Jeonju Gamaek (Corner Store Beer) Venues: Jeonil Gap O and Dalpaengi Super

Jeonju is renowned for “gamack”. “Gamaek” is a shorthand for “gagae (corner store) maekju (beer)”. Jeonju is famous for small corner stores or kiosks equipped with several tables where you can order cold beer and cheap nibbles like briquet-grilled dried pollacks. There are different types of “gamaek” venues in Jeonju, from the traditional corner stores to more modernized venues. Today I’ll introduce two famous “gamaek” venues: Jeonil Gap O and Dalpaengi Super.

Traditional Gamaek at Jeonil Gap O

Jeonil Gap O is the most famous gamaek place in Jeonju. From the signboard and the interior, I could tell this venue is very old.

The owner was grilling dried pollacks over brisket fire in front of the store. I couldn’t help but order it.

A variety of snacks and cup noodles are also available. Also, the customers can take the dried pollacks home.

The most popular menu of Jeonil Gap O is dried pollack, Korean style egg roll, and cuttlefish. I ordered the dried pollack, which was served almost immediately. This is how to eat the dried pollack: rip it with your fingers! It’s easy.

Then, dip the pollack in the special sauce of Jeonil Gap O. The sauce is a harmony of spicy, sweet, and salty flavors. It calls for more beer!

If you feel like having a good time with old friends, I recommend the tasty dried pollack and chilled beer at Jeonil Gap O.

​Jeonil Gap O

Address: 16 Hyunmoo 2gil, Wansangu, Jeonju

Opening hours: 15:00 ~ 01:30 (closed on Sundays)

Modern Gamaek at Dalpaengi Super

The next destination is Dalpaengi Super. It’s more modernized Gamaek venue with the impressive entrance.

The interior is pretty wide. I’d want to hold a massive evening party here.

The old nibbles and snacks, even the ones that I used to eat when I was a primary school kid, were there.

Almost everything was self-service, even the alcohols. I found this more convenient. Also, the beers of Dalpaengi Super are delivered freshly from the local beer factory. They do taste different.

With beer, fried squid and chicken, fried chilli pepper, dried pollack, and Korean style egg roll are recommended. With soju, spicy whelk, spicy fried pork, seafood and fishcake stew, seafood ramyun, and many more.

We ordered the spicy whelk tray, which serve whelk, vegetables, shrimp, squid, quail eggs, and noodle on the metal tray. It’s my favorite menu, because it’s big in portion and the sauce is tasty.

If you feel like fresh beer, big nibbles, and good conversation, visit Dalpaengi Super!

​Dalpaengi Super

Address: 53, Jeonjugaeksa 2gil, Wansangu, Jeonju

Opening hours: 17:00 ~ 05:00 every day