Cheongju late-night restaurant for galbitang: Hongdeung Sikdang 1997
In short
Hongdeung Sikdang 1997 Cheongju Main Branch is a braised pork rib and galbitang (beef short rib soup) restaurant in Yulryang-sacheon-dong, Cheongju, Chungbuk, having moved from its former Yongam-dong location. This late dinner after 8pm covered an earthenware pot of braised pork ribs, an earthenware pot of galbitang, an added rice ball, the perilla leaf and pickled radish self-bar, and soju and beer at 4,500 won each. Hongdeung Sikdang 1997 is a picky father's regular spot that became his daughter's all-time favorite restaurant.
Good to know
- Location
- Yulryang-sacheon-dong, Cheongju (moved from the former Yongam-dong location)
- Ordered
- Braised pork ribs in an earthenware pot, galbitang in an earthenware pot, added rice ball
- Soju and beer
- 4,500 won
- Self-bar
- Perilla leaves, pickled radish, house-made kimchi
- Parking
- Restaurant's own spaces right out front; nearby alleys when full
- Seating
- Group tables available, solo dining also fine
- Time of visit
- After 8pm
as written by the visitor on Sep 12, 2026
I went looking for my picky-eater dad's go-to restaurant, following his recommendation. He used to go there all the time back when he lived in Yongam-dong, and he recently told me the place had moved to Yulryang-sacheon-dong and that I absolutely had to try it — so I went without hesitation! Cutting straight to the conclusion: I followed my dad there and ended up crowning it my own all-time favorite restaurant too.
Hongdeung Sikdang 1997 in Yulryang-sacheon-dong: still packed after 8pm
Hongdeung Sikdang 1997 Cheongju Main Branch kept a steady stream of customers coming and going even past 8pm. I arrived in Cheongju a bit late, so I ended up visiting during the later hours.
Even at that late hour, the inside of the restaurant felt lively! It confirmed once again that this really is a genuine local favorite, verified by my dad.
The restaurant's own parking is right in front, super convenient, and even when that's full there's plenty of space in the surrounding alleys — very easy to visit by car.
How were the braised pork ribs and the added rice ball?
As soon as we sat down, we ordered my dad's strongly recommended pair: the braised pork rib stew and the galbitang, both served in hot stone pots. The moment the bubbling braised pork rib stew arrived, the sight of it simmering and the spicy-sweet sauce aroma hit me right in the nose.
Inside the bubbling pot, thick, tender pork ribs came seasoned in perfect harmony with chewy glass noodles, chewy tteokbokki rice cakes, and mushrooms. A bowl of rice comes standard, but the moment I tasted the sauce I couldn't resist adding a rice ball to go with it too.
Even right now, as I'm writing this, my mouth is watering just thinking about it — it's that addictive.
What is the galbitang broth like at Hongdeung Sikdang 1997?
The galbitang we ordered alongside it was the real deal, original galbitang broth through and through. No random seasonings added — just bones, ribs and meat simmered down for a long time into a clear, milky-white broth. A thick, sturdy rib bone sat right in the middle, and one sip left me feeling completely cleared out and refreshed.
A spicy bite of the braised pork rib stew, then a warm, clean spoonful of galbitang broth — the combination of the two dishes is truly perfect!
Perilla leaf and pickled radish self-bar, plus house-made kimchi
Hongdeung Sikdang 1997 put care into every side dish, not just the main menu. The kimchi isn't store-bought Chinese kimchi either — it's fresh, crunchy kimchi made in-house, and it went perfectly with both the soup and the stew.
The real specialty here is the perilla leaves and pickled radish combo that comes standard! There's a neat self-bar set up on one side of the restaurant, so you can freely help yourself to more without feeling awkward about it.
Cut the pork rib meat and the galbitang rib meat into bite-size pieces with scissors, place them on a fragrant perilla leaf topped with tangy-sweet pickled radish, and wrap it up — it's the perfect, satisfying way to enjoy it.
Soju and beer at 4,500 won: solo dinners and group nights alike
Soju and beer at Hongdeung Sikdang 1997 are 4,500 won each. The taste is top-notch, but keeping that price at 4,500 won given today's cost of living is a real bargain!
It's completely comfortable to visit alone for a relaxed solo meal, and the restaurant also has well-arranged group tables, so it works great for evening gatherings or work dinners with a round of soju too.
The best restaurant in Yulryang-sacheon-dong, discovered thanks to my dad! Whenever you're craving a caring, well-made braised pork rib stew and truly proper galbitang, I highly recommend visiting.
Hongdeung Sikdang 1997 Cheongju Main Branch: address, parking and hours
- Location: Yulryang-sacheon-dong, Cheongju (moved from former Yongam-dong location), 7 Satteum-ro, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
- Recommended menu: Braised pork rib stew (hot pot) / Galbitang (hot pot) / Rice ball
- Highlights: Convenient parking / Self-bar available (perilla leaves, pickled radish, homemade kimchi) / Bargain soju and beer at 4,500 won / Good for both solo dining and group gatherings
Where it is
7 Satteum-ro, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea충청북도 청주시 청원구 사뜸로 7
