Three Historic Galbi (Beef Rib) Regions of Gyeonggi-do

How one of most famous Korean foods 'galbi' gets famed in Gyeonggi Province?

ⓒGyeonggi Province

[Idong Galbi of Pocheon City]

Located in the northern part of Gyeonggi Province (Gyeonggi-do), Pocheon City (Pocheon-si) is situated the northernmost area of South Korea that lies on the border with North Korea. Brutal battles took place in this region during the Korean War. Even today, many military units are located in Pocheon.

ⓒGyeonggi Province

Pocheon Idong Galbi came to be in such a setting. It originated from the grilled rib skewers that were sold in the 1960s around the Idong-myeon area of Pocheon to soldiers who had little disposable income. Compared to other regions, the generous portions and affordable prices made Pocheon galbi popular among soldiers and visitors alike, and it became a local specialty. It gained popularity across the nation from the 1980s onwards when domestic travel became more common in Korea.

ⓒGyeonggi Province

ⓒGyeonggi Province

Various galbi restaurants can be found in the Idong Galbi Village of Pocheon, ranging from traditional restaurants with decades of history to newly built, modern restaurants. It is said there used to be over 500 galbi restaurants in the area during the peak of popularity. On the weekends, the area is visited by many families who are looking for a light picnic and nice meal. Unlike Suwon City, which is well-known for its beef ribs, Idong Galbi Village is popular for its ribs marinated in soy sauce. Each restaurant has different merits, such as affordable prices, beautiful vistas, unique ways of serving the ribs, and more. It can be a fun to explore the area, searching for a restaurant that satisfies your preferences.

· Address : 14-2, Jangam 1-gil Idong-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

[Wang Galbi of Suwon City]

Suwon is a city of history and culture that is recognized around the world. Suwon wang galbi (premium beef rib) is a popular attraction that garners as much fame for Suwon as Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site.

ⓒGyeonggi Province

Suwon galbi was developed by a restaurant called "Hwachunok" that opened in the 1940s. The restaurant became popular through word of mouth for putting galbi in a nourishing soup. In 1956, the owner of that restaurant marinated beef ribs in a variety of ingredients, seasoned them with salt, and then cooked them over a charcoal grill. This marked the beginning of Suwon galbi.

ⓒGyeonggi Province

Suwon galbi is known for its deep and rich flavor as it is grilled over hardwood charcoal and does not contain artificial sweeteners. It is also popular for the generous portions in which it is served, gaining the moniker "wang (king) galbi" for this reason. Each rib is usually over 15cm long. In 1985, Suwon galbi was recognized for its taste as well as for its tradition and designated as a local specialty of Suwon City.

Suwon Gabojeong is a particularly popular restaurant in Suwon City, which abounds with lovely restaurants. It serves wang galbi as well as hanjeongsik (Korean table d'hote) prepared with a variety of dishes.

· Address : 282 Jangdari-ro, Ingye-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

[Tteokgalbi of Dongducheon City]

ⓒGyeonggi Province

Tteokgalbi (grilled rib patty) is prepared with finely chopped beef ribs that are marinated, shaped into patties, and then grilled to be served. This was a gourmet meal that was often enjoyed by kings. Some even say that it was invented for a king of the Joseon Dynasty so that he did not have to use his hands to hold the ribs, thereby protecting his dignity. Now, it is a popular dish that is loved by everyone.

After the Korean War, tteokgalbi of Dongducheon City first emerged as a cheap food for soldiers. It has now become a local specialty. With a relatively long history, there are many tteokgalbi restaurants in the region. However, "Songwolgwan" is one of the oldest tteokgalbi restaurants in Dongdocheon, boasting over 70 years of tradition since its establishment in 1945.

ⓒGyeonggi Province

Although it has been in operation for a long time, the restaurant was renovated and boasts a modern and spacious interior. In addition to tteokgalbi, it also serves various other dishes such as short rib soup, cold buckwheat noodles, and bone soup that all go well with tteokgalbi.

The best way to enjoy tteokgalbi, which resembles a giant hamburger patty, is to eat it fresh off the grill. This allows you to fully appreciate the soft texture of the juicy meat. Secondly, instead of eating the whole patty in one bite, it is better to use your chopsticks to eat one small piece at a time. You can either dip a piece in the sauce that is served together with tteokgalbi or wrap it in lettuce to make a "ssam" (lettuce wrap).

If you want to taste a traditional Korean dish in Gyeonggi Province, we highly recommend the tteokgalbi restaurant in Dongducheon City called "Songwolgwan."

· Address : 28-10, Keunsijang-ro, Dongducheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

ⓒGyeonggi Province

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