Korean Octopus Cuisine and Gwangju Food Culture
Korean octopus cuisine includes a wide range of dishes prepared with fresh octopus. It may be stir-fried in a spicy sauce, simmered in a clear broth, served as a seasoned raw salad, or chopped and presented to highlight its naturally chewy texture. The Gwangju and wider Jeollanam-do region is especially known for seafood dishes made with octopus supplied from Korea’s western and southern coastal areas.
Nakji Daetongryeong is an octopus specialty restaurant in Unam-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju. The restaurant serves several types of Korean octopus dishes in one place, including spicy stir-fried live octopus, seasoned raw octopus salad, octopus hot pot, braised octopus, clear octopus soup, and octopus bibimbap.
• Choose from spicy stir-fried octopus, clear soup, hot pot, and other preparations
• A convenient place to experience the seafood culture of Gwangju and the Jeollanam-do region
• Offers both individual meals and dishes designed for sharing
• Suitable for family meals, company dinners, and group gatherings
What Is Nakji Daetongryeong?
Nakji Daetongryeong specializes in dishes that highlight the chewy texture and savory flavor of octopus. Diners can choose spicy and sweet stir-fried live octopus, tangy raw octopus salad, clear yeonpotang soup, octopus hot pot, and braised octopus with vegetables and seafood.
Nakji Daetongryeong introduces its dishes as nourishing Korean meals prepared with a specially developed house sauce. Set menus are also available for guests who want to enjoy two different preparations during one visit. The restaurant is known for serving octopus dishes such as stir-fry, spicy salad, hot pot, and braised octopus made in a traditional Korean style.
• Stir-fried live octopus prepared with a signature sauce
• Spicy, sweet, and tangy raw octopus salad
• Clear octopus soup and hearty octopus hot pot
• Set menus featuring more than one octopus dish
• Individual meals such as octopus bibimbap are also available
Restaurant Location and Address
Nakji Daetongryeong is located on the first floor at 65 Daeja-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, South Korea. It is situated in Unam-dong and can be found near the entrance to Unam-dong Byeoksan Blooming 3rd Complex.
According to the location guidance, visitors should walk approximately five meters from the apartment complex entrance in the direction of Unam Market. The restaurant is positioned next to Myeongpum Chuksan, a local meat shop. First-time visitors may find it easier to use the apartment entrance and the direction of Unam Market as landmarks rather than relying only on the building number.
• Address: 1F, 65 Daeja-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, South Korea
• Neighborhood: Unam-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju
• Direction: Walk toward Unam Market from Byeoksan Blooming 3rd Complex
• Nearby landmark: Next to Myeongpum Chuksan
• Located on the first floor and relatively easy to identify from the street
How to Get There by Public Transportation or Car
Travelers using public transportation can take a local bus that stops near Byeoksan Blooming 3rd Complex or the Gwangju Arts Center area and walk to Nakji Daetongryeong . The address is approximately a four-minute walk from a nearby Gwangju Arts Center bus stop, although the exact walking time may depend on the selected route.
Drivers can enter “65 Daeja-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju” into a navigation application. Parking may be available near the restaurant, but the number of spaces can vary depending on the time of day and surrounding traffic. Guests visiting during dinner hours or arriving with a large group should allow additional time to find parking.
• Take a bus stopping near Byeoksan Blooming 3rd Complex or the Gwangju Arts Center
• Approximately four minutes on foot from a nearby Gwangju Arts Center bus stop
• Navigation address: 65 Daeja-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju
• Parking availability may vary during busy periods
• Groups should confirm parking arrangements before visiting
Naver Map
Opening Hours
The listed opening hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day. Lunch visitors can choose individual meals such as octopus bibimbap or abalone yeonpotang, while evening diners may prefer stir-fried octopus, hot pot, braised dishes, or combination sets for family meals and gatherings.
Restaurant hours may change because of public holidays, temporary closures, ingredient availability, or operational circumstances. Guests planning a late dinner or ordering a menu that requires advance preparation should confirm the latest opening information before traveling to Nakji Daetongryeong .
• Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Octopus bibimbap and soup dishes are suitable for lunch
• Stir-fry, hot pot, braised dishes, and set menus are suitable for dinner
• Hours may change on holidays or when ingredients sell out
• Confirm advance-order menu availability before visiting
Signature Live Octopus Dishes and Prices
The signature menu includes stir-fried live octopus, spicy raw octopus salad, live octopus hot pot, and braised live octopus. The stir-fried dish combines octopus with a house sauce that delivers spicy and slightly sweet flavors. The raw octopus salad balances spicy, tangy, fresh, and sweet flavors.
