I recently visited Wanju (near Jeonju) and wanted to share a few local spots I personally tried. It’s not as touristy as Jeonju, which actually made the food experience feel more authentic and relaxed. In Seoul, there are many franchise restaurants with incentive tastes, but sometimes I just miss the mild taste of ingredients. I believe Wanju is the best traveling destination to experience those home made dishes with healthy ingredients.
화심순두부 (Hwasim Sundubu)
One place I went to was Hwasim Sundubu, which has apparently been run by the same family for three generations.
I ordered their sundubu jjigae and the tofu tonkatsu, and the tofu tonkatsu was honestly something I hadn’t seen before. It’s made with tofu wrapped in a thin layer of pork, then breaded and fried, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. It felt lighter than regular tonkatsu but still really satisfying.
The sundubu jjigae was also really good. It had seafood in it, so the soup was rich and slightly spicy, and it just felt like a very comforting meal overall.
송광피순대 (Songgwang Pisundae)
Another place I visited was Songgwang Pisundae.
The restaurant was surprisingly spacious, so it didn’t feel cramped at all. I tried the sundae gukbap and pisundae, and I think this would be a really good place for someone trying sundae for the first time. The flavor was pretty mild and not too overwhelming.
The gukbap was warm and filling, and the pisundae had a richer taste compared to regular sundae. If you go with friends, I feel like their hot pot or shared dishes would be a good option too.
삼례국수 (Samnye Noodle House)
I also stopped by Samnye Noodle House while I was in the area.
I ordered janchi guksu, and even though it’s a really simple dish, it was surprisingly satisfying. The broth was light but flavorful, and it just felt like something you could eat any day without getting tired of it.
If you want something a bit stronger in flavor, I think the bibim guksu would also be a good choice.
What is also special about this place is that the chef of this restaurant is one of the famous chefs from North Korea, who came to South Korea during the 6.25 War. Therefore, even though noodles are quite a familiar meal to see in Korea, this restaurant is a meaningful place to try.
Image Resources: Naver Blog 김미드, 완주군청, 윤스