Dongtan Central Park post-run jeyuk bokkeum and kimchi stew: Yangpuni

The verdict on Yangpuni, plus a few tips

• The combo of kimchi jjigae and jeyuk bokkeum after a fasted cardio session was perfect.
• From the main dishes to every single banchan, it all felt like a homemade meal my mom would make — genuinely touching.
• Portions are seriously generous — add the egg roll and a whole group of adults could eat until they're stuffed.
• If the small lot in front is full, the Ganari Park public roadside parking lot nearby is a convenient backup.

Today was a day off, and since I woke up early anyway, I decided to get moving and do something healthy.

After a refreshing 5km run through Dongtan Central Park, I felt energy coursing through my whole body. To fill that satisfying post-workout hunger, I headed out right when the restaurant opened!

Today I want to introduce a Korean restaurant near Dongtan Central Park known for its rich broth and heartfelt cooking — Yangpuni Kimchi Jjigae & Samgyeopsal (양푼이김치찌개&삼겹살). Let me walk you through it.

Where Yangpuni Kimchi Jjigae & Samgyeopsal is and when it opens

Yangpuni Kimchi Jjigae & Samgyeopsal is located at 36-13 Dongtanbansong 3-gil, Dongtan-gu, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 1st floor. It's open daily 11:00–24:00 with a break time from 15:00–16:00, and operates year-round. Whether it's open on major holidays needs to be confirmed!

It sits on a shophouse street near Dongtan Central Park, close to Ganari Park.

The location is perfect for stopping by after a walk or workout at Central Park. From the entrance of the alley, you can spot the clean, welcoming sign right away, so even first-timers can find it easily.

What's on the menu at Yangpuni Kimchi Jjigae & Samgyeopsal

As the name suggests, this Korean restaurant is built around a long-simmered yangpuni kimchi jjigae and quality pork belly. It also serves classic Korean restaurant staples like kimchi jjim, duruchigi, and Korean pork belly (han-don samgyeopsal).

Jeyuk bokkeum: Gyeongsang-style seasoning with a smoky char

The first dish to arrive at the table, along with steamed rice, was jeyuk bokkeum (spicy stir-fried pork).

I heard it's made Gyeongsang-do style. I don't know the exact seasoning details, but the moment it hit my mouth, I knew it was delicious.

The thin, tender pork was coated in a deep smoky char that gave it exceptional savory depth.

The onions were cooked just right, still crisp, adding a touch of sweetness that paired beautifully with the meat.

This jeyuk bokkeum was so addictive I nearly finished a whole bowl of rice before the kimchi jjigae even started boiling.

Egg roll: the protein refuel after a 5km run

You need to refuel with protein after a workout, right? Enter the egg roll!

The egg roll that landed on the table was impressively thick and rolled to a massive size — it immediately caught my eye.

It was fluffy on the outside but densely packed inside, so even a single piece felt surprisingly heavy. I confidently vowed to get my protein in after a fasted cardio session, but the portion was so enormous it was genuinely hard to finish.

Yangpuni kimchi jjigae: rich broth with whole pork cut at the table

Finally, the star of today's meal appeared — the yangpuni kimchi jjigae.

It arrives piled high in a large yangpuni (metal basin) that carries the charm of years of use,

and the visual alone convinced me it couldn't possibly taste bad. Once it started bubbling, the staff sliced the whole piece of pork inside the stew into bite-sized pieces for us.

Simmered long enough for the broth to turn rich, it had that spicy, tangy kimchi jjigae flavor that any Korean can't help but love.

One spoonful in, and it had that nostalgic charm that makes you randomly miss your mom.

The pork in the stew was such high quality that there wasn't a hint of gamey smell. I couldn't tell exactly whether it was pork shoulder or neck, but it didn't overpower the stew's natural flavor — instead, it added deep meaty depth to the broth.

Even after long simmering, the meat stayed tender instead of chewy and kept a fresh, springy texture — clear proof they pay close attention to their ingredients.

I was so full by the end that I couldn't even mix rice into the last of the broth, which was almost a shame given how satisfying the meal was.

The self-serve banchan bar: squid jeotgal with dried radish and braised soybeans

The banchan weren't flashy, but they were clearly made with care, which stood out.

I picked it up thinking it was just seasoned dried radish, but it turned out to have chewy squid jeotgal (salted squid) mixed in, which made for a fun texture. Topped with a slice of garlic and eaten with rice, the sharp garlic bite and salty seasoning made for a fantastic side. The sweet, salty braised soybeans were also nutty and kept me coming back for more.

You can help yourself to as much as you want from the self-serve bar!

It genuinely felt like reaching straight into my own fridge for side dish containers at home.

Inside Yangpuni: room for family meals and group dinners

Stepping inside, the space is wide open and pleasant, which puts you at ease right away.

Tables are spaced generously, so it works well for family meals,

and it also looks like a solid spot for evening group dinners.

Clean tableware paired with a cozy atmosphere makes it a comfortable space to focus on your meal.

Outside: a sign you can spot from down the street

The exterior is understated but has a sign that's easy to spot from a distance.

There's a solid, established feel to the exterior, like a restaurant that's held down this spot for a long time.

It has that unpretentious look of a restaurant that greets guests with honest food.

Where to park near Dongtan Central Park

There's a parking space right in front of the restaurant, making it convenient to drive.

If you visit during peak hours and the lot in front is full, you can use the Ganari Park public roadside parking lot nearby. It's close enough that you can enjoy your meal without worrying about parking.

Next visit: samgyeopsal with the kids

A meal at Yangpuni Kimchi Jjigae & Samgyeopsal after a sweaty workout turned out to be more than just a meal — it was a warm, filling experience for both body and heart.

I'm planning to come back with the kids and grill some samgyeopsal next time. On a day when you're craving generous portions and heartfelt cooking, I highly recommend visiting for the happiness of a warm bowl of rice.