"The Jungle"
Greetings everyone. Thought I’d share a favorite place we like to go in upper Yangsan-dong. It is called Cho Yu Gi but teachers past have fondly renamed it “The Jungle.”
Let me start off by saying this is definitely the most unique restaurant in Gwangju, possibly the most unique this side south of Suwon. When you enter you are immediately struck by the ambience, a very soothing and eclectic mix of natural wooden structures, statues and decorations. A few fountains on the ground floor create soothing sounds which match the chirping birds. The whole place has a very organic and natural feel to it. Really. Quite a bizarre little oasis surrounded by industry and farms. There are carved wooden tables (with chairs) on the first floor, the second and third floor have floor seating.
Food wise, The Jungle is as eclectic as the deco. You can get your dwedgie galbi of various qualities or spring for the beef if you’re trying to impress a date. If you’re not interested in the meat there is bokumbap and a few other Korean sides (we had the mandu-guk once and it was okay). Now for the strange part: pizza. That’s right, pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. Legend has it that the (owner? head chef?) studied in Italy and wanted to recreate his experience. Though he may have failed at “authentic,” the pizza is more than acceptable, especially for this part of the world. Your choices are turkey or plain. Before you get too excited the “turkey” is actually “ham”. Regardless, it is not that bad.
Now for the fun part: when you’re done with dinner grab a coffee (free!) and head for the expansive greenhouse. Now is the best time to go because there are multiple fireplaces to warm the place up. If you had enough soju with dinner you may even, if only for a moment, imagine you are back in whatever tropical paradise you last vacationed in. There are various tables and gazebos scattered around the greenhouse so you can chill and savour the ambience. Oh, and don’t forget to say “hi” to the voluptuous wooden statue on the way out.
- Kory
Next to the restaurant is a little tea house/candle shop/overpriced-aromatic-thing place. Pop your head in if it’s open.
Getting there is a little tricky. Head north past the Gwangju Museum for about 5 kilometers. Just when you feel like you went to far look to your left and you will see the sign from the road. Turn left down the dark industrial street and it will be on your left. Perhaps the gracious host of this blog will look up the naver directions and a map? Alternatively you can take bus 95 from downtown (opposite side of YMCA) and that will take you the whole way, about 45 minutes or so.
This place is pretty close to Family Land, so if you’re looking at a map it is ¾ of the way between the National Museum and Family Land. Don’t ever go to Family Land. And if you do, don’t ever go to the zoo. And if you do go to the zoo please discourage the feeding of choco-pies and potato chips to every animal within reach. Everyone will ignore you, but you’ll feel better that you at least tried. Then shed a tear for the hippo in the bathtub. Better yet, just have a nice meal at The Jungle.
