Looking for the best restaurants, cafes, and spots for drinks in Pyeongtaek? Or maybe you are looking for the best restaurants near Camp Humphreys or Osan Air Force Base. Here are the winners of the 2024 Best of Pyeongtaek Awards! What is South of Seoul? Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul (SOS) volunteer organization supports ex-pats living outside Seoul. The SOS volunteers manage multiple Facebook groups, the South of Seoul Facebook page, the South of Seoul blog, the SOS Public Health Program, and the South of Seoul AI Assistant to help English-speaking international residents thrive living across Korea. Our volunteers adore the rich life we live south of Seoul, and we feel honored to help new arrivals discover the hidden magic it holds. For example, Pyeongtaek-si is a rewarding mix of city life and country life which can make it a challenge for new arrivals since access may feel complicated. However, with a little information like the ‘Best of Pyeongtaek Poll Winners’ list, Pyeongtaek-si can be a delightful place for new arrivals and long-term international residents alike. What is the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? South of Seoul is proud to host the 8th Annual Best of Pyeongtaek Poll to celebrate our delicious and delightful community. The Best of Pyeongtaek Awards provide a chance for the international community to support their favorite people and places. How did the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll change in 2024? For 2024, South of Seoul added a few new categories and withdrew a few to respond to the changes in our community’s dining needs and culinary interests. Since SOS volunteers stay closely connected with the community, we adjust the categories each year to reflect changes in the community. We actively assess the current needs of the international community by analyzing the information and questions shared in our various community groups. Such an agile program design means the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll is a little different each year. Who votes in the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? The South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek poll is open to the public. We make every feasible effort to reach outside the South of Seoul community into the communities around us to gain an authentic insight into the preferences of English-speaking international residents in Pyeongtaek. SOS volunteers feel confirmation bias does not serve the greater good, so we seek opinions outside of our own sphere of influence. We want the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll to hold accurate information, whether that information matches our beliefs or not. South of Seoul limits each business to 3 wins. We do this to keep the poll results engaging, helpful, and informative. In addition, since write-in votes are allowed, and some businesses may have an overwhelming advantage due to location and language ability, limiting the number of wins per business to 3 categories creates a better experience for all involved. South of Seoul volunteers want to meet the community’s authentic needs. Therefore, the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll provides us with the insight we need by reflecting on the opinions of others. That said, nothing about this poll is scientific. It is for fun and for community development. We level the playing field by leaving the poll open for two weeks so that community members can vote once a day and deeply support the people and businesses they love. What did you learn from the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in 2024? When reviewing the responses to The Best of Pyeongtaek 2023 poll, we found that English-speaking international residents’ comfort zone in Pyeongtaek-si retracted in 2024 for the first time. We can see this trend based on the decrease in votes for locations beyond Sinjang-dong and Anjeong-ri. We hope this see this reverse in 2025 as we share new places across the city. In 2024,13% of Best of Pyeongtaek winners won for the first time. After a large turnover in 2023, we found many of the favorite spots continued to lead the way. It’s exciting to see so many favorite places stand the test of time. In 2024, we saw that South of Seoul continues to be a leader in information in Pyeongtaek. Our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group has been a powerhouse of information with the community that allows us all to come together to support people every single day. The hard work of each Pyeongtaek Food & Fun member has driven the group to become one of the most influential places for international residents living in Pyeongtaek to gather information.  