A Visit to Bada Hyang Oyster & Fugu Restaurant in Gongju
276-27 Sin-gwan-dong, Gongju
With a clear fugu broth and refreshing water parsley aroma, I visited Bada Hyang Oyster & Fugu located at 276-27 Sin-gwan-dong, Gongju, South Chungcheong Province.
This seafood restaurant specializes in oysters and fugu and has been recognized as an exemplary dining establishment in the Chungnam region.
Here, you can enjoy neatly presented dishes that harmonize the delicate fugu broth with the cool scent of water parsley.
Rich in nutrients, fugu is known for its mild umami flavor and clear, refreshing broth. It is a popular winter delicacy, often enjoyed alongside oyster dishes, making it a favorite among seasonal visitors.
■ Location and Accessibility
Bada Hyang Oyster & Fugu is conveniently located at 276-27 Sin-gwan-dong, Gongju, close to major roads, making it easy to find. There is a dedicated parking lot behind the restaurant, and additional parking is available around the building, making it accessible for those driving.
During my visit on a Saturday afternoon around 2 PM, several tables were occupied even though it was close to break time. It might be wise to call ahead during peak hours to check for wait times.
The exterior of the restaurant is very tidy, and it offers a natural flow for those wanting to stroll towards Gongju City Hall or explore the Sin-gwan-dong commercial area after dining.
■ Operating Hours and Features
Bada Hyang Oyster & Fugu is open from 11 AM to 10 PM, Monday to Saturday, with a break time from 3 PM to 5 PM. The last order is at 9:30 PM. Sundays are closed on the 2nd and 4th weeks of each month, but it operates with the same hours on most Sundays.
Upon entering, the freshness of the seafood immediately catches your eye, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to ingredient quality.
Every Wednesday, fresh fugu arrives, allowing for advance reservations for fugu sashimi and fugu soup. For those who appreciate the unique texture of fresh fugu, visiting during this time is highly recommended.
■ Restaurant Atmosphere
Upon entering, the clean and hygienic interior of the restaurant stands out. The open kitchen layout allows diners to see the cooking process, and the staff moves efficiently within a well-organized space.
Each table is equipped with a bell for easy service requests, and the owner is notably friendly, enhancing the overall experience.
The seating is arranged along the walls with ample space between tables, ensuring a comfortable dining environment without disturbances from neighboring conversations.
The bright lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere for savoring the meal, attracting both families and older patrons, suggesting it has long been a beloved spot in the area.
■ Side Dishes and Meal Start
The basic side dishes are neatly arranged and include kimchi, radish kimchi, stir-fried mushrooms, tofu salad, and cabbage salad. They are prepared lightly to complement the main dishes without overpowering them.
Particularly, the tofu and mushroom salad enhances the fugu’s delicate flavor, while the spicy kimchi and radish complement the hot soup beautifully.
■ Menu and Prices
Fugu Dishes (Clear/Spicy)
Spicy Fugu Soup (Silver Fugu) 12,000 KRW
Spicy Fugu Soup (Mille Fugu) 17,000 KRW
Spicy Fugu Soup (True Fugu) 23,000 KRW
Fugu Course Meal 25,000 KRW
Oyster Dishes
Oyster Soup (Clear/Spicy) 11,000 KRW
Oyster Soft Tofu 11,000 KRW
Seaweed Oyster Soup 12,000 KRW
Oyster Stone Pot Bibimbap 12,000 KRW
Oyster Pancake/Oyster Tempura 18,000 KRW
For my visit, I opted for the fugu soup, selecting both the spicy and clear versions to experience the basic yet high-quality offerings.
The spicy soup's first taste was strikingly flavorful, with plenty of bean sprouts and water parsley, and the fugu was well-prepared, avoiding any unpleasant bones.
The clear soup was clean and deep in flavor, with a refreshing bean sprout aroma, providing a comforting dining experience.
To conclude the meal, I enjoyed a crispy nurungji, which beautifully complemented the clear broth.
Overall, Bada Hyang Oyster & Fugu stands out for its fresh ingredients and stable broth flavors, making it a highly satisfying seafood restaurant.
If you're looking for comforting and warm soup dishes in Gongju, I recommend trying both the spicy and clear fugu soups for a delightful experience.
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