Lee Jong-beom's Hidden Gwangju Eats
— A Baseball Legend's Food Trail
Jeongtong Naju Gomtang · Dongjin Siknyuk · Gangchon Ssogari
Three lifetime favourites, one unforgettable day in Gwangju
About This Episode
Episode 337 of TV Chosun's beloved food travel show Heo Young-man's Baekban Giyaeng ("Rice Table Journey") takes viewers to Gwangju Metropolitan City — Korea's culinary capital in the southwest — guided by none other than baseball legend Lee Jong-beom, affectionately dubbed "Son of the Wind." A born-and-bred Gwangju native, Lee unveiled the hole-in-the-wall restaurants he has frequented for over 30 years, drawing huge attention immediately after broadcast. Fans were especially excited to hear that Lee Jung-hoo — his son and current MLB star — also shares a favourite haunt with his father.
- Air Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026 · 7:50 PM KST
- Location: Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea
- Guest: Lee Jong-beom (KBO Legend / Father of MLB star Lee Jung-hoo)
- Restaurants Featured: Jeongtong Naju Gomtang → Dongjin Siknyuk → Gangchon (Ssogari)
The Man Behind the Food Trail
⚾ Son of the Wind — Gwangju's Favourite Son
Lee Jong-beom is a true Gwangju native and one of the most iconic figures in Korean professional baseball history. During his playing days he famously pioneered the culture of ordering gomtang (beef bone soup) from outside restaurants and having it delivered directly to the ballpark — a fun anecdote revealed on the show. Public interest in him has soared since his son, Lee Jung-hoo, signed a landmark $113 million USD contract in Major League Baseball, making the father-son duo a beloved story in Korean sports.
"On any day I wasn't eating at home, this was where I came. Every single person in Korean professional baseball loves this place." — Lee Jong-beom (introducing Jeongtong Naju Gomtang)
Restaurant 1 — Jeongtong Naju Gomtang
🍲 Lee Jong-beom's 30-Year Regular Spot
Jeongtong Naju Gomtang (전통나주곰탕)
This venerable nopo (old-school eatery) is tucked near Nongseong Station in Seo-gu, Gwangju, and serves the classic Naju style of gomtang — a clear, deeply savoury beef bone broth. Lee Jong-beom made it his go-to on every day he didn't eat at home, and the restaurant has long been adored by KIA Tigers players and coaching staff alike. The standout combo is the crystal-clear, nutty broth paired with a trio of boiled beef head cuts: jaw, tongue, and cheek. Host Heo Young-man tasted the soup and declared it "perfect for a morning hangover cure."
(Last order 20:00)
Restaurant 2 — Dongjin Siknyuk Restaurant
🥩 The Father-Son Table — Lee Jong-beom & Lee Jung-hoo's Regular Haunt
Dongjin Siknyuk Restaurant (동진식육식당)
Located in Bulo-dong, Gwangju, this premium Korean beef restaurant made waves on the show when Lee Jong-beom revealed it as the place he and his son Lee Jung-hoo visit together whenever they are in town. The restaurant's signature is mungteoki — raw, same-day-butchered Korean beef served so fresh it clings to an upturned plate without falling off. The meat's silky, slightly chewy texture releases a rich, nutty flavour with every bite. Pair it with the raw beef mixed rice bowl and a hearty zucchini stew for the full experience.
(Last order 20:30)
Closed every Sunday
Restaurant 3 — Gangchon (Ssogari)
🐟 20-Year Heritage Freshwater Fish Specialist — Gangchon
Gangchon (강촌)
Nestled near Uncheon Reservoir in Sangmu district (Seo-gu, Gwangju), Gangchon specialises in wild-caught freshwater fish sourced directly from the pristine, Grade-1 clean waterways of Hwasun County in South Jeolla Province. The star of the menu is ssogari — the Korean mandarin fish, often called "the king of freshwater fish" — known for its wonderfully springy texture and a subtle natural sweetness that grows with each chew. The spicy stew is made with house-grown dried radish greens and a generous helping of perilla seed powder, producing a clean, deep broth that is anything but muddy.
Suggested One-Day Gwangju Food Itinerary
🗺 Follow Lee Jong-beom's Gwangju Table — From Dawn to Dusk
| Time | Restaurant | What to Order | Getting There |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌅 Morning / Lunch | Jeongtong Naju Gomtang | Naju-style gomtang + beef boiled cuts | Nongseong Station Exit 6 |
| 🥩 Lunch / Early Dinner | Dongjin Siknyuk | Raw beef (mungteoki) + raw beef bibimbap + zucchini stew | Taxi or private car recommended |
| 🐟 Evening | Gangchon | Ssogari sashimi + ssogari spicy stew | Sangmu Station Exit 1, ~5–7 min walk |
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