In 2024 we saw United on the ROK’s influence grow across the community. They became the 3rd most-read, English-language publication in Pyeongtaek-si. We love to see our community partners growing and thriving. Congratulations to their talented volunteer team. Pyeongtaek Insight rose to the second most-read English-language publication and the South of Seoul blog came in first! Thank you to everyone for your support. In 2024, Best of Pyeongtaek Poll participants prioritized the following when choosing a restaurant 1) Parking, 2) Affordability, 3) Recommended by A friend, 4) Proximity to home, and 5) English Menu (dropped from 4th). The biggest change we saw was that people desire to stay closer to home. Enough talking, time to get down to business. *drum roll please* We are proud to announce the amazing, hard-working, talented winners of The Best of Pyeongtaek 2023. Go visit them all! BEST NEIGHBORHOODS Pyeongtaek-si offers a unique mix of urban convenience and rural charm, making it a great place for a variety of lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city atmosphere, a quiet countryside retreat, or something in between, this area has plenty of options. From neighborhoods with easy access to public transportation and shopping to more peaceful, family-friendly communities, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the top spots for international residents in 2024, based on accessibility, amenities, and overall livability! SOSABEOL Offers the Best Experience for Date Nights In the South of Seoul moderated Pyeongtaek Food & Fun group people often ask, “Where can we go on a date?” Every year since the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll started, Sosabeol has been the date night choice of English-speaking residents of Pyeongtaek. Past Awards: PAENGSEONG-EUP (ANJEONG-RI) Offers the Best Experience for Hanging Out Friends and Families The English-speaking residents of Pyeongtaek have spoken and chosen Paengseong-eup (this includes Anjeongri-ri). This is the first win for Paengseong (Anjeongri) as in the past, Sosabeol has swept all of the votes for Best “Date Night” Neighborhood, Best “Family” Neighborhood, and Best “Hangout” Neighborhood. So, if you want to hang out with friends or find new friends, maybe consider visiting Anjeong-ri for an evening of bar hopping and evening fun. Most Visited Traditional Markets In 2024 we asked Expats to vote for the most Most Visited Traditional Markets. The Top 3 most shopped traditional markets are Tong Bok Market, Anjeongri 5 Day Market, and Songtan Traditional Market. Make sure to visit these the next time you need some groceries for the house: 1) Tongbok Market, 2) Anjeong-ri 5 Day Market (temporary street market), 3) Songtan Market BEST MEAT RESTAURANTS Best International Grilled Meat: BRAAI REPUBLIC Braai Republic in Paengseong-eup is well known for its generous plates of South African comfort food, including grilled lamb, ribs, chicken, and more. Their hearty meat pies are also a must-try. With a long history in the community, Braai Republic has been winning Best of Pyeongtaek awards since 2018. In both 2023 and 2024, they took home wins for Best African Restaurant and Best International Grilled Meat, making them a top spot for those craving rich, flavorful dishes. They also have a location in Seoul, but their Pyeongtaek branch remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Braai Republic’s Other Best of Pyeongtaek Awards Best American BBQ Restaurant: SMOKETOWN If you’re craving authentic American BBQ, Smoketown has you covered with two great locations—one at AK Plaza and another near Camp Humphreys. Their slow-smoked meats are packed with flavor, and their homemade sides bring the perfect balance of comfort and tradition. Whether you’re in the mood for brisket, ribs, or pulled pork, many feel that Smoketown delivers a satisfying meal every time. With convenient locations and a reputation for quality, it’s no surprise they’re a top pick for BBQ in Pyeongtaek! Best Pork Galbi Restaurant: HWA HWA & THE TASTY GRILLED SHORT RIBS (Tie) HWA HWA (a brand with locations across Gyeonggi-do and Chunchannam-do) is a favorite for its flavorful and tender pork galbi and plentiful bancheon (side dishes). The restaurant serves up classic grilled short ribs with a rich, savory marinade that pairs perfectly with traditional Korean side dishes. The cozy setting and sizzling platters of meat make it a great spot for gathering with friends or family. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Korean BBQ or trying it for the first time, HWA HWA is a delicious choice. Since it has many locations, including one in Paengseong-eup, it remains a crowd favorite year after year. The Tasty Grilled Short Ribs focuses on the meat. It serves up pork short ribs with a choice of regular or spicy sauce, offering something for everyone. For an extra treat, you can order a side of cheese fondue to dip your ribs in, adding a creamy, indulgent twist to the meal. The mix of smoky grilled flavors and bold seasonings makes this spot a great place for a satisfying Korean BBQ experience. If you love pork galbi with a little extra flair, this is the place to go! Best Korean BBQ Restaurant: ARIRANG Arirang in Paengseong-eup has been a go-to spot for Korean BBQ for many years. Known for its flavorful grilled meats and traditional side dishes, it’s a great choice for families, couples, and company gatherings. The restaurant offers spacious seating, including large tables and private rooms, making it ideal for both small and big groups. Plus, with plenty of parking and a cozy café next door, it’s easy to relax and enjoy a full dining experience. