Gajeong Station shabu-shabu buffet with topping ice cream: Shabuway

Today I want to introduce a shabu-shabu spot near Ruwon City and Cheongna in Seo-gu, Incheon, that really won me over ✨

It's Shabuway Ruwon City branch! There are so many all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu places these days, but unlike the usual budget-ingredient buffets, this place has a classy, premium vibe and top-quality ingredients, so I left much more satisfied 💓

Where is Shabuway Ruwon City Cheongna Branch, and when is it open?

• 📍 Location: 11 Yeomgok-ro 464beon-gil, Seo-gu, Incheon, 2nd floor, Ruwon Tower Plaza, units 201–208, South Korea
• ⏰ Hours: Daily 11:30 - 21:30 (Break time 15:30 - 17:00)
• 🚘 Parking available (basement parking of the building)
• ✔️ 459m from Exit 4, Gajeong Station, Incheon Line 2

A clean, roomy dining room that suits a meal with parents

The moment I stepped in, the first thing I noticed was how hygienic and clean everything was.

The spacious, comfortable layout meant there was no cramped feeling at all, and the interior felt classy — perfect for a family gathering or bringing my parents along.

It stayed pleasant the whole meal, so I promised myself I'd definitely come back with my parents next time 💓

What is on the salad bar and buffet at Shabuway?

When you order the shabu-shabu, they first bring out the base broth, and while it's coming to a boil, I checked out what was available at the self-bar.

The vegetable and rice-wrap (wolnamssam) corner

The fresh vegetables and mushrooms were kept clean and hygienic, and the rice-wrap (fresh spring roll) ingredients were also neatly laid out separately, so it was easy to grab whatever you liked :)

Side buffet dishes: mala xiangguo, seasoned galbi, tangsuyuk and chicken

There was a warm soup, mala xiangguo (spicy numbing stir-fry), seasoned galbi (short ribs), fried rice, tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork), chicken, and so much more to fill up on before the shabu-shabu itself.

Honestly, you'd be satisfied just eating the side dishes before the main broth even starts boiling!!

The restaurant's recommended sauce combination, and how to mix your own

The sauce is the real star of shabu-shabu, right? There were so many options at the sauce bar that I wasn't sure how to combine them, so I followed the store's posted 'recommended sauce combo.'

Dipping according to the recipe, it paired amazingly well with the vegetables and meat — the umami just exploded ✨ If you visit, don't overthink it, just go with the store's recommended combo.

Quality meat with fresh vegetables in the shabu-shabu broth

Once the broth started boiling, I loaded it up with fresh vegetables and meat and dug in for real haha

The owner mentioned they only use good-grade meat, and I could tell the difference the moment it hit my mouth.

It wasn't just talk — the meat quality was genuinely great, savory and tender with every bite ㅜㅜㅜ

Dipping the fresh, crisp vegetables and meat generously into the sauce, it was so good I couldn't stop my chopsticks.

Even with a slightly higher price point, I felt this quality was absolutely worth coming back for.

Finishing with dessert ice cream and your own toppings

After finishing a filling meal, I grabbed some ice cream for dessert.

It wasn't cheap-tasting ice cream at all — it was chewy with deep flavor, high quality enough to genuinely impress me. Plus there were various toppings to add on top, so I got to enjoy a perfect meal right down to the very end.

If you're trying to decide on a truly delicious shabu-shabu spot near Incheon or Cheongna, don't hesitate — visit Shabuway Ruwon City branch! It's a top pick that people of all ages should enjoy. Highly recommend! 😊