour cream and, of course, cilantro. The chicken cheese quesadilla is fabulously served Korean-style with zigzagged sour cream décor on top and salsa dip on the side. Nachos are a loaded steal. Your taste buds will thank you.

 

Prices

Two tacos are 6,500 won, and three tacos are 9,000. Burritos are 7,000, while Chimichangas and Quesadillas are both 9,000 won. Beer selections are 7,000 won for import and cheap drafts of Red Rock.