“The Mushroom Restaurant”
Written and photographed by Pia Jensen.
After living in Gwangju for almost three years, I know how rarely you come across a restaurant that has been around for more than 20 years, in the same location, and with the same owners. But I know of such a wonderful place.
About one year ago, a dear Korean friend of mine introduced me to what has since become one of my absolute favorite restaurants. Tucked away on the far side of Mudeung Mountain this place is the perfect spot for a good lunch or an evening or weekend drive. Being non-Korean, we didn’t know the right name of the restaurant, so in our world, we simply call it “the Mushroom Restaurant.” However, the correct name is actually Noeulnodeul (노을노들, short for 노을짙은노들강변, sunset cast on the riverside).
The restaurant has a really pretty, old-fashioned look and interior, with comfy seating and both smaller and larger rooms, depending on your mood. The focal point in the main room is the wood burner, which is used for heating in the wintertime and, of course, the small pond with bridge included.
One of the things that makes us come back time after time is the tranquility and atmosphere, with soft music playing and the interesting interior. Of course, we would not return if the food were not good as well, but we really like its mix of European and Korean cuisine.
All meals start with a bowl of delicious bean soup, followed by a small salad. Our children often choose to eat one of the Italian-inspired dishes, like the Cheese Oven Spaghetti or the Carbonara. The menu, which conveniently is in English as well as Korean, offers a selection of rice dishes, including vegetarian versions like Kimchi Fried Rice or Rice with Mushrooms. You’ll also find rice mixed with seafood, like Spicy Octopus and Shrimp Fried Rice. The price range is around 13,000 won. You can enjoy tenderloin, pepper steak, or beef rib steak, where the price range is higher, starting at 28,000 won.
We have tried a lot of the other dishes from the menu, but our favorite is probably the set menu for two that offers a selection of fish cutlet, lobster, beef steak, and beef cutlet served with salad and rice. The price for this set menu is 58,000 won, but worth every won. In COVID-19 times, where we could all use some TLC (tender loving care), you might choose the Special Course for Lover’s; I’m sure it’s delicious. The meal is finished off with a choice of coffee or a scoop of ice cream as “service.”
The lovely couple that has been running the restaurant for more than 20 years makes you feel so welcome and special. On weekends, you might be lucky to be served by their son, who helps out on occasion. He is fluent in English, or should I say “American,” as he has an obvious accent after studying in the States. No matter who serves you, English is fine for placing your orders.
The location in Damyang County, just east of Gwangju, offers a nice scenic drive at the base of Mudeung Mountain or along the river and Gwangju Lake when coming from the Damyang side. It is quite easy to access by car, but bus lines 187 and 225 stop nearby as well. The restaurant’s location in the beautiful countryside makes it a perfect place to start or finish a hike.
I highly recommend this place for the food, the people, the peace, and the location. Go try it out.
Noeulnodeul (Noeul-jiteun-nodeul-gangbyeon) / 노을노들 (노을짙은노들강변)
Address: 1144 Gasa-munhak-ro, Nam-myeon, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
전라남도 담양군 남면 가사문학로 1144
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. daily.
Phone: 061-383-1145
Website: https://noeulnodeul.business.site/
The Author
Pia Jensen is from Denmark and has lived in Gwangju since December 2017. She enjoys taking trips around Gwangju and Korea. Two of Pia’s children attend Kwangju Foreign School, so she spends some of her time helping out with KFS activities also.