Songwon Sikyuk Sikdang: Gwangju's Must-Try Aehobak Jjigae in Pyeongdong

When you're planning a trip to Gwangju, South Korea, and looking for an authentic culinary experience, let me introduce you to Songwon Sikyuk Sikdang in Pyeongdong. It's a gem you'll definitely want to check out!

While Myeonghwa Sikyuk Sikdang, another spot in Pyeongdong, is famously known for its Aehobak Jjigae (a hearty, spicy zucchini stew with pork), it often comes with a significant wait. During peak meal times, you're looking at a minimum of 30 minutes, sometimes much longer.

But fear not! Songwon Sikyuk Sikdang offers a taste just as delicious, without the extensive queue. I recently visited and wanted to share my experience with you.

Pyeongdong is particularly renowned for its Aehobak Jjigae. This stew isn't just incredibly flavorful; it's also served in generous portions. Seriously, one bowl often feels like enough for two people!

First Impressions: Songwon Sikyuk Sikdang's Exterior

Please note that Songwon Sikyuk Sikdang is closed every Sunday. Also, their staff break time is from 3 PM to 4 PM, so plan your visit accordingly!

As a 'Sikyuk Sikdang' (which translates to 'butcher restaurant'), you actually have the option to purchase fresh meat separately and grill it right at your table. If you opt for the grilling experience, there's a setting fee of ~$2 for adults and ~$1 for children.

Inside Songwon Sikyuk Sikdang

Even though I visited well past the usual Saturday lunch rush, the restaurant was still bustling with customers. It's a testament to its popularity!

What's on the Menu at Songwon Sikyuk Sikdang?

Songwon Sikyuk Sikdang prides itself on using only domestic Korean pork and beef. Their kimchi and kkakdugi (diced radish kimchi) are also homemade, adding that authentic touch. Need more side dishes? No problem, they're self-serve!

While grilling meat is an option, my personal go-to dishes here are always the Hanwoo Saenggogi Bibimbap (Korean beef sashimi mixed rice) and the Aehobak Sigol Gukbap, which is essentially their famous Aehobak Jjigae.

The basic side dishes are simple yet delicious, and remember, you can grab more whenever you like from the self-serve station.

And here it is, the Hanwoo Saenggogi Bibimbap!

Look at those vibrant colors – it's almost too pretty to eat!

And the star of the show: the Aehobak Jjigae!

It's packed with so much pork and zucchini that it's genuinely hard for one person to finish alone. Most restaurants in Pyeongdong serving Aehobak Jjigae offer similarly generous portions, which is why they usually require one menu item per person. Honestly, for lighter eaters or seniors, one bowl could easily feed three!

Time to thoroughly mix the Hanwoo Saenggogi Bibimbap! It comes with a good amount of sauce already, but feel free to add more to suit your taste. Mix it up just the way you like it!

Even after serving four bowls from the Aehobak Jjigae, there was still a bit left!

Thanks to my hungry kids, we managed to clean out the pot completely! I had been here several times with colleagues, but this was my first visit with my family. They actually complained, asking why I hadn't brought them to such a delicious place sooner!

Gwangju, located in the Jeolla Province, is famous throughout Korea as a city of exceptional flavors, and Pyeongdong's Aehobak Jjigae is practically its signature dish. It's so iconic that when you think of Pyeongdong in Gwangju, Aehobak Jjigae immediately comes to mind.

If you're visiting Gwangju and craving a delicious, generously portioned, and affordable Aehobak Jjigae or Hanwoo Saenggogi Bibimbap, make sure to stop by Songwon Sikyuk Sikdang. However, if you have plenty of time and don't mind waiting, and you're truly dedicated to experiencing the most famous Aehobak Jjigae, then Myeonghwa Sikyuk Sikdang is also a fantastic option.

Mellow Trip wholeheartedly recommends both Songwon Sikyuk Sikdang and Myeonghwa Sikyuk Sikdang in Pyeongdong for your Gwangju culinary adventure. Be sure to check them out!