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or a post-BBQ coffee, Arirang has you covered. Arirang’s Other Awards: Best NOT Fried Chicken: SOUS VIDE CHICKEN PUB Sous Vide Chicken Pub, located in Sosabeol, is renowned for its tender, flavorful chicken dishes prepared using the sous-vide method. A standout menu item is the Bomb Chicken—a whole chicken cooked sous-vide, encased in a flaming dough bubble, and stuffed with melted cheese and pepperoni, offering a unique and memorable dining experience. The pub also brews its own beers on-site and provides an English menu, making it accessible for both locals and visitors. The spacious dining area is ideal for families, work events, and gatherings with friends. Owner, Mr. Kuk is known for his warm hospitality, ensuring every visit feels welcoming. For those driving, be aware that parking in Sosabeol can be challenging without a Korean credit card; it’s advisable to park in nearby neighborhoods and walk to the venue. Sous Vide Chicken Pub Other Awards: Best Fried Chicken: HO CHICKEN & BRUXIE (Tie) This year’s Best Fried Chicken award goes to two standout spots! Ho Chicken is a local favorite known for its crispy, flavorful Korean fried chicken, with options ranging from classic golden-fried to bold, saucy flavors. It’s the perfect place to enjoy crunchy, juicy chicken with friends. Bruxie brings an American twist with their famous fried chicken sandwiches served on fluffy waffles. Their crispy chicken, paired with sweet and savory flavors, makes for a meal you won’t forget. Whether you love Korean-style fried chicken or crave a unique chicken sandwich, these two winners have something delicious for everyone! Best Duck Restaurant: PUMPKIN DUCK SHABU SHABU For an exceptional shabu-shabu experience in Pyeongtaek, Pumpkin Duck Shabu Shabu stands out as a top choice. Their signature dish features tender duck cooked inside a Korean pumpkin, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors. Accompanied by a variety of fresh side dishes, this meal is both hearty and satisfying. Given the generous portions, it’s advisable to arrive with a hearty appetite. For larger groups, ordering two ducks can comfortably feed up to eight people. Whether...

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Looking for the best bagels in Pyeongtaek? From classic favorites to innovations that use Korean ingredients, Pyeongtaek’s bagel shops offer mouthwatering bagel options. Come along as we investigate Pyeongtaek’s bagel scene. 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 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 two US military installations, Camp Humphreys, and Osan Air Base. The bagel shop recommendations provided exist within different areas of Pyeongtaek-si. Therefore, in this blog post, South of Seoul provides addresses and phone numbers. Also, we recommend using this information in  Naver Maps or Kakao Maps instead of Google for the best results. Let’s Talk Bagels Bagels began with the Jewish community and became a treat people from many backgrounds now appreciate. The history of bagels is proof of the ongoing popularity of this straightforward yet adaptable dish. We want to start with bagel history because it’s important to understand bagels should be more than just round bread. A Brief History of Bagels While the bagel’s exact origins are unknown, it is believed to have begun in Eastern Europe, particularly within Polish Jewish communities in the early 17th century. The Yiddish word “beygl,” comes from the German word “beugel,” which means “ring” or “bracelet,” from which the English word “bagel” originates. Jewish immigrants arriving in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought their bagel recipes to the country. At the beginning of the 20th century, the manufacturing of bagels started to move away from local, family-run bakeries and toward bigger, commercial facilities. This resulted in the introduction of new tastes and varieties as well as improvements in bagel-making methods. In the mid-1900s, bagel shops and delis expanded in many American cities like New York. This expansion contributed to bagels’ widespread acceptance. Therefore, bagels made their way across the nation and became a staple in American breakfast food options. During the past few decades, bagels have grown in popularity, both locally and abroad. Modern bagels are available in a variety of tastes, and range from the traditional plain and sesame seed to the atypical blueberry and chocolate chip. We celebrate the long history and enduring appeal of the modest bagel by cherishing every bite of these well-loved ring-shaped treats with a delicious schmear of cream cheese. Traditional Method of Making Bagels Likely, the first bagels were a bit different from those made today. Made with basic components like wheat flour, yeast, salt, and water, they were denser and rougher. The traditional method used for cooking bagels has been to boil the dough prior to baking. As a result of this process, bagels have a distinctive chewy crust and texture. The art of making authentic bagels is a labor of love requiring expertise, patience, and meticulousness. The first step involves making a simple but essential dough using water, yeast, high-gluten flour, salt, and a tiny bit of honey or malt syrup for sweetness. Then, the dough must be kneaded (creating the gluten structure) and allowed to rise until doubling in size. Once the dough has risen, it is divided into portions and shaped into evenly smooth rounds. Boiling is the next essential step that defines the bagel, not necessarily the shape. It is believed that the creation of bagels stemmed from, “anti-Semitic laws preventing Polish Jews from baking bread. To circumvent these edicts, Jewish bakers would boil the dough before baking it, a loophole that allowed them to bake.” Great bagels are boiled in water, frequently with a hint of honey or malt syrup. The boiling gives the bagel its characteristic chewy texture and