Our Story

Gavi Wine Restaurant has been a dream of Suk Yoonkyoung for a very long time. Gavi was opened as a way to provide excellent Western dishes paired with an amazing 500 bottle selection. Yoonkyoung acquired her Sommelier’s Certificate in Wine in 2007 in order to help her customers find the best match for their taste. This worked so well, that one fateful day, a handsome young man from South Carolina visited Gavi. After many visits, he asked Yoonkyoung on a date. Not long after that, they were married.

Fred Soland is a professor at Pusan National University. He has over 20 years teaching experience, and many country stamps have filled his passport. Yet, the biggest adventure was getting married and sharing his life with Yoonkyoung. They have traveled several times to his home of South Carolina and visited family, friends, and the old south that is Charleston. Yoonkyoung fell in love with the old world buildings of The Battery and wanted to bring that atmosphere to her restaurant.

After 11 years located in the trendy south side of Seomyeon in Busan, South Korea, it became time come to pack up and move to Haeundae. The new Gavi Wine Restaurant opened in January of 2020 with a cozy Charleston atmosphere. Simple wood tile with elegant rails frame the new location in Jungdong, Haeundae.

Comfort, warmth, atmosphere and charm will greet you as you enter the new door, designed after one of Yoonkyoung’s favorite Charleston restaurant entryways. If you want to wait for your party to arrive, we have a bar with an excellent view of our wine selection. Also, there will be many chances to attend the Wine Tasting Parties and wine classes in the future. With the outdoor deck, we can provide a nice setting for you to enjoy a glass of selected vino and a small platter of fruits, nuts or cheese to match your taste.

For larger reservations, Gavi Wine Restaurant has a private room, perfect for up to 8 guests. Gavi will be able to seat 28 comfortably. Standing parties will be available, and the outdoor area can be used, weather permitting.

Don’t hesitate to ask about our Vegan and Vegetarian options. Our chef is able to customize every order. Our menu is filled with steaks, salads, pasta and risotto dishes. Pizzas and Calzones will make a strong return to our selections. Our seasonal bread is made fresh in house. By the bottle, or by the glass, come and enjoy a great meal paired with a great wine at Gavi Wine Restaurant in Jungdong, Haeundae.