Yangju Korean BBQ restaurant with bbeong ice cream: Manpo Garden

Last weekend evening, my family and I went to Manpo Garden (만포갈비 양주본점) because we were craving charcoal-grilled ribs.

Manpo Garden location and parking

The address is 65 Songrang-ro, floors 1–2, Mansong-dong, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do.

Since the parking lot is large, I think it is most convenient to come by car. It sits at an intersection, so the sign is immediately visible and it was easy to find.

Second-floor rooms and plenty of seating

The first floor also has plenty of seating, but it was full, so we were shown upstairs.

When you go up the elegantly decorated stairs,

you arrive at an even more spacious second floor. I do prefer places with room to breathe.

The second floor was generously laid out too. One side is made up of private rooms, so it seems great for gatherings—just right for a Yangju company dinner or group meet-up.

Manpo Garden menu and weekday lunch special

Each person gets a menu sheet at the table, along with a spoon and chopsticks wrapped hygienically in paper.

Charcoal grill and side dishes

• Handmade Korean pork ribs, 250 g — ₩19,000
• Fresh Korean pork ribs, 200 g — ₩21,000
• Handmade LA galbi, 250 g — ₩28,000
• Fresh/marinated beef ribs, 250 g — ₩38,000
• Korean beef yukhoe (seasoned raw beef), 180 g — ₩28,000
• Brisket doenjang-sulbap (soybean-paste soup with rice), ₩8,000
• Brisket doenjang jjigae (soybean-paste stew), ₩6,000
• House-made Hamheung naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) — free
• Pudding-style steamed egg, ₩3,000
• Steamed rice, ₩1,000

Weekday lunch special

• Handmade rib set, ₩19,000: 250 g pork ribs + naengmyeon + doenjang-sulbap
• Available 11:00–15:00, excluding weekends and public holidays
• Galbitang, ₩14,000 / special galbitang, ₩19,000 / ppaeogaejang, ₩11,000 / yukhoe bibimbap, ₩15,000
• Gift packs: handmade marinated ribs 2 kg, ₩60,000; handmade LA galbi 2 kg, ₩100,000; Manpo galbitang for 2, ₩24,000

On weekdays, the handmade rib set comes with ribs, house-made naengmyeon, and doenjang-sulbap, so I would recommend it if you are looking for a filling Yangju lunch. There is also a receipt-review event: write a review with your receipt and you get ₩2,000 off the bill.

A clean, neatly prepared table setting

First, the basic side dishes were set out one by one. What I liked about Manpo Garden was exactly this table setting. Every banchan (Korean side dish) arrived neatly plated, with plenty of variety, so they were nice alongside the meat and made us feel properly looked after.

There was even yukhoe and yukjeon (pan-fried battered beef), so I kept reaching for my chopsticks before we had even started on the ribs. We came to a meat restaurant, but it felt like a full proper spread had been prepared for us. With such a clean table setting, I thought it would also be a good Yangju rib restaurant to bring parents to.

Handmade Korean pork ribs and brisket doenjang stew

We first ordered two portions of handmade Korean pork ribs, brisket doenjang jjigae, and pudding-style steamed egg, which my child likes. (Of course, we were having naengmyeon too.)

At last, the handmade Korean pork ribs arrived!! We started with two portions on the charcoal grill, and as soon as they began cooking, the sweet aroma of the marinade really rose up. Watching the ribs turn golden over the coals made the wait almost unbearable.

I took a bite of the cooked ribs, and the meat was truly tender. Even around the bones, it was not tough, so it was easy to pull off and eat. It was neither chewy nor dry, with a soft bite and marinade that had soaked in well, making it good to share with a child. The seasoning was not overly sweet, and the charcoal aroma made it a flavor I kept reaching for. Apparently, it tastes sweet without being too sweet because they use plenty of fruit.

At first, I thought two portions might be enough, but they were so delicious that we added one more portion of handmade Korean pork ribs. My child ate so well too, haha.

The brisket doenjang jjigae had a rich broth as well. A spoonful of hot stew between bites of sweet marinated ribs was such a good match. The warm broth made the meal much more satisfying than eating only meat. (My husband finished it all.)

After ribs, you think of naengmyeon no matter how full you are, right? At Manpo Garden, house-made Hamheung naengmyeon is free when you order meat!! I liked that the bowl was bigger than expected.

Bbeong ice cream and iced coffee for dessert

There was one more bit of fun on our way out after such a filling meal: bbeong ice cream~ It is ice cream placed inside bbeongtwigi, a puffed-rice snack. The crisp puffed rice and sweet, cold ice cream were a really great combination. Cups of ice are provided so you can enjoy your coffee cold.

A good fit for family meals and gatherings

It is great for a family meal with children, a gathering with elders, or a Yangju get-together. If you want a hearty meal, I recommend the lunch set. When handmade charcoal-grilled ribs are on your mind and you want a generous meal followed by a proper dessert, I recommend Manpo Garden in Yangju!