Gwangneung Bulgogi (Wonju, Gangwon Province)

Gwangreung Bulgogi is one of my favorite finds in Wonju, a 30-minute drive from my previous home in Gangwon Province. Since my partner and I lived in the boondocks away from civilization, we would make weekly trips for groceries, supplies, and other misc. stuff. Those anticipated trips allowed me to search for respectable matjibs in the surrounding area and, thank God, this bulgogi-makguksu restaurant kept popping up on Naver. 

Makguksu (cold buckwheat noodles) is a staple in Gangwon province, with the best ones coming out of Bongpyeong–widely known as the heart of memil (buckwheat) country and its beautiful, natural landscapes. I’ve had makguksu there several times and it’s second to none. Here at Gwangreung Bulgogi, makguksu is delicious on its own but pair it with bulgogi grilled over Korean wood charcoal (숯, soot) and you got something truly special. For less than 10,000 won, which is quite unbelievable, you get this ridiculous combo with refillable banchan and condiments aplenty.  I personally loved the smoky caramelized flavors coming from the charcoal-grilled bulgogi, a perfect match with the refreshing cold noodles–which can be a little “boring” eaten alone. At this price point and its location near the outskirts of Wonju city, I wouldn’t hesitate to stop by this spacious, inviting restaurant whenever I pass through Gangwondo.

Food: ★★★★½ out of 5 stars

Service: ★★★★ out of 5 stars

Ambiance: ★★★★ out of 5 stars

Value: ★★★★½ out of 5 stars

Woosan-dong 63-5, Wonju, Gangwon Province (강원도 원주시 우산동 63-5)

Phone: 033-742-9286

Hours: Open every day 10:30 am ~ 9:00 pm 

Click here for an interactive map: http://naver.me/GZqJFJV8