Changwon BBQ restaurant full by 5pm on a Saturday: Hanpanjip

On a weekend, three of us friends met up for good meat and a round of soju, and headed to a grill house that's been extra hot lately in Gaeumjeong Market. It's Hanpanjip Changwon Gaeum Branch, known around Gaeum-dong, Changwon for its generous, well-rounded portions!

Where is Hanpanjip Changwon Gaeum Branch, and how long is the Saturday evening wait?

Hanpanjip Gaeum Branch sits right on the shopping street of Gaeumjeong Market, so it's easy to reach by public transit, and the market's warm, lively atmosphere greets you from the entrance. This Gaeum-dong, Changwon favorite has such strong word of mouth that we deliberately showed up a bit early — 5pm on a Saturday — and the place was already completely full inside. We nearly ended up waiting a long time. If you're planning a weekend or peak-time visit, I'd strongly recommend booking ahead 😙

Side dishes and the complimentary steamed egg at Hanpanjip

The moment we sat down, a clean, varied spread of side dishes appeared. From pickled vegetables that go perfectly with the meat to a range of sauces, the lineup was really to my liking.

Before the meat arrived, us three friends — reunited after a while — clinked glasses of chilled soju-and-beer to wet our throats, and the real eating began haha

While we were mid-drink, a fluffy, puffed-up complimentary steamed egg arrived. The nutty sesame oil scent hit the moment it landed, and a big spoonful revealed a soft texture with a gentle, savory sesame oil flavor — absolutely the best drinking snack,, 😭

What comes on the 600g assorted platter: pre-grilled pork neck, belly and skin

What we ordered that day was the signature assorted platter 600g. This place's biggest strength is that the meat comes out pre-grilled once in the kitchen until golden brown. Less smoky smell clinging to your clothes, and so much easier to grill at the table.

The 600g assorted set is packed with a nice variety — thick pork neck, juicy belly, and chewy pork skin. On top of that, white kimchi, scallion and bean sprouts are laid on the grill and cooked golden along with the meat, and the sight of scallion and white kimchi sizzling in the pork fat is just incredible!!

I grilled the pre-cooked neck and belly a little further and took a bite — the moment I chewed, the juices burst in my mouth.

Paired with the crisp bean sprouts and savory white kimchi grilled alongside, the richness was completely cut, and the drinks just kept coming. The chewy, salty pork skin was a real delicacy too,,

The meat combo was so good that the three of us ended up drinking a truly enormous amount that night, having a blast

Finishing with doenjang stew and plum tea on the way out

As we were finishing the meat, we ordered the essential closer — doenjang stew (soybean paste stew) — for a clean finish. The savory, spicy stew broth really settled our stomachs, letting us wrap things up perfectly to the very end.

Traces of a good drunk night

And before paying and heading out, they gave us a free refreshing plum tea for dessert, so we finished with a clean sip and a good mood 😉 If you want to enjoy a hearty pre-grilled pork platter with a satisfying drink at Gaeumjeong Market, definitely book ahead and stop by Hanpanjip Changwon Gaeum Branch, a real Gaeum-dong, Changwon favorite.