shiny crust. The mineral complexity of the water used for boiling then impacts the crust of the bagel. Finally, bagels are baked in a hot oven until they are golden brown on the outside and soft and thick inside. After all of the hard work, the result is a fragrant and tasty batch of real bagels. Enjoy them plain, toasted, or topped with a variety of spreads and fillings. If you are curious about delving into the differences between bagels and bread, check out this article on Wildgrain. General Bagels in Korea Although not a traditional dish in Korea, Bagels have established themselves amid the diverse array of culinary options seen in cities such as Seoul and Busan. In Korea, bagel shops usually offer a modern twist on the classic recipe by fusing local ingredients with artisanal techniques to create a delicious blend of East and West. Unfortunately, many bakers tend to skip boiling the bagels. They prefer to use the steaming functions of the ovens. This typically results in a much harder texture on the outside of the bagel and the inside bagel is less chewy. Korean bakeries also like to combine traditional Korean ingredients infusing this well-known bread with inventive flavors like sweet potato, red bean paste, and green tea. Some may love this while others may only want the taste of home. Therefore, bagel aficionados should remember to temper expectations. Although you may find a hidden gem offering authentic New York-style bagels, you may also find your bagel to be more of a Korean bread shaped like a bagel. Keep this in mind wherever you go. All that said, we have three excellent bagel shops serving boiled bagels in Pyeongtaek. Bagel Quality in Pyeongtaek Over the last 2-3 years, bagel stores started opening in Pyeongtaek. Some even offer boiled and baked options in traditional flavors like Everything Bagels. It’s important to note that the everything bagel toppings in Korea don’t include poppy seeds. Pyeongtaek Bagel Shops that Boil Their Bagels Let’s start with the best bagel shop options in Pyeongtaek Because they boil their bagels. This will include 1) Cosmic Cat Bagel & Brunch -formerly 753 Bagel Bistro, 2) St. Urbans Bagels, and 3) Young’s Bagels. KimchiRednecks Grabbing Bagels In Pyeongtaek We have not made it to visit all of the best bagel shops in Pyeongtaek. However, one is our favorite, Cosmic Cat Bagel and Brunch. Feel free to check out our YouTube channel for our adventures in and around Korea. Always Confirm Details Before Visiting Businesses change often in South Korea so you need to do your due diligence before visiting. This blog represents a moment in time and times change. We recommend calling or messaging a business before visiting to confirm they are in business. We also recommend double-checking the business’s 1) days off, 2) vacation days, 3) break times, and 4) open times. If you are visiting to try a specific item confirm that such items remain on the menu. You can use apps like Papago or AI apps like ChatGPT to help with the language barrier. 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. In addition, all of the posts shared introduce our community to new places and old places that can feel new all over again. While this list of best bagels in Pyeongtaek is not comprehensive of the entire area, we may have missed your favorite spot. Therefore, make sure to share with the community and share your favorite spots with us! Volunteer With South Of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. KimchiRednecksAbout Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks) Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life. Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He’s the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel. Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine. Her writing and digital work focus on building community and supporting military-connected and expatriate populations in Korea. Melissa also volunteers with South of Seoul, where she helps manage online social media groups, supports local language exchanges, and creates original content to assist newcomers and long-term residents alike. Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their three beloved Shih Tzu daughters—Minion, Sookie (forever in their hearts), and Mayhem—who are frequently featured in their videos and social media posts. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a neighborhood café, exploring hidden corners of Korea, or experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on their second channel, Shining with KimchiRednecks, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about sharing the real and ever-evolving journey of life abroad. One of their greatest joys is cooking, and they frequently document their culinary adventures—especially their experiences learning to prepare Korean dishes and other global cuisines—on their YouTube channel, inviting others to celebrate food, culture, and connection alongside them. Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures: YouTube: @kimchirednecks YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks Instagram: @kimchirednecks Facebook: KimchiRednecks United on the RoK Magazine: www.unitedontherokmag.com

