Baekkob Bu-eong-i Gongju: Affordable Meals Near Gongsanseong

Gongju (공주), Chungcheongnam-do, not just any 'princess' city, has been a hot topic on my travel radar, and I finally got to visit this incredibly popular spot!

Essential for your Gongju trip: Make sure to get your Onnuri Gongju Citizen Card!

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Comprehensive Guide to Onnuri Gongju Citizen Card: Issuance, Benefits, and Mileage Usagem.blog.naver.com

I thought a quick stroll around Gongsanseong Fortress (공산성) would be easy, but it turned into quite the workout! After all that walking and enjoying snacks like chestnut mochi and chestnut pie, I was ready for a proper meal.

That’s why I headed to Baekkob Bu-eong-i (배꼽부엉이), a budget-friendly restaurant near Gongsanseong Fortress that I’d researched beforehand.

Gongju Gongsanseong Restaurant

Baekkob Bu-eong-i: Generous Lunch & Dinner Specials

✅️Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

(Break: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

✅️Parking Available

Lunch and dinner specials for ₩10,000 (~$8)? And noodles for just ₩5,000 (~$4)? As an outsider, I was genuinely surprised by these incredibly affordable prices!

Baekkob Bu-eong-i is conveniently located near Gongju's major landmarks, including Gongsanseong Fortress (공산성), Hwangsaebawi Catholic Holy Site (황새바위 천주교 성지), Sanseong Market (산성시장), the National Gongju Museum (국립공주박물관), the Tomb of King Muryeong (무령왕릉), and the Geumgang Bridge (금강철교). It's a perfect stop during your trip, and it's popular with locals too!

Gongju's Top Restaurant, 8848 Baekkob Bu-eong-i

The early bird gets the worm... or in this case, a table! I arrived right after the break to enjoy an early dinner.

I've seen many places with lunch specials, but it's rare to find somewhere that extends them to dinner. I thought it would be perfect for single diners, and indeed, many people came to eat alone.

Baekkob Bu-eong-i Atmosphere

You'll be greeted by the friendly owner of Baekkob Bu-eong-i, and their self-created lucky owl characters. There's Gukbungi (국붕이), the older brother who loves noodles, and Gobungi (고붕이), the younger brother who adores meat.

These lucky owls are said to bring wealth, protect against negativity, and bring good fortune! 🍀🦉

The interior also features many photos of old Gongju, giving it an exhibition-like feel. There were even explanations and guides on how to appreciate the photos, reminding me of how places like Gangnam (강남) looked completely different in the past.

And what's this, owner? 'You Never Walk Alone'—a BTS bus stop? 💜 I already love this place! Long live Baekkob Bu-eong-i!

Baekkob Bu-eong-i Dinner Special

Jeyuk Bokkeum & Galbi Bokkeum Review

My younger companion showed me how Gen Z takes photos these days, adding hearts. I was more of the 'move your arm, you're blocking the shot' generation!

For just ₩10,000 (~$8), you get six side dishes...

Lettuce wraps (ssam) are also included.

On the left, spicy stir-fried pork (Jeyuk Bokkeum, 제육볶음); on the right, braised short ribs (Galbi Bokkeum, 갈비볶음).

The perfect blend of spicy-sweet and savory-sweet! With so many of us, we could enjoy both. The portions felt incredibly generous for a single serving.

There was so much meat that I happily gave my rice to the third person in our group!

Later, an employee came in and scooped rice as if playing a 'rice tycoon' game – it made me wonder how busy they get during peak dinner hours. Definitely a top Gongsanseong restaurant!

And the doenjang jjigae (된장찌개, soybean paste stew) received rave reviews from everyone! It comes with the ₩10,000 (~$8) special, and it was perfectly spicy and hearty, with a hint of crab flavor and plenty of tofu. Exactly my kind of doenjang jjigae! I even mixed rice into it later.

As a top Gongju (공주) restaurant, the meat dishes are delicious, and their noodles are one of Gongju's signature foods. The prices are beyond amazing – true 'god-tier' value! On my next Gongju trip, I'll definitely be trying the 'happiness for ₩5,000 (~$4)' noodle special!