Goong Korean & Japanese Restaurant

Goong Korean & Japanese Restaurant Korean and Japanese Restaurant in Cairns
Private function available/ Walk-in welcome
Fully licensed Our extensive menu is sure to have something for everyone.
(219)

We are fully licensed and open 7 days for dinner and Mon to Fri for lunch, we offer a wide range of delicious Korean and Japanese cuisine. From authentic Korean and Japanese cuisine, beef, pork and chicken dishes, seafood, noodles and deep fries, we even have a special menu for the kids.

After saying our final goodbyes to our wonderful customers on Saturday, we gathered one last time on Sunday for a farewe...
19/05/2026

After saying our final goodbyes to our wonderful customers on Saturday, we gathered one last time on Sunday for a farewell party with our incredible Goong family.
​When we lit the candles on the beautiful cakes Enna gave us as a gift, it brought back memories of the countless birthdays we had celebrated together inside these walls. Instead of feeling sad, we all blew out the candles while singing the birthday song at the top of our lungs, celebrating the life and memories of Goong. We missed the staff members who couldn't make it, and while everyone felt a deep sense of bittersweet sorrow leaving behind so many precious memories, we shared a truly joyful, unforgettable time together.
​I was completely overwhelmed with emotion by the thoughtful gifts, cards, and beautiful words from our team. It made me look around and wonder, "What did we ever do to deserve such incredible love and care from these amazing people?"
​As we celebrate our team, I also want to take a moment to deeply thank Sunao and Nagisa, our incredible kitchen family. They were too shy to have their photos posted here, but the truth is, Goong could never have reached this beautiful conclusion without them. Having them with us was an absolute blessing. Just like the wonderful Mika and Yoshi who introduced them to us, these two completely held our kitchen together. Looking back, it’s fair to say that these four amazing individuals truly saved Goong.
​We are incredibly fortunate to have had such dedicated souls in our corner. Thank you, our beautiful Goong family, for filling our final moments with so much warmth and love. You are, and always will be, our greatest treasure. 🎂🎁💖✨

I definitely didn't forget Choo! The only reason I'm posting his story now is because we couldn't capture a photo of him...
19/05/2026

I definitely didn't forget Choo! The only reason I'm posting his story now is because we couldn't capture a photo of him until he came over right after work for our staff party. 📸
​Choo was brought into our team by his girlfriend, Sally, and he has been an absolute blessing ever since. In fact, he is so reliable that he is still working with me at our new shop, Kim's Bite!
​Right from his very first day, I barely had to train him at all. He already had so much experience in this industry that he picked up everything instantly just by observing. He was so sharp and capable that I could even leave him to handle the busy lunch shifts completely on his own. That’s just how much trust and confidence he inspires.
​What makes Choo so truly special is his incredible composure. Even when things get incredibly hectic and busy, he never raises his voice, and he never panics. He is like a horizon line—perfectly steady, balanced, and unshakeable. Having his even-tempered energy on the team keeps everything grounded, no matter how chaotic the floor gets.
​Choo, thank you for being such a wonderful, steady force in our family from Goong to Kim's Bite. We appreciate you so much! 🌟🙏✨

Oh my goodness, I had no idea this didn’t post because of an Instagram error! I almost cried thinking I missed our preci...
19/05/2026

Oh my goodness, I had no idea this didn’t post because of an Instagram error! I almost cried thinking I missed our precious Lily! 🤦‍♀️
​Lily is the absolute youngest member of our team. She’s actually in the same grade as my son, but being just a few months younger, she naturally claimed the title of the baby of the Goong family.
​When Lily first started, her big sister Sophie always asked me to let them work the same shifts because Lily was so nervous about her very first job. Looking back, that was such a brilliant plan. At first Lily was so worried about making mistakes and looked tense. But by then, Sophie had gained so much confidence in her own work and that positive energy completely rubbed off on Lily.
​Honestly, imagine how terrifying it must be for a girl who just turned 13 to take orders and serve food to customers! At that age, I was probably just at home watching TV, haha! 🤭 But before we knew it, Lily was naturally chatting with guests, confidently carrying heavy trays and her face became full of comfortable smiles.
​She is 14 now, and even though she is still so young, seeing how much she has grown fills my heart with so much pride.
​Lily, thank you for overcoming your fears and growing into such a wonderful, reliable part of our family. We are so incredibly proud of you! 💖✨

Our final highlight and the ultimate face of Goong is Shak!​She is truly the employee who has it all—incredibly kind, sw...
17/05/2026