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Looking for the best meat pies in Pyeongtaek? Not only are there many options available but also there are many varieties too. So depending on what you are craving, we have you covered. What Exactly Is A Meat Pie? A meat pie is a savory dish consisting of a pastry crust filled with various types of meats, often combined with vegetables, spices, and sometimes a rich sauce. The specific ingredients and preparation methods can vary widely, depending on cultural traditions and individual preferences. The crust of a meat pie is typically made from flour, water, and fat, which is rolled out and used to encase the meat filling. The filling itself can comprise a range of meats such as beef, pork, chicken, or lamb, often cooked with an assortment of vegetables like onions, carrots, and peas. Additionally, various herbs, spices, and seasonings are used to enhance the flavors. Meat pies can come in different forms, including individual hand-sized pies or larger ones meant to be sliced and shared. They can be baked until the crust is golden and flaky, creating a delectable contrast with the moist and flavorful filling. The combination of a well-baked crust and a delicious meaty filling makes meat pies a popular comfort food in many parts of the world. International Styles of Meat Pies There are different types of meat pies as well which differ from place to place but yet are considered a delicacy across many cultures worldwide. Here are some international examples: These are only a few of the many meat pie traditions found across the world. The individual ingredients and flavors will however vary greatly depending on the specific culinary cultures and preferences. Meat Pies in Pyeongtaek There are many different options for meat pies in the Pyeongtaek area from a variety of international sources. We recommend trying them all and finding your favorites. Biltong Box and Deli Braai Republic DewDrop Le Pain Seasonal Availability (usually mid-October until March): Meat Pies in Asan Kkoala Pie KimchiRednecks Grabbing Meat Pies In Pyeongtaek We have not made it to visit all of the best meat pies in Pyeongtaek. However, we have made it to two of the local favorites, Braai Republic and Biltong Box and Deli. Feel free to check out our YouTube channel for our adventures in and around Korea. We hope to make it to some of the local kkwabaegi shops for a video soon! Always Confirm Details Before Visiting Businesses change often in South Korea so you need to do your due diligence before visiting. This blog represents a moment in time and times change. We recommend calling or messaging a business before visiting to confirm they are in business. We also recommend double-checking the business’s 1) days off, 2) vacation days, 3) break times, and 4) open times. If you are visiting to try a specific item confirm that such items remain on the menu. You can use apps like Papago or AI apps like ChatGPT to help with the language barrier. 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. In addition, all of the posts shared introduce our community to new places and old places that can feel new all over again. While this list of best pies in Pyeongtaek is not comprehensive of the entire area, we may have missed your favorite spot. Therefore, make sure to share with the community and share your favorite spots with us! Volunteer With South Of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. KimchiRednecksAbout Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks) Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life. Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He’s the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel. Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine. Her writing and digital work focus on building community and supporting military-connected and expatriate populations in Korea. Melissa also volunteers with South of Seoul, where she helps manage online social media groups, supports local language exchanges, and creates original content to assist newcomers and long-term residents alike. Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their three beloved Shih Tzu daughters—Minion, Sookie (forever in their hearts), and Mayhem—who are frequently featured in their videos and social media posts. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a neighborhood café, exploring hidden corners of Korea, or experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on their second channel, Shining with KimchiRednecks, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about sharing the real and ever-evolving journey of life abroad. One of their greatest joys is cooking, and they frequently document their culinary adventures—especially their experiences learning to prepare Korean dishes and other global cuisines—on their YouTube channel, inviting others to celebrate food, culture, and connection alongside them. Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures: YouTube: @kimchirednecks YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks Instagram: @kimchirednecks Facebook: KimchiRednecks United on the RoK Magazine: www.unitedontherokmag.com

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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. 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 Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. South of SeoulFounded 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. www.southofseoul.net

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Updated 2025: Looking for fabulous pubs or sports bars in Pyeongtaek-si? Pyeongtaek-si international residents voted these delicious businesses the best in town. In addition, the pubs and sports bars listed in this post are well-reviewed by the community in the South of Seoul app and in our Pyeongtaek Food and Fun Facebook group (be sure to join!). About Pyeongtaek, South Korea First of all, these locations for Pubs or Sports Bars exist in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Feel free to skip this section if you live in Pyeongtaek or know about the area. Pyeongtaek-si is located in the southern portion of the Gyeonggi-do province. This large administrative district includes many different communities and cities including two US military installations: Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base. In this blog post, South of Seoul provides addresses and phone numbers for each restaurant recommendation. we recommend using this information in either Naver Maps or Kakao Maps or Kakao Maps for the best results. We never encourage the use of either Google or WAZE within South Korea. About Pubs A pub, short for “public house,” is a type of establishment that serves alcoholic beverages, particularly beer. In addition, it often provides a place for people to socialize and relax. The social aspect of pub life also makes them a large part of ex-pat life globally as they provide a place to make new friends. Pubs are common in many countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and Canada. Additionally, they are typically small, informal establishments decorated with wooden furniture, old pictures and signs, and other traditional or nostalgic decors. Such decor creates a cozy feeling where ex-pats from western countries can feel at home and ease their feelings of culture shock. Pubs often serve a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails. Also, they may offer a menu of food items such as sandwiches, pub snacks, and meals. In addition to serving drinks and food, pubs may offer live music or other entertainment, such as darts, pool, or trivia nights. Many people enjoy visiting pubs to relax, socialize, and enjoy a casual atmosphere with friends. About Sports Bars Sports bars are similar to pubs in that they serve alcoholic beverages and provide a space for people to socialize and relax. However, sports bars differ from pubs in that they are specifically designed to cater to sports fans. Also, they often have several televisions showing different sporting events. Sports bars may also have a greater emphasis on food. They may offer a broader range of menu items, including traditional pub fare and more substantial meals. In addition to providing a wide selection of drinks and food, sports bars may also have several games and activities available. You may find pool tables, dart boards, and other forms of entertainment. Sports bars are popular places to gather to watch live sporting events, particularly major tournaments or matches involving popular teams. The Reason Ex-pats Love Pubs & Sports Bars Many ex-pats enjoy going to pubs because they provide a sense of community and familiarity in a new and often unfamiliar environment. Pubs are also often social gathering places where people can relax, drink, and engage in conversation. They can be a good place for ex-pats to meet new people and make connections, especially if they are living in a country where they do not have a strong social network. Also, pubs often have a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. This can be comforting for ex-pats who may feel homesick or isolated in a new place. Types of Food Served at Pubs and Sports Bars Pubs and sports bars typically serve a variety of food items, including traditional pub fare such as sandwiches, burgers, and other simple dishes. In addition, some pubs may offer more substantial meals, such as roasts, stews, and other hearty dishes that are popular in the local area. Many pubs also offer a range of snacks and appetizers, such as chips (also known as French fries), nuts, and pickled eggs. In addition to serving food, pubs may also offer a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, such as soft drinks, tea, and coffee. Pubs in different countries or regions may serve different types of food, depending on local culinary traditions and preferences. For example, pubs in the United Kingdom may serve traditional British dishes such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, and pies. In contrast, pubs in Australia might offer more diverse menu items such as burgers, sandwiches, and seafood. Overall, the types of food served in pubs can vary widely depending on the location and the specific establishment. In South Korea, many pub menus include popular items like burgers or fries topped with local ingredients like egg, kimchi, or gochujang sauces. Try all the local combinations to see if you find something fun and new to love. Additionally, the food may substitute like local bacon styles, bread types, or meat variations due to the availability or cost of imported ingredients. About the Pyeongtaek Top 5 Pubs or Sports Bars The Top 5 Picks come from the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll. The Best of Pyeongtaek Poll is managed by South of Seoul and sponsored by SOS SEC. The English language poll takes place once a year and tracks the favorite posts of English-speaking ex-pats living in the multicultural city. The following locations were voted to be the top 5 pubs or sports bars in Pyeongtaek. Join Pyeongtaek Food & Fun 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. Leave Reviews in the South of Seoul App We would love to hear your feedback for each of these spots on the South of Seoul app!! If you have been to the top 5 pubs or sports bars in Pyeongtaek, let folks know the specifics of what you love and what didn’t quite meet your needs. South of SeoulFounded 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. www.southofseoul.net

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Looking for the best restaurants, cafes, and spots for drinks in Pyeongtaek? Here are the winners of the 2022 Best of Pyeongtaek Awards! What is the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? South of Seoul is proud to host the 6th Annual Best of Pyeongtaek Poll to celebrate our delicious and delightful community. Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul (SOS) volunteer organization supports ex-pats living outside Seoul. The SOS volunteers manage multiple Facebook groups, the South of Seoul Facebook page, the South of Seoul blog, the SOS Public Health Program, and the South of Seoul smartphone app. You can see a review of 2022 SOS accomplishments here. Our volunteers adore the rich life we live south of Seoul, and we feel honored to help new arrivals discover the hidden magic it holds. Pyeongtaek is a rewarding mix of city life and country life which can make it a challenge for new arrivals since access may feel complicated. However, with a little information like the ‘Best of Pyeongtaek Poll Winners’ list, Pyeongtaek-si can be a delightful place for new arrivals and long-term international residents alike. How did the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll change in 2022? For 2022 we added a few new categories and withdrew a few to respond to the changes in our community’s dining needs and culinary interests. Since SOS volunteers stay closely connected with the community, we adjust the categories each year to reflect what is happening. We assess the current needs of the international community by analyzing the information and questions shared in our various community groups. Such an agile program design means the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll is a little different each year. Who votes in the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? The South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek poll is open to the public. We make every feasible effort to reach outside the South of Seoul community into the communities around us to gain an authentic insight into the preferences of English-speaking international residents in Pyeongtaek. SOS volunteers feel confirmation bias does not serve the greater good, so we seek opinions outside of our own sphere of influence. We want the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll to hold accurate information, whether that information matches our beliefs or not. South of Seoul limits each business to 3 wins. We do this to keep the poll results engaging, helpful, and informative. In addition, since write-in votes are allowed, and some businesses may have an overwhelming advantage due to location and language ability, limiting the number of wins per business to 3 categories creates a better experience for all involved. South of Seoul volunteers want to meet the community’s authentic needs. Therefore, the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll provides us with the insight we need by reflecting on the opinions of others. That said, nothing about this poll is scientific. It is for fun and for community development. We level the playing field by leaving the poll open for two weeks so that community members can vote once a day and deeply support the people and businesses they love. Over 320 ballots were cast in 2021, over 730 were submitted in 2022, and over 760 in 2023. What did you learn from the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in 2023? When reviewing the responses to The Best of Pyeongtaek 2023 poll, we found that English-speaking residents’ comfort zone in Pyeongtaek continued to expand! We can see this trend based on the increasing votes for locations beyond Sinjang-dong and Anjeong-ri. This trend started in 2018 and continues to grow each year. We love to see the international community comfortably exploring more areas across Pyeongtaek-si. In 2023, 33% of Best of Pyeongtaek winners are located away from US military bases. Each year more votes are cast for businesses that 1) aren’t English-dominant or 2) are located outside the Songtan/Sinjang-dong or Paengseong-eup areas. This growing trend makes our South of Seoul hearts very happy. In 2023, we learned that South of Seoul continues to be a leader in information in Pyeongtaek. Our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group has been a powerhouse of information with the community that allows us all to come together to support people every single day. The hard work of each Pyeongtaek Food & Fun member has driven the group to become one of the most influential places for international residents living in Pyeongtaek to gather information.  