Korean set meals in Pyeongtaek with braised ribs: Suksudaega

My husband really loves barley-dried yellow corvina. For a while, he had been saying over and over that he wanted some. I do not love it quite as much as he does, but he had been going on about it so much that we went to eat it, haha. This place called Suksudaega is known for its barley-dried yellow corvina.

Parking and hanok atmosphere at Suksudaega

When we arrived, I could tell parking would not be a concern. There was space in front of the restaurant, and an even larger lot up the side.

Suksudaega has a beautifully tended garden, and the lush lawn, big trees, and lovely hanok (traditional Korean house) atmosphere felt so relaxing.

With its tiled roof and even a waterwheel, it had such a tranquil feeling. The exterior alone was gorgeous.

Wine and barley-dried yellow corvina gift sets in the restaurant

As soon as we entered Suksudaega, I saw so many wines on display, and they were also selling barley-dried yellow corvina gift sets.

We were shown to our seats, and there was a gentle scent of wood in the air. The dining areas were private rooms, so it felt like a comfortable place for a family meal.

They also gave us warm hand towels, and my hands felt so soft and dry after using one. I loved that.

Ordering the royal braised beef rib and barley-dried corvina sets

Looking at the menu, I wanted both the royal braised beef ribs and the barley-dried yellow corvina. I ordered the royal braised beef rib set (₩39,000), and my husband ordered the Beopseongpo barley-dried yellow corvina set (₩39,000).

Soon, pumpkin porridge and dongchimi (radish water kimchi) arrived. One spoonful of the pumpkin porridge and I thought, this is the real deal. It had been so long since I had eaten pumpkin porridge this rich, like something my mom would make.

The dongchimi was perfectly fermented too. As we calmed our hungry stomachs with the porridge, the next dishes were set down right away.

Every side dish was beautifully prepared

All the different dishes looked incredibly appetizing.

I started with the salad, where fresh vegetables went so well with the savory dressing. The lotus root with a hint of yuzu flavor was delicious too.

I kept reaching for the japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), generously topped with shredded burdock root.

Next, the Korean beef yukhoe (seasoned raw beef) caught my eye. It was tender, nutty, and so delicious that one bite just was not enough—I wanted more, haha.

The bulgogi cold salad was full of savory flavor, and the texture was so good.

The perilla-leaf jeon (pan-fried batter dish) had meat inside. It was wonderfully savory with juicy meat, and the perilla-leaf aroma was lovely.

The dish topped with cucumber, tomato, and shrimp paired the shrimp's satisfying bite so nicely with the fresh vegetables.

Pull-apart royal braised ribs and golden barley-dried corvina

While we were eating, they brought out the rice, doenjang-guk (soybean paste soup), royal braised beef ribs, and barley-dried yellow corvina.

The pot rice was glossy and beautiful. I quickly transferred it to a bowl and poured water over the crust left in the pot.

The royal braised ribs came with two large bones, and there was quite a lot of meat on them. The meat pulled apart easily along the grain, was thoroughly seasoned all the way through, and was so tender and delicious.

The barley-dried yellow corvina was huge and beautifully grilled to a golden color, looking so appetizing. When I pulled off a piece and tasted it, I wondered whether it had always been this delicious. It was pleasantly salty, and the flesh was chewy—really tasty.

Alternating between the thick tteokgalbi (grilled minced beef patties), barley-dried yellow corvina, and braised ribs, I finished my rice in no time, haha. I also enjoyed the nutty nurungji (scorched rice), seasoned deodeok root, jangjorim (soy-braised beef), and gungchae pickles.

Finishing the meal with maesil tea

Near the end of the meal, they gave us maesil tea, a plum tea, and it was nicely sweet and tangy for cleansing the palate. Eating such delicious food and getting full put me in such a good mood, haha.

Whenever I come somewhere this nice, I naturally think of my parents. Suksudaega was a place I definitely want to revisit with them next time. I looked around the garden once more as we left, and it made me want to stay here a little longer.