# Cheongju beef charcoal grill: marinated vs plain rib finger at Yugi

- By Yerin Oh (https://superchart.com/en/@seongnam-back-shelf/)
- Written Sep 14, 2026
- Local places › Restaurants › Cheongju, Chungbuk
- Sponsored: This review was written after receiving a complimentary meal from the restaurant.
- English edition: https://superchart.com/en/@seongnam-back-shelf/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/
- Also in: [한국어](https://superchart.com/ko/@seongnam-back-shelf/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/index.md)

## In short

Yugi Dongnam District Main Branch is a beef charcoal-grill restaurant in Yongam-dong, in Cheongju's Dongnam district, specializing in Suwon-style king short ribs and whole rib finger. The order was two servings of marinated rib finger plus one serving of plain rib finger with cheonggukjang (fermented soybean stew) and rice, grilled with garlic butter to compare the marinated and plain cuts, and individual grills with a ventilation system kept the room smoke-free. Yugi Dongnam District Main Branch works equally well for a date, a family dinner or a work gathering.

## Good to know

- **Address**: 3072 Yongam-dong, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk (13-10 Junggogae-ro 141beon-gil, DN Edutop, units 107 and 108)
- **Hours**: 12:00–23:00 (break 14:00–17:00, last order 20:30)
- **Closed**: Mondays
- **Parking**: Basement parking lot in the building; 4-hour parking coupon provided
- **What we ordered**: Marinated rib finger for 2 + plain rib finger for 1 + cheonggukjang (fermented soybean stew) + bowl of rice
- **Meat menu**: Suwon king short ribs (marinated or plain), whole rib finger (marinated or plain rib finger), whole rib finger platter, aged Iberico pork neck
- **Side menu**: Cheonggukjang, doenjang stew, king short rib soup, minari (water parsley) beef tartare, cold naengmyeon noodles, spicy bibim naengmyeon, spicy pot ramyeon
- **Free with your order**: Minari beef tartare and premium cheonggukjang free with a whole rib finger platter, or Suwon ribs for 4 or more people
- **Good to know**: Reservations, takeout, Wi-Fi, separate men's and women's restrooms, large groups welcome, mobile payment accepted

*as written by the visitor on Sep 14, 2026*

If I had to pick the number one beef BBQ spot in Cheongju's Dongnam district, it's this one — time for my Yugi Dongnam District review! With a warm yellow-toned atmosphere, spacious tables, and comfortable seats, I'd highly recommend it for dates, family dinners, or work gatherings. You can enjoy a satisfying spread of Suwon king short ribs, plain short ribs, whole rib finger, aged Iberico pork neck, and a great lineup of side dishes that pair perfectly with the meat.

## Where is Yugi Dongnam District Main Branch, and what are the hours?

> Yugi, a beef BBQ favorite in Cheongju's Dongnam district

![Exterior of Yugi Main Branch, a charcoal-grill restaurant in Cheongju's Dongnam district](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-01-pcyej-1200.webp)

![Vertical shot of Yugi Main Branch's entrance](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-02-16qpa-966.webp)

- Address: 3072 Yongam-dong, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk
- Hours: 12:00–23:00 (closed Mondays / break time 14:00–17:00, last order 20:30)
- Parking: Basement parking lot (4-hour parking coupon provided)
- Notes: Reservations, takeout, wifi, separate restrooms, group seating, mobile payment available

Listed in the Blue Ribbon Survey 2026, designated a food-safe establishment by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and rated 'excellent' for restaurant hygiene — let me walk you through Yugi, a beef BBQ favorite in Cheongju's Dongnam district!

![Cozy dining hall at Yugi Main Branch lit with warm yellow lighting](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-03-11m44-966.webp)

![Informational signage inside Yugi Main Branch](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-04-6dbxr-966.webp)

I've visited so many times I've lost count, but here's a tip — order the whole rib finger platter or Suwon ribs for 4+ people and you get free minari beef tartare and premium cheonggukjang, so it's great value for groups too. My friends rave about this place too, haha.

Search 'Yugi' on Naver, follow the notification, and book through Naver Reservation for a free drink coupon — worth checking out!

## Parking at Yugi in Cheongju's Dongnam district

Yugi Main Branch offers up to 4 hours of free parking in the building's basement lot, so no parking stress! The restroom is right past the back door. Weeknight and weekend evenings in Dongnam district are usually a parking battle, but Yugi's dedicated lot is clean and spacious, which always puts me in a good mood. The restaurant itself is spotless every time, and the staff and owner are always so kind!!!!

Even on a weekday evening, plenty of people were already out for dinner or work gatherings! I visited without a reservation.

![View of Yugi Main Branch's dining hall with customers on a weekday evening](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-05-13aw4-966.webp)

Each table has its own tablet for ordering and calling staff, and wifi connects instantly with a QR code scan — very convenient!

![Ordering tablet placed on each table](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-06-1ekgx-966.webp)

![Spacious table with an individual charcoal grill and ventilation fan](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-07-1v90z-966.webp)

## Individual charcoal grills, ventilation and the self-serve side dish bar

Individual charcoal grills plus a ventilation system, and generous spacing between tables. At a regular BBQ place, smoke usually rises and stings your eyes, but every time I visit Yugi, I can grill a ton and still eat comfortably and deliciously. The air quality is just different, so clean — I can tell they manage it really well every single visit!

A variety of side dishes that go great with the meat are available anytime at the neat, clean self-serve bar. Plenty of scissors, plates, and tongs are stocked too, so it's always so convenient whenever I come! Haha.

Sliced onion, washed aged kimchi, pickled chili strips, radish strips, green onion kimchi, seokbakji (radish kimchi), cheongyang peppers, garlic, sauce, lettuce, perilla leaves — all kept in individual tongs and sealed containers, so hygiene is always top-notch, haha.

