Dongtan kimchi stew restaurant with 1,900-won soju: Yangpuni

Yangpuni Kimchi Jjigae & Samgyeopsal, a Dongtan Gaenari Park favorite, a Dongtan Central Park favorite, a spot known for samgyeopsal, kimchi jjigae, and kimchi-jjim.

<Location> 17-9 Bansong-dong, Dongtan-gu, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do 36-13 Dongtanbansong 3-gil, Dongtan-gu, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do <Hours> Weekdays 11:00–24:00 Weekends 11:00–24:00 (Break time 15:00–16:00) (Last order 23:00) <Parking> Parking available in front of the store Gaenari Park street public parking <Signature dishes> Kimchi jjigae, kimchi-jjim, duruchigi, samgyeopsal <Other> Hwaseong local currency accepted

Today I went back to 'Yangpuni Kimchi Jjigae & Samgyeopsal,' located inside Gaenari Park in the Dongtan1 new town. I've been going to this place a lot since last year. The signature menu items are samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), kimchi jjigae, kimchi-jjim, and duruchigi. I've tried everything except the kimchi-jjim, and it's all delicious. Today's meal was very satisfying too.

Where is Yangpuni? Inside Gaenari Park, with 4–5 spots out front

Yangpuni Kimchi Jjigae & Samgyeopsal has about 4–5 parking spots in front of the store, which makes parking pretty easy. I've never once shown up and found no spot open. If the spots are full, you can use the Gaenari Park street public parking lot — the first 1.5 hours are free.

The exterior of the place is clean and tidy. I first found this spot because of a sign advertising 1,900 won soju, and I've gone back often since. With how expensive everything is these days, 1,900 won soju is basically selling at cost, right? And I especially liked that they use domestic Korean ingredients.

Tables for four at Yangpuni, and why they fill up at dinner

Yangpuni Kimchi Jjigae & Samgyeopsal's seating is made up of several 4-person tables. The interior is clean too, and a big air conditioner was running full blast, so it was nice and cool.

Up until my last visit, it wasn't all that crowded, but it seems word has spread lately because it was busy this time. There was even a group dinner table — the pork belly and soju are cheap, so it's a great spot for a work dinner too!

Menu prices: 26,000-won kimchi stew set for two, samgyeopsal 7,500 won per 100g

The menu includes kimchi jjigae, kimchi-jjim, and duruchigi. Prices run about 10,000–11,000 won per serving, which is pretty good value. And the samgyeopsal is 7,500 won per 100g — probably the cheapest domestic pork belly around this area. I've had it 2-3 times and remember the meat quality being really good.

I didn't drink today, but see that 1,900 won soju sign? Come back for a drink sometime!

We ordered the 'kimchi jjigae set' and 'ramen noodles' add-on. The set includes an egg roll. It's only 26,000 won for two — a great deal. (The set includes rice; à la carte doesn't.) The ramen noodles add-on is 1,000 won.

What's on the self-serve bar, plus separate restrooms

On one side of Yangpuni Kimchi Jjigae & Samgyeopsal there's a self-serve bar. It has dried radish strips, scallion salad, bean sprouts, pickled onion, kimchi, garlic, and ssamjang (seasoned soybean paste), with dried radish strips and braised soybeans served as basic side dishes. We didn't have samgyeopsal today, so we didn't use the self-serve bar.

Another thing I really liked was that there are separate restrooms inside — one for men, one for women — and they were clean, not messy at all. There's also fabric deodorizer, which is nice to use after eating grilled meat.

The thick egg roll and kimchi jjigae with 1,000-won ramen noodles

The egg roll included in the set is pretty thick. It comes with ketchup sauce, and there's a bit of scallion mixed in.

The kimchi jjigae isn't too intense — it has a mild, clean flavor. The pork comes in 2-3 big chunks you cut yourself, which I liked because you can size the pieces however you want, and it being domestic pork made it even better. There's also plenty of tofu and kimchi in it. You know ramen noodles taste best cooked right in the stew, right? The noodles soaked up the seasoning nicely and had that chewy, delicious texture.

Is Yangpuni worth it for a Dongtan group dinner or a quick meal?

Today I went back to 'Yangpuni Kimchi Jjigae & Samgyeopsal' in Dongtan's Gaenari Park. I've come here often before, but today was the first time in a while that I had the kimchi jjigae. Usually I come for the samgyeopsal, which is genuinely great value and delicious too.

Up until a few months ago, the restaurant had more delivery and takeout orders than dine-in customers, but today it was nearly full. The staff are friendly, and the food and value are both excellent, so it seems word is finally spreading. If you're planning a group dinner or just a simple meal in Dongtan, I strongly recommend stopping by here. I guarantee you'll have a very satisfying meal!