Are you looking for the best galbi spots in Pyeongtaek? If you live in Pyeongtaek and love grilled meats, you must try this galbi restaurant list!
Where is Pyeongtaek?
Feel free to skip this section if you live in Pyeongtaek or know about the area. We try to make sure that everyone knows what area our blog post recommendations cover since we don’t know what part of you Korea you may currently exist in when viewing our information.
Pyeongtaek-si is located in the southern portion of the Gyeonggi-do province. This large city includes both US military installations, Camp Humphreys, and Osan Air Base.
The galbi recommendations provided exist within different areas of Pyeongtaek-si. Therefore, in this blog post, South of Seoul provides addresses and phone numbers. However, we recommend using this information in either Naver Maps or Kakao Maps for the best results. As a result, such apps help you figure out how far each restaurant might be from you.
The Difference Between Galbi and BBQ
Korean galbi and BBQ are similar in that they involve grilling meat, usually beef or pork, over a fire or heating element. However, the two types of dishes have a few key differences.
Meat Cut
One of the main differences between Korean galbi and Korean BBQ is the meat cut. Korean galbi consists of short ribs marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and other ingredients. Then, these ribs are typically grilled over high heat and served in thin slices. On the other hand, Korean BBQ can be made with various cuts of meat, including ribeye, sirloin, and pork belly. The thinly sliced meat, grilled at the table, allows diners to cook their food to their desired level of doneness.
Types of Galbi
You can find pork, beef, and chicken galbi since the term galbi refers to rib cuts. For the sake of this post, we focus on pork and beef galbi options. Some restaurants, however, may offer all types of galbi in one restaurant, sometimes even as a sampler platter.
How Galbi is Prepared
You might cook the galbi at your table (like you do with BBQ), or the galbi may arrive pre-cooked. This is because galbi refers to the meat cut, not the cooking process. This means the galbi might even be braised instead of grilled. It just depends on the restaurant.
Additionally, galbi comes in many different seasoning styles depending on the type of meat, cooking style, and area of Korea. Therefore, there is no one kind of galbi flavor.
Side Dishes
Another difference between the two dishes is the way that they are served. Often, Korean galbi restaurants serve galbi as a main dish accompanied by various side dishes, such as pickled vegetables, spicy mustard, and ssamjang (a Korean dipping sauce). On the other hand, Korean BBQ is often served as a communal meal, with diners cooking their own meat at the table and wrapping it in lettuce or other vegetables with the accompaniments.
Overall, while Korean galbi and Korean BBQ both involve grilling meat, they differ in the types of meat used and the service. If you love Korean side dishes, grilled galbi restaurants may appeal to you more than regular BBQ restaurants which may serve more meat-cut options but with fewer side dishes.
Galbi Restaurants In Pyeongtaek
Although some restaurants may offer Galbi and BBQ on their menus, some feature galbi as their specialty. We recommend trying each of these locations (and more) so that you are ready to vote for your favorite spot in the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll that happens each year in Pyeongtaek. The current list was based on the 2022 Best of Pyeontaek Poll voting, starting with the winner.
Additionally, the following list focuses on Pork and Beef Galbi. A chicken galbi category will be included in the 2023 Best of Pyeongtaek Poll.
Galbi Variations Exist Across Korea and Pyeongtaek
Understand, galbi restaurants across Pyeongtaek and Korea create their own menus and concepts. Expect things to change depending on where you are in the country, price point, location within a city, and much more. Much like a burger restaurant, core aspects of a galbi or BBQ restaurant exist but then variation also exists regarding sauces, veggies, sides, meat cuts, marinates, etc.
The longer you live in Korea and the more places you eat, the more you can pick out the differences and develop preferences. It takes time to develop a pallet and understanding of new Korean food items. Have fun exploring all the different galbi restaurants and learning the unique aspects of each spot.
Myeongnyun Jinsa Short Ribs AYCE
031-618-9910
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Popular all-you-can-eat galbi BBQ restaurant located a few minutes drive from the Camp Humphreys main gate in Paengseong. This new restaurant offers delicious marinated meats grilled at your table.
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 팽성읍 안정쇼핑로 91
Hwa Hwa Korean BBQ
This chain Korean BBQ restaurant is well loved by the Humphreys community and is one of the first tastes of Korean BBQ that many foreigners experience.
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 팽성읍 안정로 43
The Tasty Grilled Short Ribs
0507-1416-0369
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Incredibly delicious grilled ribs which you can get with cheese fondue.
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 현신1길 33
Nolboo Hangari Galbi
0507-1471-3738
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
This is hands down one of the best meat restaurant near base. They order quality meat and hold the restaurant to superior standards. Its a must try.
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 쇼핑로 18
Sodam Goeul Songtan
031-665-5840
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Closed for renovations: opening again in 2024.
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 지산로 35
bon92
031-611-9004
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Gorgeous giant restaurant that features two main dishes: grilled galbi and spicy baby octopus. Very clean and delicious. Excellent for families or those having a date night.
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 송탄고가길 101
Currently, the above list also includes primarily grilled galbi options because it’s the most recognized galbi style by international residents living in Pyeongtaek. However, we encourage you to search out and try many different types of galbi while living or traveling in South Korea. Please make sure to share your favorite Galbi spots in South of Seoul groups to help us expand our information and lists!
Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group
You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. With so many different voices and opinions, it is always refreshing to see everyone’s adventures in our local community. Additionally, the shared posts introduce our community to new places and old places that can feel new all over again.
Volunteer with South of Seoul
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Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences.