Diners who prefer a warm broth can order the live octopus hot pot, which is known for its deep and refreshing soup. The braised live octopus dish includes vegetables and may also contain seafood such as shrimp and abalone, making it suitable for sharing.
• Stir-Fried Live Octopus, 1–2 people: KRW 42,000
• Stir-Fried Live Octopus, 3–4 people: KRW 60,000
• Spicy Raw Octopus Salad, 1–2 people: KRW 42,000
• Spicy Raw Octopus Salad, 3–4 people: KRW 60,000
• Live Octopus Hot Pot, 1–2 people: KRW 55,000
• Live Octopus Hot Pot, 3–4 people: KRW 70,000
• Braised Live Octopus, 1–2 people: KRW 55,000
• Braised Live Octopus, 3–4 people: KRW 70,000
Octopus Set Menus and Prices
Set menus are practical for diners who have difficulty choosing only one octopus dish. Each combination allows guests to experience different textures, sauces, and cooking styles during the same meal, making the sets suitable for first-time visitors and groups.
The stir-fried live octopus set combines the main stir-fried dish with a seasoned octopus salad. The abalone yeonpotang set provides both a clear, refreshing soup and spicy stir-fried octopus. Hot pot and braised octopus sets are also available for diners who want to enjoy a hearty main dish together with a spicy preparation.
• Stir-Fried Live Octopus Set: KRW 65,000
• Abalone Yeonpotang and Stir-Fried Octopus Set: KRW 65,000
• Live Octopus Hot Pot Set: KRW 70,000
• Braised Live Octopus Set: KRW 70,000
• Stir-fried octopus in a set may be changed to seasoned octopus salad
• Recommended for two or more diners who want to try several dishes
Special Octopus Dishes
Diners who want to experience the freshest possible octopus texture can select chopped live octopus, known as nakji tangtangi, or blanched octopus. Nakji tangtangi is finely chopped to emphasize its distinctive chewy texture, while blanched octopus offers a cleaner and milder flavor.
Guests who prefer a combination of meat and seafood can choose stir-fried octopus with pork belly or bulgogi and octopus hot pot. The pork belly dish combines octopus and pork with a spicy sauce, while the hot pot offers the richer flavor of beef and octopus simmered together.
• Chopped Live Octopus, Nakji Tangtangi: KRW 40,000
• Blanched Octopus: KRW 40,000
• Stir-Fried Octopus and Pork Belly: KRW 60,000
• Bulgogi and Octopus Hot Pot: KRW 70,000
• Choose tangtangi or blanched octopus for a fresh, chewy texture
• Choose pork belly stir-fry or beef hot pot for a meat-and-seafood combination
Individual Meals and Prices
In addition to large dishes intended for sharing, the menu includes options for solo diners and guests seeking a lighter meal. Octopus bibimbap may be ordered as a fresh-style bibimbap or a standard mixed-rice dish, allowing diners to enjoy different combinations of octopus, vegetables, rice, and seasoning.
Abalone yeonpotang includes octopus and abalone in a refreshing clear broth. It is suitable for guests who do not enjoy very spicy food or who prefer a warm and nourishing Korean soup.
• Octopus Bibimbap: KRW 13,000
• Choose fresh-style bibimbap or standard bibimbap
• Abalone Yeonpotang: KRW 18,000
• Suitable for solo visitors and lunchtime dining
• Abalone yeonpotang is recommended for diners seeking a mild soup
Advance-Reservation Menus and Prices
Nakji Daetongryeong also serves dishes that may require preparation in advance, including chicken soup with live octopus, duck soup with abalone, and spicy braised chicken with octopus. These dishes are particularly suitable for family meals, nourishing group dinners, and special gatherings.
Because the dishes require longer cooking times and specific ingredients, advance reservations are recommended. Guests should decide on their preferred menu and group size before contacting Nakji Daetongryeong to confirm availability.
• Chicken Baeksuk with Live Octopus: KRW 80,000
• Duck Baeksuk with Abalone: KRW 90,000
• Spicy Braised Chicken with Octopus: KRW 80,000
• Spicy Stir-Fried Pork: KRW 30,000
• Pork Belly: KRW 15,000
• Advance reservations are recommended for baeksuk and braised chicken dishes
Additional Food and Drink Prices
After finishing a spicy stir-fried or braised octopus dish, diners can add fried rice to the remaining sauce. Adding thin wheat noodles is another way to enjoy the rich sauce or soup at the end of the meal.
