Retractable-roof pork rib joint in Apgujeong Rodeo: Yeontan Gongjang

🍖 Apgujeong's Yeontan Gongjang

I found this place a while back while watching an actor's YouTube video, and the vibe of the restaurant that came through the screen felt so rare and heartwarming these days that I kept it in my mind, thinking I'd have to go someday!! And this time I finally made it to Yeontan Gongjang in Apgujeong. To cut to the conclusion right away, the real thing was way better than what I saw on video. It was honestly surprising that a place with this much old-school charm still exists right in the middle of Apgujeong.

Where is Yeontan Gongjang in Apgujeong, and where do you park?

Yeontan Gongjang is within walking distance of Apgujeong Rodeo Station. It's not on the main street but tucked inside an alley, so if it's your first time, it's easier to just follow a map. Once you turn into the alley off Apgujeong-ro 48-gil, the smell of burning charcoal greets you before anything else.

If you're driving, you can use the valet service. It's ₩5,000, and since finding your own parking spot in the Rodeo alleys isn't easy, I'd recommend the valet.

Yeontan Gongjang hours and seating

• Hours: Daily 16:00–24:00, open year-round
• Valet parking available (₩5,000)
• Outdoor terrace seating
• Groups welcome (around 30 people)

※ Business hours and last order times may change depending on the restaurant's circumstances, so I'd recommend calling ahead to confirm before you visit.

First impressions of this old-school Apgujeong grill house

Yeontan Gongjang's first impression is unmistakable. This isn't the trendy 'old-school concept' you see everywhere lately — it's a face shaped by real time passing.

The sign isn't flashy, and briquettes and equipment sit naturally out front. As evening falls, smoke and the smell of grilling meat drift out into the alley, so you don't even need to look for the sign to know you've found the place.

The ceiling that opens: indoor grill to open-air yard

The real twist at Yeontan Gongjang in Apgujeong starts once you're inside. When we first sat down, it looked like an ordinary indoor space, but at some point the cover above us automatically pulled back and the ceiling opened up. The space that was indoors turns straight into an open-air restaurant.

Sitting in front of the charcoal fire with the sky visible above really brings the outdoor-tent-restaurant atmosphere to life. The moment I sat down, I understood why everyone who's been to Yeontan Gongjang in Apgujeong talks about the atmosphere.

The tables aren't spaced super far apart, but since the ceiling is open, it never feels cramped. If anything, the noise from neighboring tables mixes in and adds energy. It's less suited to quiet conversation and more to sitting back, drinking, and having a good time.

Yeontan Gongjang menu and prices

The menu at Yeontan Gongjang is no-frills and meat-focused.

• Pork ribs (dwaeji galbi): ₩19,000
• King pork ribs (dwaeji wang-galbi): ₩21,000
• Beef short rib meat (so galbisal): ₩29,000
• Pork belly / pork neck (samgyeopsal/mokssal): ₩18,000 each
• Pork jowl (hangjeongsal): ₩28,000
• Pork kimchi stew: ₩11,000

There are also separate meal items like doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) and janchi guksu (noodle soup).

Four servings of pork ribs: was the marinade sweet?

We ordered four servings of pork ribs along with janchi guksu and doenjang jjigae.

The pork ribs go straight onto the charcoal fire, and as long as you keep an eye on the heat so the sauce doesn't burn, you really can't go wrong. Above all, the seasoning isn't overly sweet. With sweet-marinated ribs, the sugar usually gets to be too much after two or three pieces, but here the sweetness stops right at the right level, so it never got tiring even to the last bite.

The meat itself was great too. No tough parts, just tender the whole way through, which felt good with every bite. Add in the smoky charcoal aroma, and you get a flavor gas burners simply can't replicate. Honestly, I'm not even sure how four servings disappeared.

The janchi guksu came out at a perfect eating temperature between rounds of meat. It did a good job of cutting through the richness of the sauce.

Doenjang jjigae comes with a bowl of rice

Yeontan Gongjang's doenjang jjigae won points in a place I didn't expect. When we ordered it, a bowl of rice came along with it. These days most places charge for rice separately, so this kind of setup isn't common at all. It's a small thing, but it made the place feel generous. With beer and somaek (soju-beer mix) on the side, dinner naturally stretched on longer.

And to go for that street-tent vibe, we also ordered janchi guksu — the broth was deep, there were plenty of vegetables, and we really enjoyed it.

And the side vegetables were free-refill too, which was absolutely great for vegetable lovers like us!

Is Yeontan Gongjang good for group dinners in Gangnam?

Yeontan Gongjang in Apgujeong catches your eye with its atmosphere first, but in the end, what stays with you is the taste of the meat. Sauce that isn't too sweet and meat that's genuinely tender — those two things are solid, and that's what sets it apart from places that are all about vibe. Thanks to the roof-opening structure, visiting on a nice-weather day bumps up the satisfaction even more, and once you're sitting there, it's easy to see why it's known as a hangout for celebrities.

Prices are reasonable for the Apgujeong area, and details like the rice that comes free with the doenjang jjigae left a lasting impression. If you're looking for a relaxed place to sit and chat comfortably with friends, I'd recommend it. We're planning to go back once the weather warms up!!