Pork gukbap and soju in Yeoksam: pepper vs salted shrimp vs dadaegi

Koreans always say we run on rice power (bapsim), right? I was craving a hearty, steaming bowl of gukbap (soup with rice). So this time I went to Gyeongsangdo Galbi Gukbap Main Branch (경상도 갈비국밥 본점), known as a go-to pork gukbap and rice spot in Yeoksam.

Location and opening hours of Gyeongsangdo Galbi Gukbap Main Branch

Gyeongsangdo Galbi Gukbap Main Branch is at 1F, 15-3 Teheran-ro 25-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, a 2–3 minute walk from Yeoksam Station Exit 4. It is open Monday to Friday 11:00–21:00 (break time 15:00–17:00) and Saturday to Sunday 11:00–15:00, and there is a dedicated parking space in front.

It takes only 2–3 minutes from Yeoksam Station Exit 4, so it was super easy to find. When you think of a gukbap place you often picture a rustic exterior, but this one looks very clean and tidy.

What is Gyeongsangdo Galbi Gukbap Main Branch famous for?

The restaurant is said to be best known for its Hanwoo galbi gukbap, limited to just 20 bowls a day. They also put a lot of care into the rice. It is cooked from a blend of two kinds: glossy, sticky Koshihikari and Singdongjin, which has big grains and a hearty taste.

Interior and self-serve bar

The inside is not huge, but it felt very clean and neatly arranged. The kitchen is visible right from the entrance, so you can watch the cooking. That gave me a sense of trust.

There is also a self-serve bar on one side of the restaurant.

Wooden tables were set around the room, and the lights hanging from the ceiling glowed softly, making the place feel cozy.

Menu and prices: the galbi gukbap was sold out in the evening

The menu has Hanwoo galbi gukbap (₩16,000) and clear Hanwoo pork gukbap (₩12,000), plus flat dumplings (napjak mandu) and spicy squid salad. I'm told the Daegu-style combo is wrapping the spicy squid salad in crispy pan-fried flat dumplings.

You order on the kiosk on the table. I originally planned to have the Hanwoo galbi gukbap (₩16,000). But since only 20 bowls a day are sold, it was already gone when I came in the evening. I comforted my slight disappointment and ordered the clear Hanwoo pork gukbap (₩12,000) instead!

Side dishes and rice cooked from blended grains

Once you order, the basic side dishes arrive: kkakdugi (radish kimchi), seasoned chives, cheongyang chili with onion, ssamjang and more. The sides were neat and clean overall, which is a hallmark of this place.

I especially liked the seasoned chives. The seasoning never overwhelms the natural fragrance of the chives, and it was neither too strong nor too bland.

A bowl of rice came too. Maybe because it blends glossy, sticky Koshihikari with big-grained, hearty Singdongjin, the rice tasted excellent!

Of course soju can't be left out, haha. I ordered two bottles of Daeseon soju as well!

How does the clear Hanwoo pork gukbap (₩12,000) taste?

Finally, the clear Hanwoo pork gukbap (₩12,000) arrived!

True to its name, the broth was clear and clean, generously filled with Korean pork and topped with sliced green onions.

I started with a spoonful of broth. It was seasoned just right, so it was delicious even on its own. I'm told the broth comes from Korean pork boiled for 24 hours, skimmed of fat, then blended once more with a vegetable stock. That's why the flavor was clean with no clutter!

I also picked up a piece of pork with my chopsticks. There was no gamey smell at all, just a very mild, savory taste.

They said they use foreleg (front leg) meat with a good fat-to-lean ratio, and it was really tender, like eating boiled pork slices (suyuk), haha.

Pepper, salted shrimp or dadaegi: what should you add?

You can season the clear Hanwoo pork gukbap to taste with pepper, salted shrimp (saeujeot) and dadaegi (spicy seasoning paste). I tried all three in turn.

First, pepper

Pepper keeps the clear, clean taste of the gukbap intact while adding a gentle kick, so it's a flavor anyone, young or old, can enjoy.

Second, salted shrimp

Salted shrimp brings out a salty umami with a bit of punch. Even so, the signature cleanness of the clear pork gukbap stays alive, which I found amazing!

Third, dadaegi seasoning paste

Last is the dadaegi seasoning paste. It's already red just by the color, right?

Adding dadaegi made the broth a little cloudy, but it turned pleasantly spicy and sharp. Personally this was my favorite to have with soju, haha.

Overall verdict on Gyeongsangdo Galbi Gukbap Main Branch

Gyeongsangdo Galbi Gukbap Main Branch is a place to enjoy a hearty bowl of Gyeongsang-style clear Hanwoo pork gukbap for ₩12,000. I also liked how neat and clean everything was, from the side dishes to the main dish. It's a 2–3 minute walk from Yeoksam Station Exit 4, so access is very good too.

I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a good rice meal near Yeoksam Station or a great gukbap spot in Gangnam!

Frequently asked questions

When should I go to get the Hanwoo galbi gukbap?

The Hanwoo galbi gukbap at Gyeongsangdo Galbi Gukbap Main Branch is limited to 20 bowls a day, so it's best to go early, right after opening.

How much does the menu cost?

The clear Hanwoo pork gukbap is ₩12,000, and the Hanwoo galbi gukbap is ₩16,000.

Can I have dinner on weekends?

On weekends the restaurant only runs lunch, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., so dinner is available on weekdays only.

Is it okay for dining alone?

There are seats for solo diners, so you can eat there alone without any pressure.

Is it easy to get to?

Gyeongsangdo Galbi Gukbap Main Branch is a 2–3 minute walk from Yeoksam Station Exit 4.