Balsan Station Korean BBQ for charcoal-grilled pork: Ihwajeong

On one of those days when I was craving pork—deliciously marinated pork, specifically—I found a clean, upscale place that is great to visit with family.

Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga Magok-Balsan Branch, a great pork-rib spot near Balsan Station, had a really nice balance of portions and flavor. The location is good, the interior is comfortable, and the whole place has such a nice feel that I immediately wanted to bring my parents here on my next visit.

Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga Magok-Balsan Branch hours

It is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, with last orders at 8:30 PM.

Parking and access from Balsan Station

I drove to the restaurant, and the parking setup was convenient—you can park and head right in. You will receive a parking ticket; just have the restaurant stamp it before you leave. If you are taking public transit, it is only a four-minute walk from Exit 4 of Balsan Station.

Once you park and open the door, the restaurant entrance is right there.

Inside, the classic, large-scale, and grand design immediately catches your eye.

A staff member guides you down a wide hallway to your table.

A spacious dining hall and table atmosphere

I was shown to a large table in the main dining hall. It had an upscale marble-like look.

As soon as I sat down, they brought over cold water.

The tables are big and well spaced, making them great for private conversation. The large floor-to-ceiling windows also make everything feel wonderfully open.

They even have a patent related to making galbi (Korean grilled ribs) with pear! They pour pear juice over the meat as they grill it, and I could not help giving it a big thumbs-up.

The meal is completed with pear sherbet—I will show you the real thing and tell you more in a moment.

Ordering marinated grilled pork and extras by kiosk

The menu includes the Ihwajeong Set (₩135,000), Myeongga Set (₩165,000), Korean beef fresh ribs (two bones), 200 g (₩55,000), Korean beef skirt steak, 150 g (₩66,000), marinated king beef ribs, 310 g (₩45,000), marinated beef rib meat, 150 g (₩35,000), marinated grilled pork, 300 g (₩23,000), mul naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles in broth, ₩8,000), bibim naengmyeon (spicy mixed cold noodles, ₩8,000), doenjang jjigae (soybean-paste stew, ₩8,000), and steamed rice (₩1,000).

You can also use the kiosk to request more banchan (side dishes), including scallion salad, white kimchi, pickles, tangpyeongchae (mung-bean jelly salad), salad, and fresh kimchi; replace the grill; remove the charcoal; get more water, tongs, scissors, or children's tableware. I ordered three portions of marinated grilled pork and two bowls of rice.

As soon as we ordered the meat, they brought out the charcoal.

Since I was visiting with a child, they also made sure we had children's tableware.

The side dishes were set out right away. As mentioned earlier, they included fresh kimchi, white kimchi, salad, scallion salad, and tangpyeongchae.

Staff-grilled marinated pork

A staff member stayed by the table and grilled the meat for us. I loved that it was cooked just right.

It seemed that when the restaurant is not too busy, they try to grill the meat for you whenever possible.

Once it was beautifully browned, they cut it into bite-sized pieces and placed it on a plate.

Wrap it in the scallion salad just like this, and it tastes like heaven.

And, as I teased earlier, ending with cool, sweet pear sherbet makes you truly happy.

For family gatherings and company dinners

Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga Magok-Balsan Branch is a restaurant with classic interiors and food quality to match. If you want a meal with cherished family, friends, or colleagues, you will not regret coming here!

It is absolutely worth considering when you are looking for somewhere to eat around Balsan or Magok. The interior is very spacious, so it would be a well-received choice for a family gathering or company dinner. There are also several private rooms for groups, so if you are planning a gathering or work dinner, I think you should call to ask and make a reservation!