Kum O Jung suited for Korean food enthusiasts

Located near the Korean-based Kumho Tire plant on Ga. 247, Kum O Jung is currently operating on a very limited menu. Some of the items they offered when they first opened have been crossed off until the owners feel satisfied with the quality of those items.

Our very favorite, highly recommended, was the bibimbap in a hot stone pot for $11.99. Yes, it’s fun to say, but it just means mixed rice. In this hot version, the stone bowl is coated with sesame oil so that anything that stays on it gets nice and crispy. If you prefer things less crispy, give it all a good stir before tucking into the julienned carrots and cucumbers, toasted soybean sprouts, and seasoned beef with a fried egg on top.

Our second favorite were the pan-fried pork dumplings for $6.99. Crunchy on the outside and finely minced on the inside, these little hand-made bundles melt in your mouth. Our third favorite also was pork, but much spicier and chewier. The Spicy BBQ Pork comes with a rather bland Dwen Jang Jjigae, a type of traditional stew, for $14.99.

While we enjoyed the novelty of the kimchi and sausage jeongol on a single burner at our table, we couldn’t justify paying $35.99 for essentially hot dogs and spam. We were advised not to go for the seafood version, but we couldn’t help but think that at least seafood would have been worth that very high price.

The shrimp fried rice for $13.99 came with many other tentacled friends. The traditional banchan that comes with every meal ranged from fermented cabbage (kimchi) to crunchy, tiny shelled shrimp (not my favorite).

In a nutshell: For experienced Korean enthusiasts, try it all. Otherwise, let them choose an adventure suited to your tastes. This one is definitely an adventure.

This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 5:32 PM with the headline "Kum O Jung suited for Korean food enthusiasts."