Must-Try Foods In Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall (Gwangju) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall, Gwangju, South Korea

The Gwangju Biennale is a contemporary art exhibition that takes place every two years in Gwangju, South Korea. While the exhibition itself is a relatively recent event, having started in 1995, Gwangju's food culture, which is showcased during the event, has a deep and rich history. Gwangju is well-known for its vibrant culinary scene, often referred to as the city of taste. The region is famous for its traditional Korean foods which include a variety of vegetarian dishes, fresh seafood, and an array of fermented foods that are central to Korean cuisine.

Gwangju's unique position in the Honam region means it has access to abundant fresh produce and a tradition of hearty, flavorsome cooking. Food stands and festival markets during the Biennale offer visitors an authentic taste of Gwangju's food tradition and allow them to experience the cultural heritage that is passed down through generations in the form of regional dishes.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall

• Tteokbokki (Non-Veg) - A popular Korean snack made of rice cakes, fish cakes, and a sweet red chili sauce.
• Kimchi (Veg) - An iconic Korean side dish of fermented vegetables, usually cabbage or radishes, seasoned with a variety of spices.
• Bibimbap (Can be Veg/Non-Veg) - A mixed rice dish with vegetables, egg, and, for those who eat meat, slices of beef, topped with spicy gochujang sauce.
• Sundubu-jjigae (Can be Veg/Non-Veg) - A hot and spicy stew made with uncurdled tofu, vegetables, sometimes seafood or meat, and chili powder.
• Pajeon (Can be Veg/Non-Veg) - A Korean pancake loaded with green onions and other ingredients such as seafood or kimchi.
• Japchae (Can be Veg/Non-Veg) - A savory and sweet dish of stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables, sometimes served with beef.
• Mukbap (Veg) - A Gwangju specialty, it’s a dish where rice and a jelly made from buckwheat or starch are mixed together.
• Hongeo (Non-Veg) - Fermented skate fish, known for its strong ammonia-like scent and is a unique delicacy in the region.
• Yukhoe (Non-Veg) - Korean-style raw beef that is seasoned with various spices and sesame oil.
• Kongnamul Gukbap (Can be Veg/Non-Veg) - A hot soup made with soybean sprouts, rice and, for non-vegetarians, often includes meat.

Top Famous Restaurants near Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall

1. Chungjangne Yukhoe
   Address: 20 Chungjang-ro 7beon-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
   Famous Food: Yukhoe (Non-Veg)
2. Sang Go Jip
   Address: 14 Sicheong-ro 61beon-gil, Seo-gu, Gwangju
   Famous Food: Sundubu-jjigae (Can be Veg/Non-Veg)
3. Gwangju Cheolpan Japchae
   Address: 328-9 Chipyeong-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju
   Famous Food: Japchae (Can be Veg/Non-Veg)
4. Damyang Hoetjip
   Address: 35 Damyanghoetjip-gil, Damyang-eup, Damyang, Jeollanam-do
   Famous Food: Sashimi Varieties (Non-Veg)
5. Heukdonga Gwangju
   Address: 17 Baegunpo-ro, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju
   Famous Food: Bulgogi (Non-Veg)

Please note that addresses and restaurant offerings may change over time, so it is advisable to check current details before visiting.