Backyard grill seats at a Majeon-dong BBQ spot: Euljiro Yeontan Gui

These days everything's going up except my paycheck… it's honestly a bit scary just grabbing groceries. So while trying to figure out how to fill my stomach deliciously without spending too much, I heard about a wallet-friendly, generous-portioned Korean BBQ spot and ran right over.

Today I'm sharing the story of getting my insides thoroughly oiled up with some dripping-with-fat charcoal-grilled meat, so keep your eyes peeled and follow along. Ready for a vivid review?

Where is Euljiro Yeontan Gui Majeon Branch, and where do you park?

Euljiro Yeontan Gui Majeon Branch is located at 494 Geomdan-ro, Geomdan-gu, Incheon, and is open from 15:00 to 23:30. Come out of Exit 2 of Geomdan Sageori Station on Incheon Line 2 and it's just a one-minute walk away.

Seriously, it's practically right there, so even directionally-challenged folks won't get lost. It's a well-known Majeon-dong restaurant in the area, so it's easy to find too. If you're driving, no need to worry about parking either — there's space right in front of the restaurant, plus an underground parking lot, which was really convenient.

As I approached the entrance, the first thing that caught my eye was a large, spotlessly maintained tank out front. Fresh scallops and abalone, apparently brought in daily, were quietly breathing away in the water — the tank was kept as clean as a proper seafood restaurant, which honestly impressed me for a Korean BBQ place.

Old-school retro dining room and the gravel backyard seats

Step through the door of Euljiro Yeontan Gui Majeon Branch and the interior feels warm and nostalgic. Heavy cherry-wood molding paired with cozy floral wallpaper really leans into that slightly old-fashioned, old-school restaurant vibe.

With the walls covered in colorful notes left by customers and even a few celebrity autographs, it felt like stepping into a time machine back to an earlier era.

Walking further in, a space styled like an outdoor pojangmacha (street-tent bar) suddenly appears. It looks like the restaurant's backyard was cleverly converted — gravel covers the floor, and the fresh air circulates really well, so grilling meat there never felt stuffy, just pleasant the whole time. True to its reputation as a Majeon-dong favorite, the atmosphere stands out from the start.

What you get for the 35,900 won pork platter and icy frozen radish salad

Pork platter (600g) — ₩35,900 Doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) Rice

Beside the grill sat kimchi and bean sprouts sizzling gently in sesame oil, a half-moon dish of whole garlic cloves, along with a fresh lettuce salad and wrap greens to whet the appetite.

But then a fantastic surprise showed up! Along with the meat came a brass bowl piled high with cool frozen radish salad, its icy crystals still crackling. The server casually tipped me off that it's best eaten while still icy, before it melts, for the truest flavor. I quickly picked some up with my chopsticks, and the spicy-sweet-tangy icy crunch melted deliciously in my mouth — an absolutely perfect match with the fatty meat.

And here comes the pork platter~~!

Charcoal heat and the order to grill the pork in

There's an unwritten rule to grilling order, right? First up, the thick-cut pork belly went sizzling onto the heated grill plate.

At first it took a moment for the charcoal grill plate to properly heat up, but once it did, that signature heavy charcoal heat came roaring out!

I picked up a thick piece of meat, placed it on a lettuce leaf, piled on well-roasted whole garlic and plenty of the tangy-sweet frozen radish salad, and wrapped it all into one big bite — pure paradise!

True to its reputation as a Majeon-dong favorite, with every bite the savory juices burst out, and the crisp, icy radish salad cut right through — leaving no room for greasiness, just an endless urge to keep eating.

Finishing the meal with doenjang jjigae and rice

Doenjang jjigae

Stirring my spoon through the bubbling doenjang jjigae in its earthenware pot, I found it packed generously with zucchini, onion, cheongyang chili, and soft tofu!

Topping a bowl of white rice with a big piece of tofu and plenty of the savory broth, mixing it all together and taking a bite, left me feeling warm and full all the way down.

Enjoying quality meat by the cut in a nostalgic, warm-hearted atmosphere without worrying about my wallet made for a very satisfying dinner. If you're looking for a Majeon-dong favorite that hits all three marks — taste, value, and an atmosphere that makes drinks taste even better — in these tight times, don't hesitate, head over and experience the deep charm of charcoal grilling for yourself!