Bogwang-ok

The Real Taste of Damyang

Reviewed by Melline Galani.

It is said that South Jeolla’s food is the best in Korea, and I for sure agree with this. Being the main big city of the province, Gwangju has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine and restaurants.

The restaurant I will review here has been around since 1970 and is quite famous among le connoisseurs. I have been going to this place ever since I first traveled to Korea, and that was in 2014. The food and taste are still as they were then.

The restaurant is located near Gwangju Cinema downtown, just a two-minute walk from NC Wave. Even though it was refurbished one year ago, it still has the ambience of an authentic Korean restaurant. As with many other hot places in Gwangju, this one too is quite packed in the evening, and on weekends in particular. Now with the pandemic and new restrictions, things are not as crowded anymore. The good news for those looking to play it safe is that they do offer home delivery.

The main dish is the Damyang-style pork rib barbeque (담양 돼지갈비), which costs 13,000 won per person. It comes with plenty of delicious side dishes, and you can choose between simple rice (공기), nurungji (누룽지, scorched rice served in water), and seasoned (bibim) rice (비빔공기). I always pick the bibim rice because it is so delicious, and it comes with extra side dishes, among which is my favorite – fried kimchi (볶음 김치). At lunchtime, kimchi stew (김치찌개) or cold noodles (냉면) are also available.

There are three main points that draw me to this place so often: The first one is a sort of herbal wine, gashi-ogapi-ju (가시오가피주, Siberian ginseng wine). Even though it is Korean, it is quite difficult to find in restaurants. I must say, it is my favorite Korean alcoholic beverage. The second point is definitely the barbeque, which is the best I have had so far, even better than those “famous” restaurants in the Damyang area. The third point is the kimchi: both the fried and the normal kimchi are just amazing. You cannot stop eating them.

The meat comes already cooked, which I personally like because I am always hungry when I get to the place, and I do not want to spend time cooking my own steak at the table. Fresh garlic and lettuce together with ssamjang (쌈장, a dipping paste that accompanies lettuce wraps) complete the amazing taste. There is the saying that you can tell if a place is tasty by its kimchi, and I totally agree. I think you can tell from the kimchi and side dishes if a place serves delicious food or not.

The exterior of the restaurant looks like those from the 1970s and the interior is simple, clean, and spacious. There are tables with chairs for dining, but there are two areas: one that requires taking off your shoes and one that does not. There is a big message on the exterior saying that the rice, pork meat, and kimchi are made in Korea, showing the pride of the owners in using local ingredients.

If you happen to be near the downtown area or just want to try some authentic Korean cuisine, then this place is a must. But be aware, it is addictive!

BOGWANG-OK (보광옥)
Address: Gwangju, Dong-gu, Chungjang-ro 5-ga, 69-1 광주 동구 충장로 5가 69-1
Operating Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Closed every 2nd & 4th Sunday
Phone: 062-224-5790

The Reviewer
Melline Galani is a Romanian enthusiast, born and raised in the capital city of Bucharest, who is currently living in Gwangju. She likes new challenges, learning interesting things, and is incurably optimistic. Instagram: @melligalanis