# Hwaseong Korean BBQ with meljeot and a self-serve bar: Hwadamga

- By Suan (https://superchart.com/en/@weeknight-spoonfuls/)
- Written Sep 7, 2026
- Local places › Restaurants › Hwaseong, Gyeonggi
- Sponsored: This visit was sponsored by the business.
- English edition: https://superchart.com/en/@weeknight-spoonfuls/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/
- Also in: [한국어](https://superchart.com/ko/@weeknight-spoonfuls/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/index.md)

## In short

Hwadamga is a Korean barbecue restaurant in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, where thick par-grilled meat is cooked with a range of accompaniments. Private rooms, dedicated parking, and a self-serve bar with side dishes and warm foods made the meal easygoing. Hwadamga is a great fit for a relaxed family meal or group gathering.

The place I visited for a delicious meal and a get-together this time was Hwadamga (화담가) Main Branch. Having visited in person, I found it well set up for a comfortable meal, from the spacious dedicated parking lot and tidy atmosphere to the neatly presented side dishes and generous self-serve bar. Most of all, I was impressed by the thick meat that arrived partially grilled and was finished on the tabletop grill. Grilling it with bracken fern, aged kimchi, and assorted vegetables made the accompaniments just as fun to enjoy with the meat.

![Exterior of Hwadamga Main Branch and its dedicated parking lot](https://img.superchart.com/images/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga-01-tkzwk-1200.webp)

![Dedicated parking lot at Hwadamga Main Branch](https://img.superchart.com/images/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga-02-xpq5k-900.webp)

![Exterior of Hwadamga Main Branch](https://img.superchart.com/images/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga-03-1ghjy-900.webp)

## Hwadamga Main Branch with dedicated parking

My first impression of Hwadamga Main Branch was a good one because parking was easy from the moment I arrived. There is a dedicated parking lot, so visiting by car did not feel burdensome, and even though I came in the evening, I was able to park with relative ease. Looking for a parking spot can be stressful before a meal has even begun, so having that taken care of made me think it would be a good place for a gathering or family meal. The owner greeted me brightly when I entered, which set a pleasant mood before the meal even started.

![Restaurant interior with bamboo partitions](https://img.superchart.com/images/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga-04-xu3di-900.webp)

![Table seating inside Hwadamga](https://img.superchart.com/images/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga-05-11rib-900.webp)

![Neatly arranged restaurant tables](https://img.superchart.com/images/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga-06-1jbxa-900.webp)

![Bamboo partitions and table seating](https://img.superchart.com/images/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga-07-72ln1-900.webp)

## Bamboo partitions and private rooms

The interior of Hwadamga Main Branch had an overall tidy, calm atmosphere. Bamboo partitions were arranged throughout the wood-toned space, naturally separating the tables from one another. A barbecue restaurant can bring to mind somewhere busy or crowded, but this interior was neatly organized and comfortable for dining. Each table also had a tablet ordering system, which made ordering simple.

![Hallway leading to the private rooms](https://img.superchart.com/images/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga-08-1ibzm-900.webp)

![Private-room hallway at Hwadamga](https://img.superchart.com/images/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga-09-zq1s5-900.webp)

What especially caught my eye were the separate private rooms. Since the spaces are divided, they looked useful not only for family meals but also when looking for a venue for a larger gathering or company dinner. Being able to talk comfortably in a space that is suitably separated from neighboring tables is quite important when choosing a meeting place, even when everyone is having the same meal. Hwadamga Main Branch had that spatial advantage as well.

![Basic table setting in brass bowls](https://img.superchart.com/images/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga-10-101pq-900.webp)

## Brass-bowl side dishes and the self-serve bar

Once seated, neatly arranged basic side dishes arrived in brass bowls. There were seasoned bean sprouts, bracken fern, seasoned balloon flower root, pickled chili peppers, ssam vegetables for wrapping, and other sides that went well with the meat. The selection was varied overall, so rather than eating only meat throughout the meal, it was nice to change up the flavors with different accompaniments. In particular, the seasoning on the side dishes was not overly strong, so they did not feel heavy alongside the meat.

