Seoul Korean BBQ near Ssangmun Station: Insaeng Geukjang

Eating pork ribs near Ssangmun Station

Insaeng Geukjang (인생극장) Ssangmun Station Branch is located on the first floor at 34 Dobong-ro 114-gil, Dobong-gu, Seoul.

It is an easy walk from Ssangmun Station, so it seemed like a good place to stop by for dinner after work or when you want meat and a drink.

Along with pork ribs, there is a wide choice of meat, including king pork ribs, fresh pork belly, and beef abomasum, so you can pick whatever suits your taste.

Overall, the interior had a relaxed atmosphere that was great for eating meat. It seemed like a nice place to visit when looking for a Dobong-gu barbecue restaurant near Ssangmun Station for dinner with friends or a casual drink.

What came with the side dishes and steamed egg?

Once we sat down, the table was set with side dishes that went well with meat, plus steamed egg as a complimentary dish.

Since the warm steamed egg came as part of the meal, it was nice to eat first while waiting for the ribs, haha. Later, I had it here and there while eating the spicy ribs, and the soft steamed egg mellowed the heat, so I reached for it more often than I expected.

A full spread of marinated and spicy pork ribs

Then the ribs we had been waiting for arrived! Rather than having just one flavor, we wanted to try both, so we ordered marinated pork ribs and spicy pork ribs together.

One side had appetizing marinated ribs, and the other had spicy ribs that looked hot even at a glance, so having both on one table made the spread look even more generous, haha.

The ribs came partially cooked, so we put them on the grill and finished cooking them as we ate.

Sweet and savory marinated pork ribs

I started with the marinated ribs. After grilling them a little longer, the marinade lightly caramelized on the grill and developed a richer flavor—so good, haha.

Ribs really do taste best when you hold them in your hands and tear into them, haha. I made sure to get every bit of meat around the bones, too.

Spicy pork ribs that keep you coming back

After the marinated ribs, it was time for the spicy ribs!

Taking a bite of marinated ribs and then a bite of spicy ribs gave such a distinct change of flavor that it was fun to alternate between them. Personally, rather than ordering only one flavor, I thought the marinated-and-spicy combination was great to share if two people visit, haha.

Adding flying-fish-roe rice balls and icy acorn jelly soup

The flying-fish-roe rice balls, shaped into little rounds, went wonderfully with the spicy ribs: they were nutty, with a pleasant pop in every bite.

The icy acorn jelly soup had a cold broth topped with tiny ice crystals, making it perfect to take a bite of after the spicy ribs.

We added these sides partway through eating the meat, and with filling flying-fish-roe rice balls plus refreshing icy acorn jelly soup, I was glad we ordered both :)

Final thoughts on spicy ribs and acorn jelly soup

I also enjoyed the warm steamed egg that came with the meal throughout, and the flying-fish-roe rice balls we added later made for a filling pairing with the spicy ribs. Above all, I loved the spicy ribs plus icy acorn jelly soup combination: after eating something spicy, a bite of cool acorn jelly soup refreshed my mouth, and then I could go right back to the ribs—that was the problem, haha. If you are looking for a Dobong-gu barbecue restaurant near Ssangmun Station for a hearty dinner or drinks while picking at meat, give Insaeng Geukjang Ssangmun Station Branch a try :)