Siheung meat restaurant for bibim naengmyeon and bulgogi: Bulhyangjip

A little while ago, on a weekend, I went for a drive to change up my mood and finally visited a place I'd really wanted to check out.

It's Bulhyangjip Mulwang Lake Main Branch, right next to Mulwang Reservoir in Siheung. From the parking lot to the interior to the food lineup, everything was satisfying overall, so let me introduce it!

Parking and exterior at Bulhyangjip Mulwang Lake Main Branch

Wide, easy parking and a clean-lined building by Mulwang Reservoir

Parking is always the biggest worry when driving somewhere, but Bulhyangjip has a really spacious lot, so even beginner drivers could park comfortably. The exterior is also a neatly arranged standalone building, so the first impression was already pleasant.

Walking inside, the ceilings were high, and from the terrace-feel seating to the clean wooden tables, everything was spacious and kept hygienically.

I thought this would be perfect for a family gathering or a work dinner.

The place was spacious and the tables were well-spaced, so we could eat and chat comfortably without worrying about the next table. The owner and staff kept being friendly even while busy, which made the whole meal feel really good.

Side dishes and the wrap greens self-bar at Bulhyangjip

A tidy side-dish spread and fresh greens you refill yourself

After we sat down and ordered at Bulhyangjip, a tray of neatly arranged basic side dishes came out.

Bracken fern, namul (seasoned vegetables), kimchi, salad — every side dish was clean and not overly strong-flavored, pairing well with the meat.

The self-bar set up on one side was especially impressive. From wrap greens to various sauces and kimchi, everything was kept very fresh, so we could just help ourselves to as much as we wanted. With vegetable prices these days being so high, getting to enjoy plenty of fresh wrap greens was really nice.

How does Bulhyangjip's scallion bulgogi arrive at the table?

Bulgogi buried under a mountain of shredded scallions

Finally, the main dish, bulgogi, arrived! The visual alone was eye-catching — meat on the grill with a mountain of shredded scallions piled generously on top.

The scallion bulgogi comes already cooked. Warming it once more on the grill, the aroma of the scallions and meat mingling together was really appealing. The scallions' fresh, sharp bite blended with the meat's savoriness so there was no greasiness at all.

Picking up a bite of well-cooked meat with the scallions and wrapping it with the house special sauce or in a lettuce leaf — the combination was really excellent.

Adding doenjang jjigae, steamed egg and bibim noodles to the order

Savory doenjang jjigae, soft steamed egg and bibim naengmyeon to finish

Side dishes can't be skipped when eating meat, so we also ordered savory doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) and soft steamed egg. The bubbling doenjang jjigae had a deep, savory broth that paired perfectly with the meat, and the fluffy steamed egg was seasoned just right, so we kept reaching for more.

And to finish the meal, we ordered Bulhyangjip's bibim noodles and bibim naengmyeon (spicy cold buckwheat noodles) to share!

The sauce was spicy and tangy, so it felt like it cleared out the palate after eating meat. Placing a piece of well-cooked bulgogi on top and wrapping it together with the bibim noodles was a real treat. From the doenjang jjigae to the steamed egg to the noodles, everything was a satisfying, comforting way to finish.

Are Bulhyangjip's private rooms and terrace good for group meals?

Private rooms for gatherings and a terrace with reservoir air

Looking around inside Bulhyangjip, there are neatly equipped private rooms for groups or families. They looked great for a private meal.

There's also a spacious outdoor terrace where you can enjoy an open-air atmosphere without feeling closed in, so I really liked that you can choose the mood of seating that fits your taste or the occasion.

On the way out after the meal, I noticed briquettes stacked charmingly by the entrance along with cute old-style props. It had a strong retro feel and was fun to look around, and right beside it I saw it had been featured on SBS Morning Wide! Thanks to the little sights to see, the whole experience — from the delicious meal to the very last moment — ended on an even better note.

Is Bulhyangjip worth a weekend drive to Mulwang Reservoir?

Overall, Bulhyangjip Mulwang Lake Main Branch is a clean place with neat food that anyone would be satisfied with, no matter who you come with. Being near Mulwang Lake, the location is perfect for a light walk after the meal or as part of a drive course. I don't think there's a better spot for a weekend meal out with family or a partner. Parking is easy and the staff are friendly, so I think I'll be back again soon.