![Self-serve bar prepared with a variety of foods](https://img.superchart.com/images/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga-11-1ywc5-900.webp)

Another impressive feature at Hwadamga Main Branch was the self-serve bar. Along with ssam vegetables and sauces, there was steamed kabocha squash, japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), rice, and more, so I could help myself to whatever I needed. When eating meat, wraps and accompanying side dishes can run out quickly, so I liked being able to take as much as needed. There were warm foods too, making it possible to enjoy the meat in all kinds of combinations with the side dishes.

![Par-grilled meat and ingredients for grilling](https://img.superchart.com/images/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga-12-t6lva-900.webp)

## Par-grilled meat and vegetables on one grill

Now it was time for the meat I had been looking forward to most. The partially grilled meat was visibly quite thick and looked appetizing even before it went onto the grill. Along with the meat, I grilled bracken fern, aged kimchi, scallions, shishito peppers, mushrooms, and cabbage on the grill. As the vegetables and aged kimchi cooked along with the meat, it felt like a plentiful full table came together from the one grill.

![Thick meat cooking on the grill](https://img.superchart.com/images/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga-13-189ff-900.webp)

![Thick meat browning on the grill](https://img.superchart.com/images/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga-14-sy1zg-900.webp)

As the meat browned, it really got my appetite going. Cut into easy-to-eat pieces, each bite had a crisp exterior and a chewy texture inside. The meat was especially juicy, so it was delicious enough with just salt or the basic seasoning. There was also something fun about grilling such thick cuts myself at the table, and conversation naturally continued throughout the meal.

![Meat with wasabi and onion sauce](https://img.superchart.com/images/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga-15-1su1s-900.webp)

## Wasabi onion sauce and meljeot pairings

The meat tasted a little different depending on the accompaniment. Adding a touch of wasabi and eating it with onion sauce gave the meat a clean flavor. Personally, I liked enjoying the meat's natural taste first, then adding wasabi or sauce. Even with the same meat, the experience changed according to what I ate it with, making it fun to try different combinations.

![Grill with meljeot, bracken fern, and aged kimchi](https://img.superchart.com/images/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga/bongdam-grilled-pork-selfbar-hwadamga-16-3gdo6-900.webp)

The meljeot (fermented anchovy sauce) gently bubbling on the grill was another thing not to miss. Dipping the meat in the meljeot added savory depth, and the grilled bracken fern and aged kimchi made for another enjoyable combination. Meat and aged kimchi are a familiar pairing that worked wonderfully together, while the bracken fern's distinctive texture also went well with the meat. Rather than eating it only one way, I would recommend making use of the various accompaniments.

## Grilled fish set meal next time

Looking back on what stood out from this visit, I first loved the neat atmosphere of the restaurant. The bamboo partitions naturally divided the seating, and the private rooms made it a comfortable place to eat. With the neatly presented basic side dishes, a self-serve bar stocked with varied foods, thick meat, and all the ingredients for grilling, it was easy to enjoy a leisurely meal. Above all, the owner's kind service added to the pleasant atmosphere throughout the meal.

While looking over the menu, the grilled fish set meal also caught my eye. This time I centered my meal around the meat, but if I visit again, I would like to try the grilled fish set meal too. It is the kind of place that makes you curious about menu items beyond the meat, so choosing something different on the next visit would be nice as well.

Overall, my visit to Hwadamga Main Branch was a satisfying meal. The spacious parking made it easy to visit, and the restaurant was neatly kept. I also liked being able to enjoy the neatly presented brass-bowl side dishes and generous self-serve bar, and most of all, I was impressed by grilling the thick, partially grilled meat with a variety of accompaniments. I think it would suit anyone wanting to eat in a comfortable space for a family meal or gathering, or enjoy meat and varied side dishes in a tidy atmosphere. Next time, I would love to taste the grilled fish set meal too ^^

## Where it is

- Hwadamga (화담가) (화담가)
- 58 Nangnaegi-gil, Bongdam-eup, Hyohang-gu, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
- 경기도 화성시 효행구 봉담읍 낭내기길 58 1층
- 37.220904, 126.9651196
- Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/%ED%99%94%EB%8B%B4%EA%B0%80/@37.220904,126.9651196,17z

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