Perilla seed kalguksu and table fans in Giheung, Yongin: Deungchon

We watched the Hatchping movie with the kids at CGV Giheung and then went for a delicious meal right next door! There's a place we always stop by whenever the weather turns chilly or we're craving a hot, nutty broth — Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu Giheung Station Branch, which has a reputation as a shabu-shabu spot in Giheung.

I usually love the spicy version of shabu-shabu too, but today I picked the perilla kalguksu so the kids and I could enjoy something rich but easy on the stomach — and it was such a satisfying meal!

Where is Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu Giheung Station Branch, and when is it open?

Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu Giheung Station Branch is at 206, basement level 2, ICT Valley Building B, 58 Giheung-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Parking is free for 2 hours (free all weekend), open daily 11:00–21:00, with a break time from 15:00–17:00 and last orders at 14:00 and 20:00.

If you're looking for a kalguksu spot near Giheung-gu Office, this place is very convenient too. Just walk out through the automatic door connected to the CGV and you'll find it easily. Perfect for a movie-then-meal combo at CGV Giheung!

It's set in a spacious, comfortable basement space in the ICT Valley building, so parking is easy and it's well suited for family visits. Very handy whether you're coming from Giheung Station or Giheung-gu Office looking for a good kalguksu or shabu-shabu spot.

What comes with the perilla seed mushroom kalguksu, and how to order it

Perilla mushroom kalguksu is a menu item you order for 2 or more people, and the base set alone comes generously loaded with vegetables (minari, mushrooms, potatoes), kalguksu noodles, dumplings and fried rice. We walked in and browsed the menu comfortably using the kiosk at the table.

True to its reputation as a shabu-shabu spot in Yongin, the base set alone is already delicious and satisfying, but since our kids really love meat, we added shabu beef! (Honestly, even without the extra meat, the basic perilla broth and vegetables alone are plenty rich and wonderful.)

Not long after ordering, a big hot pot arrived piled high with fresh minari (water dropwort) like a little tower. You could tell how fresh the ingredients were just by looking, and it built up our excitement before we'd even taken a bite.

Perilla seed broth with minari and fresh-cut kimchi

As it began to bubble, the nutty aroma of perilla filled the air. With the kalguksu noodles, chunky dumplings and vivid red shabu beef all set out, the table looked hearty just from the sight of it.

The lifeblood of any kalguksu restaurant is the kimchi, right? True to its name as a kalguksu spot in Yongin, the crunchy, sweet-and-spicy fresh kimchi (geotjeori) seemed carefully made, and it paired amazingly with the nutty perilla flavor.

We grabbed some well-cooked minari, mushrooms and beef together, dipped them lightly in the special sauce, and tasted. The rich, nutty perilla broth combined with the fresh, bright aroma of minari had absolutely no heaviness to it — I just kept wanting more. Who knew nutty perilla broth would pair this well with minari — I found myself marveling every single bite.

You absolutely have to try the potatoes too, cooked soft in the broth until fluffy. Cut a piece with your spoon and eat it with the rich perilla broth — it melts softly in your mouth, and the nuttiness doubles into a real delicacy.

Why it works with kids: a handheld fan on every table

Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu Giheung Station Branch has a handheld fan set up at every table. Maybe because the broth was so nutty and clean, our kids picked up their bowls and scraped them clean. It completely won over even the kids' picky palates, and the whole family got to eat happily together.

And there was one truly touching detail unique to Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu Giheung Station Branch — a handheld fan at every table! It was so convenient to fan hot food to cool it down before giving it to the kids. The owner's thoughtfulness and attention to detail really stood out and made the visit more memorable.

The fried rice finish that beats Chinese-restaurant fried rice

After finishing off the kalguksu noodles, comes Deungchon's signature highlight — the fried rice!! A staff member takes the pot away and stir-fries it with real skill, and the moment I took the first spoonful, I let out an actual "wow!"

Every single grain of rice was coated and fried up light and fluffy — skilled enough to put Chinese-restaurant fried rice to shame! With the nutty egg flavor and scallion aroma mixed in, even though we were already full, we and the kids scraped the pot clean down to the bottom. On the way out, they even gave us cool, sweet yogurt drinks, which wrapped things up perfectly.

Final verdict on Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu in Giheung

Deep, nutty perilla broth, fresh vegetables, chewy kalguksu noodles, and finally that amazing fried rice — getting to enjoy it all as a course made for a really satisfying meal. The kindness and thoughtful little touches made it an even more pleasant meal out. We'll definitely be back again soon!

If you want a healthy, delicious meal with your family, I strongly recommend Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu Giheung Station Branch, a shabu-shabu spot in Giheung!!!