Seohyeon rib stew spot: level 1 spice, unlimited seaweed, Gimcheongja

Today I visited Gimcheongja Maeun Galbijjim Seohyeon Station Branch (김청자매운갈비찜 서현역점), a well-known galbijjim (braised rib) spot in Seohyeon.

It's famous for spicy braised ribs, so I was curious. You can adjust the spice level and the lunch specials are well put together, which made it a great place to eat.

The restaurant is spacious and clean, so I'd recommend it for family meals, office lunches or get-togethers.

Gimcheongja Seohyeon Station Branch: location and parking

Gimcheongja Maeun Galbijjim Seohyeon Station Branch is at 16 Hwangsaeul-ro 330beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, South Korea, on the 2nd floor of Cheonji Officetel. It is open 11:00 to 22:00. Parking in the Cheonji Officetel mechanical lot was free for 2 hours.

• 📍 Address: 16 Hwangsaeul-ro 330beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, Cheonji Officetel 2nd floor
• 📍 Hours: 11:00 - 22:00
• 📍 Parking: 2 hours free in the Cheonji Officetel mechanical parking lot
• 📍 Location: Walking distance from Seohyeon Station

It's close to Seohyeon Station so it's easy to reach, and the 2 hours of free parking made driving convenient too. The interior is tidy and the seats are well spaced, so it felt comfortable the whole meal.

How spicy is level 1?

The biggest plus at Gimcheongja is that you can choose the spice level.

We ordered level 1, and it felt about as spicy as Shin Ramyun, so even people who normally can't handle spicy food can enjoy it without worry. The plump glass noodles caught my eye first and made it look even tastier.

It was pleasantly spicy while the savory depth of the ribs still came through, the kind of flavor that keeps you reaching for more.

Both the beef and pork galbijjim can have their spice adjusted, so you can pick to your taste. The meat was super tender too, so it's a good fit for kids!

Unlimited roasted seaweed and the side dishes

The galbijjim was great, but the side dishes at Gimcheongja were satisfying too. Beansprouts, roasted seaweed and egg custard went especially well with the spicy sauce.

The crunchy beansprouts cleaned up my palate alongside the spicy sauce, and wrapping rice and galbijjim sauce in roasted seaweed was a really good combo. Hardly any restaurants give you roasted seaweed, sob! And since it's unlimited, I felt brave enough to try the spicier level next time haha.

The soft egg custard in particular cooled down the heat, which made it perfect to eat with the galbijjim.

Even the small side dishes worked well together, so I was very satisfied.

Fried rice is a must!!

After you've eaten a fair amount of the galbijjim, I really recommend ordering the fried rice. The owner makes it by hand with great care.

Fried in the leftover sauce, the rice was nutty and soaked up the spicy seasoning, a really good way to finish the meal.

Personally I liked it as much as the galbijjim itself, so if you visit, please try it too.

A Seohyeon Station spot that's good for lunch too

Gimcheongja also has lunch specials, so it's a good-value meal. The atmosphere is relaxed enough for office lunches, family meals or friends, so it suits all kinds of gatherings.

Overall verdict

This was an easy-going galbijjim spot in Seohyeon for when you crave something spicy. The adjustable spice level means even people who can't handle heat can enjoy it, and the combination of galbijjim with beansprouts, roasted seaweed and egg custard was really satisfying.

Above all, I recommend adding the fried rice. If you're looking for Seohyeon galbijjim, a good restaurant near Seohyeon Station, or Bundang galbijjim, Gimcheongja Maeun Galbijjim Seohyeon Station Branch is worth a visit.