Gwangjang Gaon: Award-winning Blue Ribbon Korean restaurant lands in Singapore

When we crave Korean food, it’s usually the classics that come to mind — sizzling Korean barbecue wrapped in a crisp lettuce, or a bubbling pot of army stew along the bustling streets of Tanjong Pagar. 

While truly traditional Korean cuisine is rare in Singapore, there’s now a new option in Jewel worth discovering.

That’s what makes the arrival of Gwangjang Gaon at Jewel such a treat. This award-winning restaurant from South Korea is helmed by renowned culinary professor Hyo Soon Park, whose recipes have been passed down through four generations. Gwangjang Gaon is known for its authentic, home-style fare — the kind of comforting dishes you’d expect from an ajumma’s kitchen.

In Korea, its flagship outlets — the brand is known there as Naru Gaon or Gwangjangdong Gaon — regularly attract long queues of locals and tourists alike. It’s even earned accolades such as at Blue Ribbon in 2025 (Korea’s prestigious dining guide), a ministerial commendation, and more.

Fun fact: If you’ve watched Squid Game on Netflix, Lee Jung-Jae (Player 456) is among the Korean celebrities who’ve dined there — and that’s when you know the food is legit.

Delicious Korean food with spectacular views

What could be better than indulging in a warm bowl of comforting Korean delights, while enjoying the stunning view of Jewel Changi Airport’s iconic indoor waterfall? It’s the perfect backdrop for a Seoul-warming meal (pun intended).

Meat lovers, keep your eyes peeled — the Gaon galbi (S$69.90) is not to be missed. This signature dish features marinated braised ribs served in a traditional Korean tray known as a hojokban. 

You’ll get both lean and fatty cuts, including the fattier meat that’s nestled around the T-bone. While most might go straight for the fatty portions, we were especially impressed by the lean meat — it was tender, flavourful, and incredibly satisfying. If you’re a beef-lover like us, this is an absolute must-order.

Not a fan of beef? Fret not — the bossam (S$43.90) is equally impressive. This dish features marinated braised pork that’s gently boiled and simmered for hours until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s served with fresh, crunchy cabbage, homemade kimchi, and saeujeot — a traditional fermented shrimp sauce that delivers a briny punch of umami. 

Concluding the meaty goodness are other delectable Korean dishes such as the Modm-jeon (S$29.90) — a platter of pan-fried Korean pancakes. Each golden bite features a different filling, including shrimp, pollack, zucchini, ground pork, and surimi. If you can never decide which pancake to order at Korean restaurants (like us), this platter is the perfect solution. It’s served with a tangy soy-vinegar dipping sauce that ties all the savoury flavours together beautifully.

Next-up, the staples — and one worth highlighting is the dulgireum maguksu (S$21.90, perilla oil noodles). This refreshing dish features a plate of cold buckwheat noodles tossed in fragrant perilla oil, then finished with a generous sprinkle of nutty, crunchy perilla seeds. It’s a simple, yet elegant dish that quietly steals the show.

Another standout staple is the classic bibimbap (S$22.90), a wholesome bowl of warm rice topped with a vibrant medley of vegetables. With over ten ingredients, including beef, assorted greens, and your choice of spicy red pepper paste, soy bean paste, or both, it’s a hearty dish packed with flavour. Prefer a meat-free option? Go for the gondre-bibimbap (S$16.90). Gondre (Korean thistle) is a leafy vegetable — the resultant rice dish is an all-vegetable version tossed in fragrant sesame oil.

If you’re contemplating a visit, here’s one more reason to go. Gwangjang Gaon is offering an opening promotion from July 25 to 27. Order either the signature Gaon galbi or bossam, and you’ll get a complimentary plate of Chogye-nangchae (U.P. S$18.90) — a refreshing cold dish of shredded chicken and vegetables dressed in a tangy vinegar-mustard soy sauce. It’s limited to one redemption per dine-in table, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy this bonus bite.

This was a hosted tasting.

For more ideas on what to eat, check out this Instagrammable African cafe, and SG60 food and drinks promotions to look out for.