## What's on the menu at Yugi Dongnam District Main Branch?

From Suwon king short ribs (marinated or plain) to whole rib finger (marinated or plain), whole rib finger platter, and aged Iberico pork neck! The beef lineup is rock solid — truly, Yugi is Dongnam district's beef spot. Cheonggukjang, doenjang stew, king short rib soup, minari beef tartare, water naengmyeon, bibim naengmyeon, spicy ramen hot pot — from beef to side dishes, the menu is genuinely packed!

![Yugi's beef menu board](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-08-heih5-966.webp)

![Side dish containers and tongs at the self-serve bar](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-09-68vvu-966.webp)

![Table spread with side dishes and short rib soup](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-10-15qc5-966.webp)

Usually at a BBQ place, all the attention goes to the meat while the side dishes are, well, not that impressive. Because of that, eating a lot of beef sometimes gets tiresome — but Yugi's banchan (side dishes) are on another level from the start. And genuinely, each one is delicious. The fresh salad-style kimchi is totally my style, haha.

The short rib soup also comes out, warming you up as a starter before the meat — nice touch. My boyfriend especially loved it. Good stuff.

## Our order: marinated rib finger for 2, plain for 1, and cheonggukjang

> Order: marinated rib finger x2 servings + plain rib finger x1 serving + cheonggukjang + rice

![Plate of marinated rib finger](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-11-zhrwc-966.webp)
*Marinated*

![Plate of plain rib finger with visible marbling](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-12-wxtjg-966.webp)
*Plain*

![Table setting with both marinated and plain rib finger](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-13-1b8iq-966.webp)

This is what I always order at Yugi. The marbling alone is a work of art, hah. You could just order beef ribs, but skipping cheonggukjang would be a shame — it's genuinely delicious. Meat-based, with just the right funky depth of flavor!

![Cheonggukjang served alongside the meat](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-14-i22uk-966.webp)

We each had a bowl of rice and scraped up every last bit of the broth, hahaha. So good, that cheonggukjang.

![Meal spread with cheonggukjang and a bowl of rice](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-15-1eyvr-966.webp)

![Rib finger placed on the charcoal grill](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-16-rtswd-m-966.webp)

### How does the marinated rib finger taste?

The rib finger's signature chewiness, along with the nutty richness and savory juices that build as you chew — the marinated rib finger is my absolute favorite dish at Yugi, haha. Paired with the tangy pickled onions and side dishes, it's heaven.

![Marinated rib finger eaten with pickled onions](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-17-1a6vy-966.webp)

![Marinated meat cooking over the charcoal grill](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-18-7p2av-966.webp)

The moment the meat hits the grill, it starts sizzling — and grilling over charcoal really is an art form, with the anticipation itself sharpening your appetite. Yugi's specialty is grilling garlic and butter right on the meat plate along with the meat. It's genuinely a masterpiece, a total cheat code!!!!

As it browns and the savory smell rises, I tried a piece just as the surface turned slightly crispy. On the fire, the sauce caramelizes a bit, releasing a sweet-savory aroma. Taking a bite, I first tasted a subtle sweetness, followed by a savory, salty umami.

![Marinated rib finger with deeply caramelized edges](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-19-11uo9-966.webp)

![A piece of marinated rib finger placed on rice](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-20-lh11e-966.webp)

Best of all was the part where the sauce edges deepened slightly on the charcoal fire. Putting a piece of marinated rib finger on a spoonful of rice makes the rice disappear in no time!! With cheonggukjang, two bowls of rice go down easy — sweet and salty, so tasty. The sauce soaks in so deeply that I honestly didn't even need side dishes with it!!!

With garlic butter — this is insane, ha.

![Garlic and butter grilling together on the meat plate](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-21-49r1c-966.webp)

![Plain rib finger paired with garlic butter](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-22-2r6sn-966.webp)

![Cross-section of a perfectly cooked plain rib finger](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-23-60ver-966.webp)

### Plain rib finger with salt and wasabi

The first taste was clean, with a nutty, meaty aroma that rose as I chewed. Not overcooking it and grilling it just right kept the meat moist — great! Biting in, it broke apart tenderly, leaving a nutty richness behind — a real standout. Dipped lightly in salt, the meat's own flavor came through even more clearly. Personally, I think the unmarinated plain rib finger suits people who love beef's clean, savory taste. It also pairs great with wasabi! Ordering both plain and marinated to eat together is amazing too — try the plain first, then the marinated, and your mouth will thank you!!! Haha.

![Palate-cleansing candies placed at the register](https://img.superchart.com/images/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger-24-jj6vt-966.webp)

## Final thoughts on Yugi in Cheongju

There are xiaokelao(?) candies at the register for a palate cleanser, and Febreze too if you want a spritz before leaving. Approved as a date spot, work dinner spot, and family dinner spot. Give Yugi, Cheongju Dongnam district's beef BBQ favorite, a visit!

## Where it is

- Yugi Dongnam District Main Branch (육이 동남지구 본점)
- 13-10 Junggogae-ro 141beon-gil, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
- 충청북도 청주시 상당구 중고개로141번길 13-10 DN에듀탑 107호, 108호
- 36.6166162, 127.5162377
- Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/%EC%9C%A1%EC%9D%B4%20%EB%8F%99%EB%82%A8%EC%A7%80%EA%B5%AC%20%EB%B3%B8%EC%A0%90/@36.6166162,127.5162377,17z

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Superchart · https://superchart.com/en/@seongnam-back-shelf/yook-i-dongnam-galbi-ribfinger/ · https://superchart.com/llms.txt