Gangseo Korean BBQ with staff-grilled pork ribs: Ihwajeong

This time, I suddenly had a craving for grilled pork ribs, so I visited Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga Magok-Balsan Branch (이화정 갈비명가 마곡발산점) near Balsan Station in Seoul.

First, look at this visual. It looks sweet and savory at a glance, so appetizing, right?

Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga Magok-Balsan Branch has more than just pork ribs—it also has beef ribs and boneless beef rib meat, plus tasty dishes such as naengmyeon (cold noodles) and soybean paste stew for afterward! You can enjoy whichever meat suits your taste. There is such a varied menu, so it is easy to choose!

To give you the conclusion first..! The pork ribs were delicious without being overly sweet, and the meat seemed good quality. A variety of side dishes came out, all presented so neatly that it felt like a good place to bring guests and treat them to a meal.

Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga Magok-Balsan Branch: the basics

The address is Unit 1, 1st floor, 42 Gangseo-ro 54-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, and it is open daily from 11:00 to 22:00.

A grand-looking exterior and spacious interior

Exterior

The exterior gave off a grand feeling before I even went in. Does the inside not feel a bit like you have come to an exhibition?

Interior

Even looking at the seating inside, simply calling it spacious does not quite cover it—I think grand is the right word. It would be nice for gatherings with family, friends, or coworkers too, right?

It seemed to draw all kinds of guests, including families. The seating stretches far into the interior, so it seems like a good place for a relaxed meal with family or as a couple.

Marinated pork neck ribs and soybean paste stew

• Marinated pork neck ribs: ₩23,000 per serving
• Soybean paste stew: ₩8,000

We first ordered two servings of the signature marinated pork neck ribs.

A staff member grilled the meat for us like this. It was nice that we could eat comfortably.

They turned it over and grilled it deliciously, so the marinade did not burn and it tasted great!

After grilling it, they moved it into a dish so it was easy to eat. They grilled it so carefully that all we had to do was eat—very convenient!

Meat alone felt a little lacking, so we ordered soybean paste stew too. It made the meal feel fresher than eating only meat, which was nice.

A neatly presented table of side dishes

First, they served a salad, and it was refreshing and a nice way to whet the appetite.

The geotjeori (fresh kimchi salad) was refreshing and tasty too!

This was probably a pickle with garlic scapes? and onions in it, and this was good too.

There was potato salad as well; the plating looked lovely, and it tasted good too!

The pa-muchim (seasoned scallions) had no red pepper powder and felt focused on the clean flavor of the scallions, which I liked.

I suddenly cannot remember the name of this one, but the texture was nice!

The baek-kimchi (white kimchi) had exactly the clean flavor it looked like it would have!

Because all the basic side dishes came out so neatly, it felt like being treated to something, so I thought it would be a good place to bring parents or guests!

Lastly, they served pear sherbet as a dessert. It really cleansed and refreshed the palate, and I enjoyed it!

If you are near Balsan Station in Seoul, or near Magok Station and want pork ribs somewhere clean and comfortable, or simply want a filling meal somewhere with a nice atmosphere, visit Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga Magok-Balsan Branch near Balsan and Magok Stations..!