Our final highlight and the ultimate face of Goong is Shak!
​She is truly the employee who has it all—incredibly kind, sweet, and wise beyond her years. What makes her so remarkable is her ability to stay firm and decisive when needed, yet she never loses her sweet smile or gentle hospitality, even under the most stressful, chaotic rushes.
​She was so deeply appreciated that whenever our guests praised the staff, they would always make a special mention of Shak, showering her with exceptional compliments. Her genuine sincerity truly touched the hearts of so many guests.
​Whenever I’m busy doing the dishes, she always comes up to me and thanks me, treating it as if I’m doing her a huge favor by helping with her workload. It used to make me wonder, "Why is she thanking me for something I should be thanking her for?" But as time went on and I got to know her better, I realized it comes from her incredible sense of responsibility and unmatched work ethic. As an employer, having a staff member like her is a total stroke of luck.
​Though she officially finished working with us a while ago, she would always gladly jump in whenever we needed extra help. Just like Callen, she came back for our very last day, proving that her love for Goong is just as deep as my affection for her.
​With her brilliant mind for numbers, any future employer will be incredibly lucky to have her. We are also so excited for her future as she builds a beautiful life with her wonderful partner.
​Shak, thank you for being our superstar, for your unmatched dedication, kindness and smile and for making our final day so deeply meaningful. We love you so much! 🌟✨💖

Next up is Sophie!​Sophie is just the most lovely, admirable person you could ever meet. She is only 16 now, but when sh...
17/05/2026

Next up is Sophie!
​Sophie is just the most lovely, admirable person you could ever meet. She is only 16 now, but when she first started working with us, she used to worry so much and was incredibly cautious with everything she did. I still fondly remember her coming into the kitchen after serving guests, nervously talking about how anxious she had felt. But as time went on and she mastered the job, her confidence completely blossomed! Today, she is so incredibly brilliant at her work that it is hard to believe she is only 16!
​Sophie serves our guests with genuine sincerity, exceptional sweetness, and a fantastic knowledge of our menu. Our customers absolutely notice and appreciate her dedicated service and her beautiful smile makes her sweet nature shine even more. It is truly mesmerizing because every single time she smiles her eyes sparkle so beautifully—it is a wonderful thing to watch! The way she speaks with a constant gentle smile and a warm tone has a special way of drawing everyone in.
​In fact, she has become so sharp and reliable that she even catches and smoothly resolves bookings or details that I occasionally miss. In many ways, she is honestly much better at this than I am—even though there is nearly a 30-year age gap between us, haha! 🤭
​On top of being an amazing staff member, she was also the ultimate big sister on the floor. I am so incredibly grateful to Sophie for guiding and teaching her younger sister, Lily, helping her grow into the team with confidence. If Sophie continues to grow with this wonderful mindset, there is no doubt she will accomplish truly great things in her life.
​Sophie, watching your confidence grow has been one of our favorite journeys at Goong. Thank you for filling the restaurant with your sparkling smile, for keeping me on track, and thank you so much for taking such good care of Lily, too! 🌸✨💖

Next up is Catherine!​Catherine was introduced to us by Ziva. Even though they went to different schools, they were clos...
17/05/2026

Next up is Catherine!
​Catherine was introduced to us by Ziva. Even though they went to different schools, they were close friends who had worked together at another job. Because she already came to us with hospitality experience, Catherine fit right in and handled the work effortlessly from day one.
​Her immense talent is matched only by her incredible humility. She is remarkably responsible, hardworking, and efficient. To be completely honest, she was so good that on the days she was rostered, we could often manage the floor with fewer staff members. I vividly remember a day when just the two of us were running the floor together, and the restaurant suddenly became unexpectedly busy. It was during that intense rush that I realized just how perfectly our working chemistry clicked—we moved in complete harmony.
​Catherine is a truly beautiful person, inside and out. In fact, the mother of another student at her school once told me that Catherine is widely known for just how genuinely good and sweet she is. To be recognized by others as such a wonderful person is perhaps the highest compliment someone can receive, and she deserves every bit of it.
​Catherine, thank you for your hard work, your incredible reliability, and for bringing so much grace to our team. We are so lucky to have had you with us! 🌟✨💖

Next up is Callen!​Callen is one of the friends brought into the team by Kael, making him part of the legendary crew tha...
17/05/2026

Next up is Callen!
​Callen is one of the friends brought into the team by Kael, making him part of the legendary crew that started with us back in 2019.
​Callen is the most calm and composed person I have ever met. His calm nature isn't just like a quiet, peaceful lake; rather, he is like a deeply rooted tree that can withstand severe storms and heavy rain. Even if a few leaves fall, the tree remains perfectly unshaken. No matter how insanely busy the restaurant gets, Callen never loses his composure. Even in uncomfortable or challenging situations, he maintains his absolute poise and smoothly resolves everything. Looking at him, I often think about how wonderful life must be when you possess that kind of solid, inner peace.
​Even after graduating and starting his career at the City Council, Callen would still come back to help us out whenever the restaurant got incredibly busy. And true to his loyal character, he readily stepped up to work with us on our very last day at Goong, making our final farewell so meaningful and special. Outside of work, Callen has found a truly wonderful partner and is living a beautiful, happy life.
​Having someone so remarkably steady, dependable, and genuinely kind on our team for all these years has been an absolute blessing.
​Callen, thank you for being our unbreakable pillar of calm, for making our final day so unforgettable, and for your incredible dedication over the years. We wish you and your partner endless happiness! 🌳✨🛡️

Next up is Grayse!​Grayse is the latest addition to our team, and even though she’s been with us for less than a year, s...
16/05/2026

Next up is Grayse!
​Grayse is the latest addition to our team, and even though she’s been with us for less than a year, she already feels just like family.
​Turning 16 just this month, Grayse was understandably a bit nervous when she first started, constantly worried about making mistakes. But she completely blew us away—whenever the restaurant suddenly gets insanely busy, she stays incredibly focused and handles the rush without missing a beat!

