Om Pang Gol Kongnamul Gukbap

Soups, stews, snacks and even spirits have their designated time and function within the scheme of traditional Korean cuisine. So why not try some new dishes at a favorite restaurant of mind?

Quaint and cozy, this restaurant specializes in serving up Jeonju-style mung bean and rice soup, Kongnamul Gukbap (콩나물국밥), accompanied by the city’s famed sweet mild liquor drink, moju (모주). Combined, these two are said to successfully combat a rough night, but that is not all this hidden gem has to offer.

Area: This rustic restaurant is located at the edge of the Chonnam National University Back Gate. Coming from either bus stop of the back gate, get yourself to the massive Dunkin’ Donuts. From there, walk south keeping the campus on your right-hand side, and take your first left down a small alleyway. Follow the road turning right, and the restaurant will be on your left-hand side.

Atmosphere: The atmosphere is warm and inviting with its wooden tables and wooden stools for seats that make you feel like you are visiting a friend at a cabin nestled somewhere outdoors. To add to the décor, the walls are covered in writing of past costumers and speckled with Korean traditional instruments, a charming place to head to with your close friends.

Service: Whether it is your first time or your fifth time, the owners are always very helpful with getting you settled and your order sorted, no matter how your Korean is.

Food: For eats the menu offers up a tasty variety of three styles of Korean jeon, dubu kimchi bibimbap, a few different kinds of jjiggae and of course, kongnamul gukbap. As for drinks they have moju (모주), makegeolli (막걸리) and dongdongju (동동주).

Having visited this restaurant on more than one occasion, I have had the opportunity to try many dishes, including the dubu kimchi and kongnamul gukbap jeon. My recommendation: definitely order jeon of your choice, but do not walk away without trying the bean sprout soup, topped with sesame seeds, crushed red pepper, bits of green pepper, a little seaweed and served with egg on the side. For drinks, it is only moju for me. With hints of cinnamon, ginger and licorice; hangover cure or not, I cannot think of a better sweet fall treat.

Prices:  3,500 won for soups, 5,000 won for jjiggae and 10,000 won at most for jeon. When split amongst friends, visiting Om Pang Gol Kongnamul Gukbap is definitely an economical and great way to try some new eats!

Telephone: 262-9885

Hours:  Open daily. Closing varies depending on customers.