Authentic Gwangju Dining – Songwon Meat Restaurant Review

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Authentic Gwangju Dining – Songwon Meat Restaurant Review

If you want to experience a true local dish in Gwangju, South Korea, you must try Ae-Hobak Sigol Gukbap (애호박시골국밥 – Zucchini Country Soup). Unlike mainstream tourist spots, Songwon Meat Restaurant (송원식육식당) is where locals gather to enjoy authentic flavors. During my trip, a friend from Gwangju highly recommended this restaurant, so I had to check it out!

📍 Location & Accessibility

Songwon Meat Restaurant is not located in the city center, so you’ll need to drive or take a taxi. However, the journey is worth it for an authentic meal.

  • Address: 13, Pyeongdong-ro 800beon-gil, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, South Korea
  • Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM (Break time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM) / Closed on Sundays
  • Parking: Limited parking in front of the restaurant; recommend parking at a nearby lot or Nonghyup Hanaro Mart

Upon arrival, the restaurant was packed with locals, which is always a great sign of a truly beloved spot. I even overheard someone saying they visited after watching a YouTube review!

🥘 What is Ae-Hobak Sigol Gukbap?

Ae-Hobak Sigol Gukbap (애호박시골국밥) is a traditional Korean soup featuring zucchini, pork, and tofu in a rich broth. Unlike spicy Korean stews, this dish has a mild, umami-packed flavor that’s easy for foreigners to enjoy. The key to a great bowl of Ae-Hobak Gukbap lies in the balance of the broth, vegetables, and meat.



🍽 What We Ordered & Taste Review

I ordered Ae-Hobak Sigol Gukbap and a side of Hanwoo Saenggogi Bibimbap (한우생고기비빔밥 – Raw Korean Beef Bibimbap) to get a full taste of their specialties.

1️⃣ Ae-Hobak Sigol Gukbap – Zucchini Country Soup

✔ Hearty and nutritious with a deep, rich broth
✔ Soft zucchini and tender pork, making each bite flavorful
✔ Lightly seasoned, allowing natural flavors to shine
✔ Served in a hot stone bowl, keeping the soup warm throughout the meal

The zucchini is thinly sliced and cooked just enough to retain a slight crunch, making for a great texture contrast. The broth is deeply savory but not overpowering, and the dish is not spicy, making it perfect for those who prefer milder flavors.

This soup alone was incredibly filling, and I can see why locals keep coming back for it!

2️⃣ Hanwoo Saenggogi Bibimbap – Raw Korean Beef Bibimbap

✔ Premium-quality raw Korean beef (Hanwoo)
✔ Mild seasoning to enhance the natural flavor of the meat
✔ Served with fresh vegetables and a raw egg yolk
✔ Mixing the yolk and beef creates a creamy, rich texture

Since Songwon Meat Restaurant specializes in fresh meat, I knew their raw beef bibimbap would be a great choice. The high-quality Hanwoo beef was tender and paired perfectly with the rice and vegetables. If you enjoy Korean yukhoe (육회 – seasoned raw beef), you will love this dish!



💰 Price & Value for Money

Considering the quality and portion sizes, the prices at Songwon Meat Restaurant are quite reasonable:

  • Ae-Hobak Sigol Gukbap: 10,000 KRW (~$7)
  • Hanwoo Saenggogi Bibimbap: 10,000 KRW (~$7)

For a meal that’s both satisfying and authentic, this is excellent value!

🌍 Why Foreign Travelers Should Try This Dish

Many Korean stews and soups can be quite spicy, which might be challenging for some travelers. However, Ae-Hobak Sigol Gukbap is mild yet flavorful, making it a great entry dish into Korean cuisine. It’s also packed with nutrients and light on the stomach, making it an ideal meal for any time of the day.

🚶‍♀️ Explore Gwangju – Historical & Cultural Highlights

Gwangju is not just a city for food lovers; it is also the birthplace of South Korea’s democracy movement. If you’re visiting the area, I highly recommend checking out these must-visit historical and cultural sites:

✔ May 18th National Cemetery – Dedicated to those who fought for democracy during the Gwangju Uprising
✔ Yangnim-dong Historic Village – A mix of old Korean traditions and trendy cafés
✔ Mudeungsan National Park – A scenic mountain perfect for hiking and enjoying nature
✔ Gwangju Art Street – A cultural hub featuring traditional and contemporary Korean art

If you’re exploring these locations, Songwon Meat Restaurant is an excellent place to refuel with a hearty meal!

📌 Final Thoughts & Recommendations

✔ A true hidden gem loved by locals in Gwangju!
✔ Ae-Hobak Sigol Gukbap – A must-try traditional Korean soup
✔ Hanwoo Saenggogi Bibimbap – Fresh, high-quality raw beef
✔ Great location near key historical and cultural attractions in Gwangju
✔ Perfect for foreigners looking for an authentic but mild Korean dish

If you’re visiting Gwangju, don’t miss out on this delicious and authentic local dining experience. And stay tuned—I’ll be sharing more travel tips about Gwangju’s history and must-see attractions soon! 😊

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