Gapyeong butcher shop with pork belly by thickness: Ari Chuksan

Where did I stop for takeaway meat in Cheongpyeong?

On a day driving through Namyangju and Yangpyeong to Gapyeong, I stopped at Ari Chuksan (아리축산) to pick up meat for eating at home. It is a butcher shop on the first floor at 23 Gangbyeon-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do. This time, rather than staying at a pension, I packed the meat and headed home.

What meat is available, and can you choose pork belly thickness?

There was a broad selection, from Korean beef and pork to marinated meat. I especially liked that pork belly was stocked in different thicknesses. There were cuts from thinly sliced to moderately thick, so I could choose while considering how I wanted to grill them.

They also carried sirloin, tenderloin, T-bone, and tomahawk cuts. The Korean beef prices felt relatively affordable. That day, I chose Korean beef brisket deckle and pork belly, packing the pork belly in two styles: thin and medium-thick.

How did pork belly texture vary by thickness?

When we got home, I was tired and fell asleep first, so my husband grilled and ate the thin pork belly by himself. He said it cooked quickly, with crisp edges that made it a savory style to enjoy. I did not personally taste the thin pork belly.

I grilled the medium-thick pork belly the next day. Cooked slowly, it turned golden outside while remaining moist and chewy inside. The richness of the fat blended with the clean flavor of the lean meat, with a pleasing springiness when chewed. It felt about as chewy as the Nokdon pork I usually enjoy, so I was satisfied.

What did the Korean beef brisket deckle taste like?

After the pork belly, I also grilled the Korean beef brisket deckle. Cooked just enough, it was tender rather than tough, with a clean first taste followed by a subtle beef aroma and savory flavor. It was not overly fatty or heavy, and it also paired well with wine.

I prefer meat that is leaner but still has a pronounced meaty flavor over very fatty cuts, and the brisket deckle suited that preference well. I was glad I had prepared both: the chewy, savory pork belly and the clean flavor of the Korean beef.

What were the reservation benefits and delivery terms at the time?

The notice displayed at the time of my visit said that visitors who made a Naver reservation would receive lettuce, shredded scallions, salt, sauce, and more. It also said delivery was free for orders of ₩70,000 or more. It said sale information could be checked through the KakaoTalk channel.

How was it for grocery shopping on a Cheongpyeong or Gapyeong trip?

We bought meat to eat at home after our drive, but I thought it would be a convenient stop based on your route if you were staying at a pension in Cheongpyeong or Gapyeong. With Korean beef and pork available together, plus a choice of pork belly thicknesses, it seemed useful for preparing meat for a group according to different preferences.

The chewy texture of the medium-thick pork belly I tried myself and the clean flavor of the Korean beef brisket deckle stayed with me. If I am nearby again, I would like to choose other cuts too, and I am thinking of trying a delivery order as well.