Gimpo restaurant for spicy braised pork ribs: Jin Galmaegal

Want truly delicious, spicy braised ribs in Gimpo? Now all you need to remember is Jin Galmaegal Pungmu Branch!

A friend had recommended Jin Galmaegal’s spicy braised ribs from the main branch for ages and told me I absolutely had to go. Then I heard that the Jin Galmaegal I’d been so curious about had opened in Pungmu-dong, Gimpo!

I’m usually a big fan of spicy braised pork back ribs, so I visited Jin Galmaegal Pungmu Branch, a popular meat restaurant in Pungmu-dong, looking forward to seeing just how good it would be.

Jin Galmaegal Pungmu Branch: location and hours

It is at Unit 102, Building 1, Yeongwon Plaza, 19 Pungmu-ro 96beon-gil, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do. It is open from 15:00 to 22:30, closed every Monday, and may close early when ingredients sell out. Takeout and parking are available, too.

What about parking and the atmosphere?

Jin Galmaegal Pungmu Branch had only recently opened, so it was especially clean. The ground-level lot is behind the building, but it is shared with the church on the second floor, so watch out for evening service times,, I happened to arrive during Wednesday service, and the lot was already double- and triple-parked full. It is better to check the paid No Brand parking lot next door or look around for nearby spaces.

The inside was just as clean and neatly arranged. The tables were laid out comfortably, but since it was dinnertime, it was already full of families, friends, and couples.

Ordering spicy braised pork back ribs for two

Large menu boards that are easy to take in at a glance are posted on both walls at Jin Galmaegal Pungmu Branch, a spot for spicy braised ribs in Gimpo.

You can order from a tablet at the table. The signature spicy braised ribs come in portions for two or three, with extra single portions available, plus all sorts of delicious add-ins—and soju for ₩4,000, which was very welcome news!

There are also rice balls, mini pork cutlets, and steamed egg, so it is an easy place to bring kids along.

When ordering, you choose the heat level! Level 1 is the basic heat, about like Shin Ramyun; level 2 is medium, pleasantly hot and spicy; and level 3 is hot, about like Buldak 볶음면. Spicy braised ribs need a good kick, so I ordered level 2 medium! I also added soft tofu and mushrooms.

And the side table was so convenient. Each seat had one ready, making it easy to set out cups, soju glasses, beer glasses, small plates, and wet wipes ourselves!

The simple banchan (Korean side dishes) included lettuce, kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi) salad, and white kimchi.

Spicy braised ribs with soft tofu and mushrooms

Before long, the spicy braised pork back ribs for two arrived generously piled into a large metal bowl! It looked even more appetizing as it bubbled away,,

Adding soft tofu and mushrooms gave us plenty to eat with the broth, too~ My friend had strongly insisted that I had to add the tofu, and one look at the ribs made me immediately understand why.

The pot was practically overflowing with big back ribs, glass noodles, and rice cakes,, I pushed the ribs to one side and carefully dropped in a block of soft tofu. The extra mushrooms were generous, too, so I gently added them without letting anything spill over.

It came with chewy glass noodles and wheat rice cakes as standard! The rice cakes soaked up the spicy, savory broth so well that they were wonderfully chewy and delicious,, I totally recommend the rice cakes, too.

Personally, level 2 was exactly the right heat for enjoying it! You could definitely taste the spice, but it was not aggressively hot. Scooping up soft tofu and chewy mushrooms with that broth, all I could think was how perfectly they went together,,

As it kept simmering and the seasoning soaked in, the meat on the back ribs became so tender that it slipped right off the bone—no effort needed at all.

Of all the braised pork back ribs I have had, these from Jin Galmaegal in Gimpo had the most meat still attached to the bones. The spicy seasoning had soaked in beautifully, making every bite really cling to the palate?!

You cannot leave soju out with a dish like this. Tender ribs, soft tofu, chewy glass noodles, rice cakes, and mushrooms with that savory broth—honestly, the drinks just go down by themselves,,

Finishing with fried rice in the broth

With Jin Galmaegal’s spicy braised ribs in Pungmu-dong, you have to finish by making fried rice in the broth. No matter how full I was, I kept reaching for it and scraped the bowl clean!

I had been curious about this place for ages, and thanks to its opening in Gimpo, I finally got to try Jin Galmaegal. With adjustable heat, naturally tender ribs, and generous add-ins, Jin Galmaegal is a great Pungmu-dong spot for a hearty meal. If I’m craving spicy braised ribs and a drink in Gimpo, I’ll be back!