Gangseo Seoul Korean BBQ date night: Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga

Returning for marinated pork near Balsan Station

My husband and I both work in Magok and live in Magok too, so we usually explore around Magok on Friday nights. This time, we visited Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga Magok-Balsan Branch, the ultimate destination for pork ribs near Balsan Station.

Actually, this was not our first visit. We came back because we were so satisfied the last time—enough to make our eyes pop!

Wide table spacing and a quiet private-room atmosphere

The atmosphere is so neat and upscale. The tables are very, very far apart, so even when other guests are seated next to you, it does not feel uncomfortable at all.

The staff must be very well trained because everyone is truly kind. Some staff members looked young enough to be my sons, but they came over first and asked, “Would you like me to grill the meat for you?” I was really happy with the friendliness here too.

With its classic-looking exterior and private rooms, it has a great atmosphere for a quiet conversation. It also has the rare convenience of ground-level parking for the Balsan and Magok area, so you can visit without worrying about parking. There is a separate four-story parking building right next to it, with room for up to 77 cars, which felt almost one of a kind around Balsan and Magok.

They also say they offer a Korean beef yukhoe (seasoned raw beef) coupon for visits by four or more adults, so be sure to check when you make a reservation. Booking through Naver is easy.

Marinated pork and the basic table setting

That day, we ordered three portions of marinated pork. We also ordered bibim-naengmyeon (spicy mixed cold noodles), which I will show you in a moment.

Let me show you the basic table setting. Our meat came out with it, and all the side dishes were neatly arranged. It was convenient that we could order more through the kiosk. Of course, extra side dishes are free.

The geotjeori (fresh kimchi salad) in the photo was spicier than it looked. It was a perfect match with the meat, so we ordered extra scallion salad and geotjeori.

The potato salad was very good too. It was exactly to my taste.

Tender marinated ribs grilled by the staff

They grill all the meat for you like this. They keep tossing the meat as they grill it, and there is a reason for that! Apparently, it coats the meat and holds in the juices. Is that why? The meat was really tender and delicious.

The marinade is excellent, and the meat is grilled so well that you can just relax and eat.

Once it is grilled, they put it on a plate for you. As you eat, you can slowly put more meat back over the charcoal and cut it up.

Even then, the staff kept an eye on us from a distance and took care of things, so I felt really well looked after.

Bibim-naengmyeon and free pear sherbet to finish

When about half the meat was left, we ordered bibim-naengmyeon too. My husband loves it, so he always orders it.

You simply cannot resist bibim-naengmyeon with meat, right?

Finally, order the pear sherbet from the kiosk—it is perfect for cleansing your palate. The pear sherbet is free too. Be sure to request it and give it a try.

Private room and group-use information

• Private rooms: 6 to 100 people
• Group seating: table seating for 30 to 100 people
• Venue rental available
• Birthday and anniversary benefits available
• High chairs and a waiting area available
• Accessible parking spaces available
• Valet parking (call ahead) and free/paid parking available