Discover Downtown Spokane’s Newest Delight: Gangnam Style, a Family-Owned Korean Street Food Haven!

When Les Kim and his wife, Sunhwa Han, imagined their Korean restaurant, they dreamed of more than just food. They wanted a place where strangers could bond over tasty dishes, soju, and family recipes. On July 1, they opened Gangnam Style in downtown Spokane, turning that dream into reality.

Gangnam Style offers dishes inspired by traditional Korean street food, yet it presents these in a more polished setting, a nod to the upscale Gangnam district in Seoul. Instead of typical plastic stools, you’ll find sleek birch wood benches that Les built himself, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The tables feature induction cooktops, perfect for serving shareable dishes like spicy tteokbokki ($15) and Chuncheon dak galbi ($35), a spicy stir-fried chicken dish. Les aims to strip the Americanized versions of Korean food down to their authentic taste.

“A lot of Korean food in the U.S. doesn’t capture what we know from home,” Les says. “We focus on simplicity but make sure it tastes like the real deal.”

An unexpected favorite among customers has been bossam ($25/single, $45/double), a deliciously braised pork belly wrapped in napa cabbage. Classic dishes like bulgogi ($18-$22) and bibimbap ($17-$18) also continue to draw in crowds.

For many, the experience is about more than just food. A recent Google review touched the family’s heart, describing a visit as feeling “invited into a Korean friend’s home.” This personal touch resonates deeply with the owners, who see their restaurant as a vehicle for cultural sharing.

The recipes showcased at Gangnam Style combine family traditions with some trial and error. During development, they adjusted serving sizes and occasionally substituted ingredients sourced from Korea. “I’ve eaten more chicken than I can count,” says Caleb, their son, referring to the many rounds of testing.

The restaurant introduces various aspects of Korean dining culture to Spokane. For example, each table has a button to call the waiter—something many locals aren’t familiar with. Initially, some guests worry it seems rude. However, once they adapt, they find it a convenient way to request service.

Dining in Korea often involves leisurely conversations over several hours, which differs significantly from American dining habits. “Many folks think you eat and leave. But in Korea, meals are about enjoying food and company,” Caleb explains.

The drink menu reflects Korean trends, featuring non-alcoholic offerings like Milkis ($3), a unique cream soda, and green plum juice ($3.50). For cocktails, options like yuzu highball ($8) and Makito ($8) stand out. Traditional soju ($16.50-$32) is also available, providing a taste of home for those familiar with Korean culture.

With each empty soju bottle showcasing photos of customers, the restaurant creates a connection between its patrons and its vibrant culture.

Les’s journey to opening this restaurant has not been easy. After moving from Korea to California as a child, he later faced challenges with previous restaurant endeavors, first in Georgia and then during the pandemic. “This time feels different,” he says. “No hurricanes or COVID this time in Spokane.”

Inspired by their travels to Korea, Les and Sunhwa reconnected with their roots. Their journey fueled their passion for sharing authentic Korean cuisine. The restaurant’s design is influenced by traditional Korean homes, which encourages communal dining and celebrates familial warmth.

So, whether you’re a Korean food expert or a newcomer, Gangnam Style invites you to enjoy homemade Korean dishes in a friendly setting.

Gangnam Style is located at 411 W. First Ave. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 AM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM. Check out gangnamspokane.com or call 509-904-2615 for more details.

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OPENING, Gangnam Style, korean food