The beverage menu includes soju, beer, Cheongha, Capri beer, makgeolli, and non-alcoholic soft drinks. Alcohol may only be ordered by adults, and visitors who drink should use public transportation or a taxi after the meal.
• Fried Rice: KRW 2,000
• Bibim Rice: KRW 2,000
• Thin Wheat Noodles: KRW 2,000
• Soju or Beer: KRW 5,000
• Cheongha or Capri: KRW 6,000
• Makgeolli: KRW 4,000
• Soft Drink: KRW 2,000
Facilities and Available Services
Nakji Daetongryeong is listed as offering reservations, takeout, and group dining. Wireless internet is available, and separate restrooms for men and women provide additional convenience for families and large groups.
Takeout allows guests to enjoy selected stir-fried octopus dishes at home or in suitable accommodation. Nakji Daetongryeong has also been listed as accepting certain Korean consumer-support benefits and relief payment cards. Actual payment eligibility may depend on the card type, program period, and current government rules, so visitors should confirm availability at the restaurant.
• Reservations available
• Takeout available
• Group dining available
• Wireless internet provided
• Separate restrooms for men and women
• Confirm the current eligibility of government benefit cards or support coupons before payment
Helpful Tips Before Visiting
Stir-fried live octopus and spicy raw octopus salad contain strong seasoning and may be challenging for diners who do not tolerate spicy food. Ask whether the spice level can be adjusted when ordering. Families visiting with children or guests who prefer mild flavors may consider abalone yeonpotang, blanched octopus, or an advance-reservation baeksuk dish.
Two diners can select a dish designed for one to two people or order individual bibimbap meals. Groups of three or four may find a larger dish or set menu more efficient for experiencing several flavors. After ordering a stir-fry or braised dish, adding fried rice or noodles is a popular way to enjoy the remaining sauce.
• Ask whether the spice level can be adjusted before ordering
• One-to-two-person portions are suitable for couples or small groups
• Larger dishes or set menus are suitable for groups of three to four
• Choose yeonpotang or hot pot when you prefer a soup-based dish
• Add fried rice or noodles at the end of the meal
• Confirm advance-reservation dishes and group arrangements before visiting
Looking for a Local Octopus Restaurant in Gwangju?
This Unam-dong restaurant offers a broad range of Korean octopus preparations, including stir-fry, spicy salad, hot pot, braised octopus, tangtangi, blanched octopus, and bibimbap. Diners who enjoy spicy seafood can select the signature stir-fried dishes, while those who prefer mild flavors can choose clear yeonpotang or blanched octopus.
Nakji Daetongryeong is worth considering for travelers who want to experience traditional Korean octopus cuisine in Gwangju, as well as families and groups searching for a nourishing meal or company dinner. Menu prices, opening hours, reservation conditions, and ingredient availability may change, so checking current information before visiting is recommended.
• Experience several traditional Korean octopus cooking styles in one place
• Recommended for travelers seeking local seafood in Unam-dong, Gwangju
• Suitable for solo dining, family meals, and group gatherings
• Offers both spicy dishes and mild soup options
• Confirm current prices, opening hours, and reservations before visiting
Explore Korean Medical and Travel Information with Kosmedi
Kosmedi is a service that helps international travelers and patients conveniently access medical and tourism information in Korea. Kosmedi provides hospital information checked by local Korean staff and helps users confirm whether reliable English or other foreign-language interpretation services are actually available.
Users can immediately review hospital treatment events, prices, patient reviews, and detailed introductions. Discount coupons and special events available only through Kosmedi may also be used. Questions about hospital reservations and interpretation services can be discussed through real-time message consultations.
Kosmedi does not provide hospital information alone. The service also introduces Korean restaurants, travel destinations, festivals, discounts, special events, popular attractions, and places recommended by local residents. Travelers can find information about regional restaurants in Gwangju as well as Korean medical services through one convenient platform.
• Hospital information checked by local Korean staff
• Confirmation of whether interpretation services are actually available
• Hospital treatment events, prices, patient reviews, and detailed introductions
• Kosmedi-exclusive discount coupons and special events
• Real-time message consultation support
• Information about Korean restaurants, festivals, attractions, and local destinations