​At first glance, she can seem a little quiet or reserved when she’s unfamiliar with things, but the moment you strike up a conversation, her whole face lights up. She has the most beautiful, captivating smile where her eyes turn into perfect little crescent moons, radiating a warmth that absolutely brightens up the entire room. I’m not even sure if she realises just how much she shines when she smiles! Beneath that initial shy exterior, she actually has a wonderfully bubbly and lovely personality.
​We truly hope that the time and experience she gained here at Goong will serve as a helpful stepping stone for her future.
​Grayse, thank you for bringing your bright energy to our final chapter. We are so glad you joined our family! 🌙✨💖

Next up are Jiwoo and Yangwon!​Jiwoo was sweetness personified. What we loved most was her eager willingness to learn an...
16/05/2026

Next up are Jiwoo and Yangwon!
​Jiwoo was sweetness personified. What we loved most was her eager willingness to learn and her constant drive to improve; it was truly admirable to see her dedication. Even though she was already doing an amazing job, she would always double-check everything. This wasn't from a lack of confidence, but rather from her kind heart—she just wanted to ensure she never inconvenienced anyone. That careful, conscientious nature is exactly why she will always grow and excel. Plus, her English tone and pronunciation were so beautiful that listening to her talk to guests was always an absolute joy.
​Jiwoo brought us a beautiful gift and a card expressing how deeply sad she is to see the restaurant go and sharing her memories with us. Reading her message, the pure warmth and sincerity in her words completely touched my heart and moved me to tears.
Jiwoo is still living here in Cairns, settling into her life in Australia and we are forever cheering her on!

​Jiwoo was actually introduced to us by Yangwon, who brought her in right before relocating to another city. Yangwon worked with us during her working holiday, and she was the absolute definition of sharp Korean work ethic and wit. She had an incredible instinct for hospitality and brought a wealth of experience with her. While she might have seemed a bit reserved at first glance, the moment you chatted with her, her genuine kindness completely shone through. It has been a while since she returned to Korea, but we always wish her the best of health and success in her new career!
​Having these two wonderful friends connect their journeys through Goong brought a fantastic dynamic to our team. Thank you both for being such an unforgettable part of our story! 🌸✈️✨🇰🇷

Next up are EJ and Kael!​These two brothers are incredibly special because they are the true founders of our junior staf...
16/05/2026

Next up are EJ and Kael!
​These two brothers are incredibly special because they are the true founders of our junior staff history. EJ started working at Goong first and brought his younger brother, Kael, into the team. From there a beautiful chain reaction began: Kael brought in Josh, Callen, Alana, and Karen. Then Alana brought her sister Layla, and Layla introduced her friends Tara, Naqaa and Shak, as well as her youngest sister, Ziva. Meanwhile, Callen brought his brother Angus. Ziva then brought in Catherine and Sophie, which led to Catherine introducing Grayse, and Sophie bringing in her sister, Lily! It is absolutely amazing to look back and see how almost our entire junior team over the years connects directly back to EJ and Kael.
​EJ was our first-ever high school junior staff member. To be honest, because it was our first time hiring someone so young, we were a bit worried at the beginning. But EJ completely blew our worries away. He was so bright, energetic, and possessed an incredible amount of responsibility. He always tried to go above and beyond his training; for example, even when making a simple drink, he would rub fresh lemon around the rim of the glass to enhance the flavor for our guests. We will never forget his curious, sparkling eyes that were always eager to learn. He also genuinely loved sharing his knowledge and teaching others what he knew, which made him an amazing mentor to the newer staff. He set the perfect standard for what a great junior staff member should be, which gave us the confidence to keep welcoming younger staff.
​When Kael first started, he was just a typically shy boy for his age. Everything was brand new to him, and he was so wonderfully cautious and gentle as he learned the ropes, just like any young student starting their very first job. Then Covid hit, and Kael took a short break. But when he returned, he came back as a completely different person! He had developed a real belief in himself, and that confidence made him active and enthusiastic about everything. He would chat naturally with the guests an

Address

16 Aplin Street
Cairns, QLD
4870

Opening Hours

Monday 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Tuesday 12pm - 2:30pm
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday 12pm - 2:30pm
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday 12pm - 2:30pm
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday 12pm - 2:30pm
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Telephone

+61419477799

Website

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