JK Korean BBQ brings unique dining to downtown Milledgeville

Published 4:23 pm Monday, November 25, 2024

Yon Sun Kim immigrated to the United States with her parents when she was 12 and has lived in Milledgeville for 41 years. She attended high school locally and went to Georgia College & State University, where she received a degree in accounting. 

While Kim has recently entered the real estate business, she notably owns a restaurant, JK Korean BBQ, with her husband, Jong.

Yon Sun and Jong did not initially intend to open a restaurant. The two owned a convenience store for a few years before as Yon Sun said Jong expressed that he wanted to try something different and open a restaurant. Their previous venture (post convenience store) did not work as they had hoped. However, the Kims owned the building and kept it for several years before Jong decided to give the restaurant business a go. 

In January 2023, they opened JK Korean BBQ, located at 201 S. Wayne St.

The menu features foods that Yon Sun and Jong grew up eating. It features a variety of meats including chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, squid, octopus and fish. Customers can get their Korean BBQ à la carte, do an all-you-can-eat option, or if customers just want two items, there’s a pick two category. 

For those who want to try everything on the menu, there is the Ultimate, which includes all the meats and appetizers. 

JK Korean BBQ also has 30 different dishes made in their kitchen. 

The Bulgogi is the most popular dish. 

They plan to soon add more meat options to the menu.

Customers will also find several deals and specials at JK Korean BBQ depending on the day. Through the end of the year on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, both the Korean BBQ all-you-can-eat option and the Ultimate are 20% off (Just mention the code: LOVEMYFAMILY).  Additionally, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays feature all-you-can-eat chicken and pork Bulgogi. 

JK Korean BBQ gets a lot of out-of-town business, particularly from the Warner Robins area but the Kims have seen support from the local community as well. 

Part of what makes the eatery unique is that you do not have a lot of places selling Korean BBQ in small town Milledgeville. What Yon Sun hears a lot from customers is that they “feel at home” when dining at JK Korean BBQ. It is never easy for the Kims to know how busy they will be, with Yon Sun remarking that some days are slow, and other days the entire restaurant is filled. They said they appreciate all the support they have gotten and the fact that the business has been well received. 

The restaurant only offers in-person dining, but JK Korean BBQ is currently working with Doordash and will soon offer delivery. 

Connected to the restaurant is the JK Store, which features Korean items.

What Yon Sun said she enjoys most about running JK Korean BBQ is being able to work with her husband and her family. Running this restaurant is something Yon Sun never imagined doing 20 years ago. She said it is “amazing” to be able to run a restaurant in the heart of Milledgeville’s historic district. 

JK Korean BBQ is open on Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. For more information visit the Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/p/JK-Korean-BBQ-100092638299525/.