Gwangju Aehobak-jjigae Original Restaurant 🏆 Myeonghwa Sikyuk Sikdang! (10-Year Regular & Jun Hyun-moo's Plan, Choiza Road Broadcast Appearance Fully Analyzed)
"Soul food you must eat when you visit Gwangju!" When it comes to Gwangju's Aehobak-jjigae (Zucchini Stew), one place that cannot be overlooked is Myeonghwa Sikyuk Sikdang. For over 10 years, this place has captivated not only Gwangju locals with its consistent taste but also numerous broadcasts and celebrities! Recently, it has garnered even more attention by being featured on prominent programs such as 'Jun Hyun-moo's Plan,' 'Choiza Road,' and 'Heo Young-man's Baekban Tour.' Let's delve into everything about Myeonghwa Sikyuk Sikdang through the affectionate eyes of a 10-year regular! 🤤
1. 📍 A Jewel-like Restaurant on the Outskirts of Gwangju, Myeonghwa Sikyuk Sikdang Location & Parking
Myeonghwa Sikyuk Sikdang is located at 421 Pyeongdong-ro, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, near Pyeongdong Industrial Complex. As it's on the outskirts of Gwangju, using a car or taxi is recommended over public transportation.
- Spacious Parking Lot: There's a very large parking lot right next to the restaurant, so parking is generally not a concern. While it can get busy during long waits, many reviews say they've never had trouble finding a spot.
2. ⏰ Operating Information & Waiting Tips (No Tableting, Verbal Call!)
- Operating Hours: 10:00 AM ~ 9:00 PM (Closed every Sunday)
- Waiting Method: Go inside, tell the counter staff the number of people, and receive a waiting number (post-it note). The owner verbally calls out numbers from the door, so waiting in front of the restaurant is essential!
- Turnover Rate: As it's a single menu (Aehobak-jjigae), the turnover is quite fast. Some reviews mention that a 15-team wait takes about 30 minutes.
- Tip: An 'open run' (arriving between 9:30-9:50 AM is recommended) or visiting during an awkward time like 3-4 PM on weekdays significantly increases the chance of being seated immediately.
3. Interior Filled with Traces of Time (The Charm of an Old Butcher Shop!)
- Seating: Divided into hall seating and rooms where you remove your shoes. The rooms, which used to have traditional floor seating, have now all been converted to tables and chairs for more comfort.
- Self-Service Corner: Spoons, napkins, and bottle openers are provided at the tables. Water, small plates, and aprons are self-service.
- Depth of Time: The aura of an old, established restaurant is evident from the signboard and exterior. Traces of its past as a butcher shop can be found throughout.
4. 🥘 Competing with Only 'Aehobak-jjigae'! (Domestic Meat, Rice, Kimchi)
Myeonghwa Sikyuk Sikdang used to sell various dishes like samgyeopsal (pork belly) and jumeok-bap (seasoned rice balls), but now it competes with only one menu item: Aehobak-jjigae (11,000 KRW).
- Domestic Ingredients: All pork, rice, and kimchi used are domestically sourced, reflecting great pride in their taste.
- Old Memories: In the past, when it was also a butcher shop, many customers would enjoy samgyeopsal with soju in the evenings.
5. Honest Review from a True Regular: "Unchanged Old Gukbap Style!"
As praised by regulars who say, "It's a taste that suddenly comes to mind when I'm away," Myeonghwa Sikyuk Sikdang's Aehobak-jjigae boasts a unique charm.
- Basic Side Dishes: Kongnamul-muchim (seasoned bean sprouts, a must-refill!), pickled garlic, soy-glazed beans, napa cabbage kimchi, and mu-mallengi (dried radish strips) are served.
- Visuals & Quantity: Overwhelming soup with large pieces of meat! It's served 'gukbap style' with rice already mixed in the soup, and the portion is so generous that even an adult man might struggle to finish a whole bowl.
- Taste: While it looks very red, it's not spicy at all and actually has a hint of sweetness, with a deep and rich broth that is excellent. Some describe it as a meat-broth jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup) rather than a seafood base.
- Meat Quality: The large pieces of pork lean meat, consistently served since its days as a butcher shop, further enhance the flavor of the Aehobak-jjigae. (Advice from a true regular: if you ask for the meat to be cut smaller, it won't taste the same!)
- Changes: While the amount of zucchini and the former garnishing of king oyster mushrooms have diminished due to rising prices, the deep flavor remains unchanged.
- No Takeout: Takeout is not allowed, even if you bring your own container, due to concerns about taste alteration. (An anecdote: a customer who brought a pot was turned away!)
6. Comparison with Nearby Restaurant: Golmegol vs Myeonghwa Sikyuk Sikdang
Right across from Myeonghwa Sikyuk Sikdang is another Aehobak-jjigae restaurant called 'Golmegol'.
| Feature | Myeonghwa Sikyuk Sikdang | Golmegol (Featured on Heo Young-man's Baekban Tour) |
|---|---|---|
| Menu | Single menu: Aehobak Gukbap (11,000 KRW) | Aehobak-jjigae and other menus (11,000 KRW) |
| Broth | Red in color, thick and hearty due to rice starch | Broth is clearer as rice is served separately |
| Spiciness | Not spicy, rather on the sweet side | Spicier and more robust (like ramen broth) |
| Special Notes | Focuses solely on Aehobak-jjigae | Choice of rice/noodles, additional noodle option available |
While personal preferences differ, Myeonghwa Sikyuk Sikdang is recommended for those who prefer a rich and thick broth, and Golmegol for those who prefer a spicy and clear broth with noodles.
The Sanctuary of 'Aehobak-jjigae' Recognized by Gwangju Locals!
Myeonghwa Sikyuk Sikdang in Gwangju is more than just a meal; it's a place that offers a special taste imbued with memories and tradition. Even if it means traveling a long distance and enduring a long wait, this rich and generous old gukbap-style Aehobak-jjigae is well worth all the effort. If you are planning to visit Gwangju, don't miss this unique 'taste experience'! Have a satisfying and happy time at Myeonghwa Sikyuk Sikdang, which boasts perfect value for money at just 11,000 KRW per bowl. 💖
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