Bucheon Korean BBQ with free tofu stew: Dwaeji Gongbang

An Okgil-dong Korean BBQ restaurant I chose carefully during pregnancy

The weather has been getting cooler lately, and with my due date not far off, I really wanted to go out for something delicious. So as soon as I got off work, I headed to Dwaeji Gongbang Bucheon Okgil-dong Main Branch (돼지공방 부천옥길동본점), a Bucheon Okgil-dong favorite known for quality pork belly and special cuts! Since I’m pregnant right now, I find myself carefully checking both the quality and condition of the raw meat before I eat anything. This place specializes in premium Iberico Black pork and Korean pork special cuts, so I could enjoy it deliciously without worrying!!

The moment I stepped inside, I loved the cozy yet lively atmosphere of this old-school Korean BBQ spot! With more than 50 spacious, comfortable seats, it would be perfect for a family get-together or a large company dinner too! Best of all, they use premium bijangtan charcoal, which is said to bring out even more flavor in the meat, so my anticipation went way up! ᰔ

Location, parking, and hours

It is on the first floor at 7-4 Yangji-ro 184beon-gil, Sosa-gu, Bucheon-si. Hours are 4 PM to midnight every day, and there is room for one or two cars in front of the restaurant, so ask ahead about parking.

Ordering the assorted half-platter and spicy soybean-paste gukbap

The assorted half-platter for two to three people is ₩49,000, and comes with thick pork neck, intercostal meat, chewy pork cut, pork jowl, and complimentary spicy soft tofu stew. The spicy soybean-paste gukbap is ₩8,500.

Free soft tofu stew and side dishes

Once we were seated and finished ordering, the basic side dishes were set out! The truly amazing thing here is that their signature soft tofu stew comes free as a basic part of the meal. The broth was spicy and deeply flavored enough that I could easily finish a whole bowl of rice with the stew alone. The soft, pillowy tofu texture was the best too! Dwaeji Gongbang’s special dadaegi seasoning sauce and side dishes were also such a great match for the meat that every bite was a pleasure!! ⋰˚★

The signature assorted half-platter grilled over bijangtan charcoal

We ordered the signature assorted half-platter because we wanted to try a variety of Dwaeji Gongbang’s standout dishes! It includes Iberico Black thick pork neck—the signature item!—and an assortment of Korean pork special cuts. The thick pork neck had careful knife scores cut into it by hand, which helped keep the juices locked inside as it grilled over the bijangtan charcoal.

As the gentle charcoal aroma seeped in, it grilled up crisp outside and wonderfully juicy inside~ The moment I took a bite, the chewy texture and rich savory flavor just exploded! Now I understand why it is known as an Okgil-dong favorite for pork belly and special cuts ｡·͜·｡

A great combination with myeonginamul and pickles

We ate it in the delicious combination the owner recommended, and what more can I say? I normally do not even like myeonginamul, a pickled wild garlic leaf, but it was so good here that I got a refill. The shredded chili peppers and pickled garlic scapes were seriously delicious too. Eaten with the meat, they kept clearing and refreshing my palate, so nothing became heavy or greasy and I could just keep eating the pork!

The special cuts were delicious, and all the side dishes, sauces, and pickles were great too, so I seriously, seriously recommend this place!! Leave the car behind when you visit. It is the kind of flavor that makes you crave sojuㅜㅜ Once Ttoddak is out of the room, we are definitely, definitely coming back.

Spicy soybean-paste gukbap to finish

After filling up on meat, we added their signature spicy soybean-paste gukbap to finish the meal! Koreans run on rice, after all... ｡·͜·｡ Rice came soaked in a savory soybean-paste-based broth with a little kick, and it felt like it completely washed away the richness left after the meat. One big spoonful warmed me right through, and it was absolutely perfect as a finishing meal!!

Because I’m pregnant, I have been paying close attention to what I eat, and the ingredients were fresh and delicious, making this such a reassuring and satisfying meal. If you are looking for a high-quality Korean BBQ restaurant near Bucheon or Okgil-dong, I strongly recommend Dwaeji Gongbang Bucheon Okgil-dong Main Branch, a specialist in pork belly and special cuts! Please do visit! ⋰˚★