[Jeonbuk/Namwon] Have you heard of Gowon, Berkshire pork? There's a great pork belly restaurant in Namwon. korea hongdae

[Jeonbuk/Namwon] Have you heard of Gowon, Berkshire pork? There's a great pork belly restaurant in Namwon. korea hongdae

Discover Gowon, a hidden gem in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, specializing in premium Berkshire pork. Experience the true taste of high-quality pork belly and a unique local dining experience.

My friend, who claimed to have never traveled to Jeolla Province (though the truth turned out to be different!), and I planned a trip to Namwon. The highlight of our plan was to indulge in local Berkshire pork. After searching Namwon for the most famous Berkshire meat spots, Gowon (고원) emerged as the top choice.

The Vibe: Bustling and Authentic

It was a Friday evening, and despite the lack of parking in Namwon, Gowon was already overflowing with customers. The excitement was palpable. As soon as you walk in, you're greeted by a butcher's freezer, showcasing meticulously cleaned and maintained meats. This sight alone builds anticipation for the flavors to come. Many people seemed to be taking food home, a testament to the quality.

Mr. Gowon, the owner, personally controls the quality of the meat. He explained that Berkshire pork is a higher grade than even the famous Jeju black pork, a claim that piqued my interest, especially since I hadn't been overly impressed with Jeju black pork before. This place promised something special.

The Menu: Premium Berkshire Pork and More

Gowon offers a variety of pork cuts, but their Berkshire pork belly and pork chop are the stars. We ordered two servings of pork belly and one pork chop, along with a miso stew and two bowls of rice. We even added a black raw pork belly, just because we couldn't resist!

The meat's color was otherworldly, and the side dishes were a hit. The pork chops were incredibly mild, tasting almost like beef sirloin. The pork belly, when grilled, was beautifully cooked and incredibly flavorful. It was so good, I was surprised it didn't bite me back!

The Sides: A Jeolla-do Feast

All kinds of Jeolla-style side dishes are a must-have here. The scallion kimchi, outer pickles, and assorted pickled vegetables (10 varieties!) were all fantastic. The marinated stew was very meaty, light, and delicious. It felt like visiting a traditional Korean house in Jeolla-do, known for its generous hospitality.

Side dishes are a hit.

I used to think pork belly was naturally fatty and tough, but Gowon completely shattered that impression. If you're planning a trip to Namwon, or even nearby Gurye, Shunqiang, or Gokseong, you must head to Namwon Highlands for Berkshire Pork. You're about to discover a new world of flavor.

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It was my first visit to Namwon and I loved it.

I met Sung Chun-hyang, I met Lee Mong-ryong.

Meet Berkshire K...

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Pork belly is naturally fatty and bitey.

I didn't buy it.

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But the plateau shattered that impression.

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If you are planning to visit Namwon

If you're planning to visit the Gurye Mountain Waterfowl Festival and you're using the

If you're planning to visit Shunqiang and you're using

If you're planning to visit Gokseong

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Head to Namwon Highlands for Berkshire Pork

You're about to discover a new world.

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Your Quick Guide to Gowon

• Name: Gowon (고원)
• Address: 전북 남원시 비둘4길 24
• How to Get There: Located in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do. Use Google Maps for precise directions.
• Hours: 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM (Last order 9:10 PM). Break time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Closed on the first and third Mondays.
• Contact: 0507-1311-0334

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A Local's Guide: 3 Ways to Explore Namwon

After indulging in premium Berkshire pork at Gowon, explore the charming Namwon area with these curated courses.

Course 1: Experience the Delicacy of Jirisan Black Pork and Summer Gourmet Food

• Gowon Black Pork: Taste Jirisan black pork developed by Dr. Park Hwa-chun. In summer, the muksabal (chilled buckwheat jelly soup) is a delicacy.
• Gowon Black Pork Shop: Buy fresh black pork to take home.
• Nearby Walking Path: Perfect for digesting your meal and enjoying nature.

Course 2: Explore Namwon's Hidden Restaurants and Relax at Local Cafes

• Hwajeongpork Restaurant (화정돼지): A famous charcoal-grilled restaurant in Namwon, loved by locals for its rich meat flavor.
• Neighborhood Cafe: Enjoy a quiet coffee at a local cafe.
• Namwon Small Park: A small park perfect for a stroll.

Course 3: Quiet Strolls and Gourmet Food with Nature and Tradition

• Jingogae Sikdang (진고개 식당): A traditional Korean restaurant where you can taste local Namwon flavors.
• Namwon Meat Shop Alleyways: Stroll through the alleyways and enjoy the old atmosphere.
• Small Traditional Tea House: Enjoy a quiet cup of tea and linger over your memories.

These itineraries are designed to help you experience the true charm of Namwon, focusing on hidden spots that locals love. Come and experience the unique culture of this area!