Balsan Station Korean BBQ with a gallery-like interior: Ihwajeong

I was craving sweet pork ribs again, so I went back to Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga, a Balsan Station favorite I'd loved on a previous visit. It didn't disappoint this time either — the meat quality was great and it was delicious. Easy parking and a classy interior too, so here's my review.

What Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga near Balsan Station looks like inside

Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga looks quite upscale even from outside. Thanks to this handsome exterior, it's also a great place to bring your parents.

Once you step inside, the interior design is really impressive right from the entrance. The whole place has a clean, upscale restaurant feel. The first time I came I thought it looked almost like an art gallery, and I felt the same way again this time.

The tables are spacious and arranged well for group gatherings. It's not easy to find such an upscale Korean BBQ restaurant near Balsan Station. We visited on a weekend afternoon, so it was a bit quiet with only a few tables at first, but it filled up fast once dinnertime came around. There seemed to be a lot of families in particular.

What we ordered: marinated pork shoulder ribs, bibim naengmyeon, doenjang jjigae

We ordered the same things as last time — marinated pork shoulder ribs, bibim naengmyeon (spicy cold noodles), and doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew). This is honestly the best place for pork ribs near Balsan Station and Magok Station.

Side dishes and table service at Ihwajeong

They brought out the side dishes quickly right after we ordered, and just like last time, the banchan (side dishes) here were elegant and neatly arranged. Refills came fast too, and while grilling the meat for us, the staff kept a careful eye on whether we needed anything.

Thick marinated pork ribs, grilled at the table by staff

The quality of the pork ribs is definitely good. What I liked most was the thickness.

The reason I call Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga near Balsan Station a great spot for family gatherings is that they grill everything for you. When you go out for a rare meal with family, it can be stressful if someone has to keep manning the grill the whole time. Here, they grill it all, so every family member can just relax and eat.

Even though the pork ribs were thick, a skilled staff member grilled them so they cooked through perfectly and tasted great.

Once the marinated ribs are nicely grilled, they cut them into bite-size pieces for you — and from there, it's just eating time.

The outside was seared a nice golden brown and the inside was soft, not dry, making this a great pork rib restaurant to bring kids or elderly parents to. The sweetness was just right — not artificial at all, and clean-tasting.

How the doenjang jjigae and bibim naengmyeon tasted

The doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) was savory with a rich, deep broth, perfect to eat with rice.

The bibim naengmyeon came in a generous portion, and the spicy-sweet sauce was really delicious.

They also served dessert afterward, which was a nice, clean way to finish off the meal.

Is Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga in Magok worth it for a family meal?

I loved it on my previous visit, and this visit was just as satisfying. With good food, friendly service, and a pleasant atmosphere all in one place, I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good restaurant near Balsan Station or a clean, upscale Korean BBQ spot in Magok. With easy parking and staff who grill the meat for you, mealtime here is stress-free — be sure to stop by Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga!