Korean BBQ near Yeongjong Seaside Park: aged whole-cow set, Hanmaeum

Dinner after a Yeongjong water day: why Hanmaeum?

Hanmaeum Jeonguk Sikdang Yeongjong Sky City Branch (한마음정육식당 영종하늘도시점) is an aged-meat butcher restaurant, about a 5-minute walk from our hotel, and we went there on the evening after playing in the water at Seaside Park. Summer vacation season is finally here! ^^ We came to nearby Yeongjong, splashed around at Seaside Park with the kids from the morning, rested at the hotel for a bit, and then headed out for dinner.

When I asked the kids what they wanted to eat, of course they said, "Meat!" haha. After a whole day in the water they were starving and went straight for meat. Meat is the best way to refuel after swimming. ^^ With two elementary schoolers who are in a big meat-eating phase, dining out naturally starts with meat. Maybe because it's aged, the beef and pork had real depth of flavor, and we ate plenty :)

The restaurant is spacious and the playroom is well made, so the kids loved it.

The kids had fun in the playroom, we had good meat, and everyone was happy. After the meal, the area around Byeolbit Plaza is nice for a stroll, and Seaside Park is close, so it also works as part of a trip itinerary.

Hanmaeum Yeongjong Sky City Branch: location and parking

The restaurant is on the 2nd floor of the building across from Jinro Mart at Byeolbit Plaza in Yeongjong Sky City (address: 13 Haneulbyeolbit-ro 65beon-gil, Yeongjong-gu, Incheon, units 202-205). The building has underground parking, so it looked easy to visit by car.

Around Byeolbit Plaza there are lots of restaurants and cafés, so it's a good place to eat, and being close to Seaside Park makes it handy during a trip. We walked from the hotel, but plenty of people came by car.

Hours and the playroom: is it okay with kids?

The restaurant uses the whole 2nd floor and is open weekdays 15:00-23:00 and Friday to Sunday 11:30-23:00, with no break time. Best of all, it's a Yes! Kids Zone ^^ The playroom was what I liked most as a parent visiting with kids :)

• There's a separate entrance to the kids' zone right to the right of the main entrance.
• They say they disinfect with phytoncide every day.
• The playroom has a fairly large jungle gym.
• There are arcade machines and claw machines that kids love.
• A nursing room is also tucked in the back.

With the dining area and playroom separated, parents could eat a bit more comfortably, and it was reassuring to see the kids playing. A TV inside the restaurant shows the playroom, and the tablet on the table also lets you check in real time, so we could eat with peace of mind.

There were plenty of families, and quite a few group gatherings too. The kids all playing together in the playroom looked so happy haha. The restaurant is very large inside, tables are well spaced, and there are group seats, so many people came for family get-togethers or company dinners.

There's a self bar by the counter. It was stocked with plenty of vegetables and side dishes, which was convenient. The staff were friendly too, which was nice.

Hanmaeum's aged meat and menu

Hanmaeum says its meat goes through two aging processes, 144 hours at a low temperature of 2°C, and is sliced to order. Maybe that's why the meat tasted so deep haha.

You can order from your seat. Options include a whole cow, half cow, whole pig, half pig and so on.

You can also order by cut: pork belly, five-layer pork belly, pork neck, pork jowl, pork skirt (gabrisal), prime galbi meat, galbi meat, chuck flap, brisket and more.

There's a good variety of desserts and a kids' menu too, so it struck me as a family restaurant that works for everyone from toddlers to elementary schoolers.

Side dishes: steamed egg and doenjang-jjigae

We first ordered the whole-cow set (600g), and the steamed egg and doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew) came out quickly as side dishes, so it was hearty from the start.

The stew gets set over a flame separately so you can eat it hot, and we enjoyed it to the end.

The staff kept asking, "Would you like more?" about the stew. I think it's unlimited refills haha

Whole-cow set, 600g for ₩76,000: which cuts come out?

Hanmaeum's whole-cow set (600g, ₩76,000) comes with prime galbi meat, galbi meat, rib on the bone, chuck flap and brisket. Several cuts arrive on one plate, so it's fun to pick and compare.

Each cut has a slightly different texture, so the kids and I had fun going "this one's tastier," "this one's more tender." The brisket is thin and cooks fast, with a rich savory flavor, so the kids grabbed it first.

It was just right with pa-chae (shredded scallion salad). The vegetables were fresh too, which made them good to eat alongside.

Golden on the outside and juicy inside, it made us say "Delicious!" from the very first bite.

The kids kept saying "Yummy!" from the first bite and ate really well.

The prime galbi meat in particular had a rich, savory flavor the more you chewed, and the chuck flap was mild yet tender and easy to eat. The meat was fresh enough that it tasted good with just a dab of salt, and with pa-chae or lettuce wraps it had another charm, so we kept reaching for more.

Adding 2 servings of aged pork belly: how was it?

We meant to stop at the beef, but we saw the next table enjoying pork belly so much that we ended up adding 2 servings of Hanmaeum's aged pork belly haha. Totally satisfied! Once I tried it, I understood right away why everyone orders pork belly too.

It was thick, so I worried it might be dry, but maybe thanks to the aging it was moist inside and full of juice. Golden outside and tender inside, the texture was great, and every bite had a rich savory flavor. Do try the pork belly too! So good :)

A good Yeongjong family trip dinner?

On a trip, sights are great, but a good meal does a lot for how satisfied you feel. This time too, the kids ran around happily in Hanmaeum's playroom while the adults relaxed over aged meat, so it was an evening that satisfied everyone. If you're looking for a place to eat comfortably with kids, I think you'll be happy here.

If you're planning a trip to Yeongjong or looking for a meat restaurant in Yeongjong Sky City, Hanmaeum Jeonguk Sikdang Yeongjong Sky City Branch could be a good spot for a hearty family meal. :)