Gapyeong butcher shop with barbecue side dishes: Ari Chuksan

On my way camping in Gapyeong, I stopped by Ari Chuksan (아리축산) near Cheongpyeong Station to buy meat for a barbecue. I chose thick cuts for charcoal grilling and looked over foods to serve alongside them.

Can I do other grocery shopping on the way to camp?

Ari Chuksan is at 23 Gangbyeon-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, on the first floor. There was a supermarket behind the shop, as well as a convenience store and traditional market next door, so I could buy items other than meat nearby.

It was convenient to park once and buy meat, alcohol, ice, fruit, and other foods at nearby places. I also felt it was well located for combining grocery shopping while heading to a pension in Gapyeong or Cheongpyeong.

What kinds of meat were available for barbecue?

Customers kept coming in during my visit, so the shop was busy. I could look over the displayed meat and choose it myself.

The pork selection included samgyeopsal (pork belly), ogyeopsal (five-layer pork belly), and pork neck, while several cuts of beef were packaged as well. There were also large tomahawk steaks and udaegalbi (bone-in short ribs), so I could compare cuts for a camping barbecue.

How was the thick meat chosen for charcoal grilling?

I was looking for thick cuts rather than thinly sliced meat. When I told the owner I would be grilling it over charcoal, they recommended meat with some thickness. Once I arrived at the campsite and grilled it over charcoal, it felt juicy.

When I ate it, I did not notice any off smell from the pork, and it was savory with just a light dip in coarse salt. The charcoal aroma went well with the chewy texture of the thick meat. The people I went with also said we should buy meat here again next time we came out.

Can I buy ssam vegetables and convenience foods too?

Small packs of ssam vegetables, shredded green onion, peeled garlic, and ssamjang were displayed. I could choose ingredients to serve with meat for camping or a pension stay.

There were several kinds of marinated meat, along with frozen foods suitable for a simple meal or late-night snack. It was convenient to prepare small food items along with the meat.

Is there information about reserving a purchase before visiting?

The original post said that applying in advance for Ari Chuksan's “reservation purchase” through Naver Place came with a service item. However, it did not specify the service item, spending requirements, or period of availability.

What stood out from this visit was getting a recommendation for thick meat suited to charcoal grilling and being able to look over side ingredients at the same time. The meat I grilled and ate at the campsite also suited my taste, so I would like to stop by again on my next trip to Cheongpyeong.