Naver-booked galbi with self-serve affogato in Yangju: Manpo Galbi

Our family's favorite thing to eat out! We went to Manpo Galbi Yangju Main Branch, a Yangju galbi restaurant, for pork galbi that's even better eaten with rice. I've been a regular here since it first opened. My 7-year-old especially loves galbi — whenever she wants to eat ribs, it's always "Manpo Galbi!" So let me introduce it to you all.

Where is Manpo Galbi Yangju Main Branch, and when is it open?

📍 65 Songnang-ro, 1st floor, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

⏰ Daily 11:00 - 22:00

Manpo Galbi is a Yangju favorite specializing in charcoal galbi, galbitang and Hamhung naengmyeon, loved by lots of local residents. I booked ahead through Naver Reservation! Same-day booking isn't possible, but they take reservations up to the day before, and it's confirmed automatically without needing a call — super convenient!

Parking at Manpo Galbi and what to do nearby

Free parking is available in the lot right in front of the restaurant! There's plenty of space, so even beginner drivers can park easily. It's located between Okjeong-dong and Goeup-dong, so I'd recommend driving rather than public transit. Nari Park is nearby too, so this would make a perfect date course — visit the upcoming globe amaranth festival, then come here for galbi ~

Is Manpo Galbi easy to visit with kids?

The space is spacious, so it's suitable for family gatherings and company dinners too. There's a room for a private dining space, and baby chairs, which makes it easy to visit with kids — great for a Korean family meal out. One especially nice thing is that booking through Naver Reservation means everything is set up in advance, so you get seated really fast.

Manpo Galbi menu and the lunch special

Here's the menu board at Manpo Galbi Yangju Main Branch, a Yangju favorite. This Yangju galbi restaurant uses 100% real ribs! Order meat and you get free house-made Hamhung naengmyeon. The lunch special comes with pork galbi + naengmyeon + doenjang sulbap rice together as a handmade galbi set — it's often mentioned as a good spot for gatherings. Since my kids love marinated galbi, we've only ever ordered that, but I heard the raw galbi here is delicious too, so I should try that next time.

Side dishes at Manpo Galbi, including yukhoe and yukjeon

These are the basic side dishes that come with a meat order. Lots of tasty ones to pair with the meat.

Before the main event, there's an appetizer salad, yukhoe (raw beef tartare) and yukjeon (pan-fried beef) to whet the appetite! With such a variety of side dishes, your mouth is never bored — good as a drinking snack or a rice side.

You can refill any side dishes you run out of at the self-bar. Just don't waste food, right?^_^

Korean pork marinated galbi for three: how it grills and tastes

We first ordered the Korean pork marinated galbi, three servings. The sauce looks perfectly sweet-and-salty, doesn't it? When we eat out for galbi in Yangju with the kids, we always end up at Manpo Galbi, and this delicious marinade is a big reason why.

They put two chunks of galbi on the grill and cook it up nicely. At Manpo Galbi Yangju Main Branch you grill it yourself, and if you request a grill plate change through the tablet kiosk, staff come right over to check on it. Well-cooked meat with fluffy white rice is so good. My kids usually eat small portions, but at Manpo Galbi Yangju Main Branch they always polish off a whole bowl of rice. Nothing beats marinated galbi as a rice side dish for kids.

House-made Hamhung naengmyeon, one free bowl per person

House-made Hamhung naengmyeon comes free with a meat order ~ It's an unwritten rule to finish galbi with cool, tangy mul naengmyeon (cold noodle soup). It's dessert-noodle sized, but the portion is generous enough to fill you up. And the naengmyeon is served one bowl per person! I was surprised it's not one bowl per table but one for every single person. The service here is seriously amazing!

Self-serve dessert bar: ice cream with espresso for an affogato

After eating our fill of delicious galbi, a nice dessert is waiting! Coffee for the adults, bbeong-twigi plus ice cream for the kids for dessert ~ Since it's self-serve, we could enjoy it without feeling self-conscious. My husband loved putting espresso into the ice cream and calling it an affogato. With a satisfying meal and a sweet finish, this outing was another success. With the upcoming Chuseok holiday, I'd recommend this as a place to eat after visiting the globe amaranth festival at Nari Park in Yangju :)