Hapjeong boiled pork spot, a longtime regular's order: Pyeongidambaek

Today I'm introducing a Hapjeong favorite. I've been visiting Pyeongidambaek Ppyeo Kalguksu Main Branch (평이담백 뼈칼국수 본점) since not long after it opened, for its suyuk (boiled pork slices). It's been about 6-7 years now! Let me show you with photos.

Pyeongidambaek Main Branch hours and parking

Pyeongidambaek Ppyeo Kalguksu Main Branch is at 84 Yanghwa-ro 7-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Seogyo-dong 481-5), open daily 11:00-22:00. Break time is 15:00-17:00, and last orders are at 14:30 and 21:30.

• Address: 84 Yanghwa-ro 7-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Seogyo-dong 481-5)
• Hours: Daily 11:00-22:00
• Break time: 15:00-17:00
• Last order: 14:30, 21:30
• Parking: Nearby paid parking (Cheonggiwa 2 street public lot, Hyundai Yutong lot)

Today I'm telling you about my visit to Pyeongidambaek Ppyeo Kalguksu Main Branch, famous for its rich, deep broth. Most people think of the signature bone kalguksu first, but the hidden star I'm introducing today is the suyuk that melts in your mouth.

Oh, and of course I had the bone kalguksu too! Here's a vivid look at Pyeongidambaek's suyuk, which focuses on the pure flavor of the meat and is clean and tender.

What's the atmosphere at Pyeongidambaek Main Branch?

The tidy exterior of Pyeongidambaek Ppyeo Kalguksu Main Branch stands out even from far away. The inside is just as neat and pleasant, with no fuss, which makes it a great fit for a family meal or a clean, simple dinner.

The restroom is inside the restaurant too, so it's comfortable to use.

Once you sit down and order, neat side dishes that go well with suyuk are set out.

What makes Pyeongidambaek's suyuk different?

Finally, the suyuk I'd been waiting for arrived. Neatly sliced, it looked moist from the first glance. I picked out three things that set Pyeongidambaek's suyuk apart.

Clean, mild flavor with no gamey smell

Sometimes the porky smell makes you a bit wary of suyuk. Pyeongidambaek's suyuk has no off smell at all, leaving only the meat's nutty, mild flavor. It isn't overly greasy, so you can enjoy it to the last bite without it feeling heavy.

Supremely tender, melting in your mouth

Even though the slices are fairly thick, they go down softly after just a few chews. The ratio of lean meat to fat is just right, so it's never dry, and the texture is chewy yet tender.

Eorigul-jeot and cabbage wraps add flavor

We added eorigul-jeot (salted oysters) to our suyuk. The savory depth doubled, and it was an eye-widening taste!

Top it with well-fermented, spicy-sour geotjeori (fresh kimchi), or a sharp chili and garlic, and wrap it all up. It's a perfect combination you never get tired of.

Is there a discount at Pyeongidambaek Main Branch?

Pyeongidambaek Ppyeo Kalguksu Main Branch gives a 10% discount to firefighters, military personnel and police officers. If that's you, it's worth using.

How is the signature bone kalguksu?

After the suyuk, we couldn't skip Pyeongidambaek's absolute signature, the bone kalguksu! It grabs your eye right away with its overwhelming look in a huge bowl.

What stands out first are the big roasted bones filling the bowl, with yellow egg garnish (jidan) heaped on top. The neat, appetizing colors build anticipation before you even take a bite.

Try the broth first. Unlike how it looks, it isn't heavy. It's clear yet deep and rich, with flavor filling your whole mouth. Simmered carefully for a long time, it has deep savoriness and really settles your stomach.

The meat on the bones is as tender as the suyuk, stewed so well that it falls off at the touch of chopsticks.

Dip the tender meat in the special sauce, then top the chewy kalguksu noodles with spicy, crunchy geotjeori, and it's a perfect harmony. Whenever you crave a hearty, warm bowl of broth, this is a life-changing kalguksu you'll want to come back for.