We want to congratulate the SOS Technology Development Volunteers for continuing to build the South of Seoul app. We never imagined a volunteer-built app could compete in Pyeongtaek with giants like Naver, Kakao, Google, and Facebook. Enough talking, time to get down to business. *drum roll please* We are proud to announce the amazing, hard-working, talented winners of The Best of Pyeongtaek 2022. Go visit them all! PYEONGTAEK’S BEST NEIGHBORHOODS SOSABEOL Offers the Best Experience for Date Nights and Families Two common questions in the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun group are, “Where can we go on a date?” or “Where can I go that’s family-friendly?” Every year since the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll started, Sosabeol has been the date night choice of English-speaking residents of Pyeongtaek. Past Awards: PAENGSEONG-EUP (ANJEONG-RI) Offers the Best Experience for Hanging Out The English-speaking residents of Pyeongtaek have spoken and chosen Paengseong-eup (this includes Anjeongri-ri). This is the first win for Paengseong (Anjeongri) as in the past, Sosabeol has swept all of the votes for Best “Date Night” Neighborhood, Best “Family” Neighborhood, and Best “Hangout” Neighborhood. So, if you want to hang out with friends or find new friends, maybe consider visiting Anjeong-ri for an evening of bar hopping and evening fun. PYEONGTAEK’S BEST RESTAURANT WINNERS IN 2022 Best International Grilled Meat: BRAAI REPUBLIC Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Braai Republic offers heaping plates of South African comfort food including grilled lamb, ribs, chicken, and more. Braai Republic also has a location in Seoul. In addition to their BBQ, we also recommend their hearty and filling meat pies. Braai has been winning Best of Pyeongtaek awards since 2018! Braai Republic’s Other Awards: Support This Business Best Pub / Sports Bar: Sous Vide Chicken Pub Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Jukbaek-dong (Sosabeol) Sous Vide Chicken Pub has a unique and interesting menu. They even have a giant chicken dish that gets set on fire. It’s hard to compete with a restaurant that offers delicious and exciting food along with a nice assortment of beers, including some they brew themselves. This is their first year winning Best Pub or Sports Bar. Sous Vide Chicken‘s Other Awards: Support This Business: Best American BBQ Restaurant: JP’S BBQ Neighborhoods: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong and Sinjang (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base and Osan Air Force Base) JPs has been working hard to bring authentic USA-style smoked meat to Pyeongtaek for years, and that work has paid off! He started out working the pink carts in Songtan and grew into a catering company. In 2018, he and his wife opened their own storefront in Paengseon,g and in 2019, they opened a second location in Songtan/Sinjang-dong. Since last year they continue to sweep all non-Korean BBQ categories. JP’s BBQ’s Other Awards: Support This Business Best Pork Galbi Restaurant: MYEONGNYUM AYCE Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Myeongnyum AYCE is another popular galbi restaurant in South Korea that recently opened a new location in Paengseong. The location became a big hit with the English-speaking community in 2021 earning them their first Best of Pyeongtaek award. Not only is their galbi excellent, they are also all-you-can-eat (AYCE). Myeongnyu AYCE Other Awards: Support This Business Best Korean BBQ Restaurant: ARIRANG Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Arirang has been around for many years. The location offers delicious Korean BBQ and side dishes near gorgeous cafes. It makes it the perfect spot for families, couples, and companies. The location also offers plenty of parking huge tables and private rooms. This is Arirang’s second Best of Pyeongtaek win. They greatly deserve it since they are popular with both Korean and English-speaking residents. Arirang’s Other Awards: Support This Business Best Fried Chicken: MR CHICKEN Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base) Mr. Chicken has been at it for a while in the Sinjang-dong area. The location is towards the end of the Sinjang Shopping Mall off the beaten path. With delicious options including garlic soy sauce, yangnyeom or just plain fried chicken, you cannot go wrong. And top off your order with his french fry and tater tots mix! The perfect meal for hungry days. This is Mr. Chicken’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win. Support This Business Best Family Restaurant: SOUS VIDE CHICKEN PUB Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Jukbaek-dong (Sosabeol) Sous Vide Chicken Pub has a unique and interesting menu. They even have a giant chicken dish that gets set on fire. It’s hard to compete with a restaurant that offers delicious and exciting food along with a nice assortment of beers, including some they brew themselves. Sous Vide Chicken Pub’s Other Awards: Support This Business Best NOT Fried Chicken: SOUS VIDE CHICKEN PUB Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Jukbaek-dong (Sosabeol) Not everyone enjoys fried chicken and you have great options. The best option in Pyeongtaek is Sous Vide Chicken Pub where you can have sous vide chicken dishes that melt off the bone. Sous Vide Chicken Pub Other Awards: Support This Business Best South American Restaurant: CEVICHE 210 Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base) When you think Pyeongtaek you probably don’t think “What an amazing place for Peruvian food!”… but you should. The best of the bunch is hands down, Ceviche 210. It’s a show-stopper. It’s hard to pick a favorite dish on their menu because it’s all friggen’ delicious. Their green sauce is a legend all its own. Ceviche 210 also offers stunning off-site catering for your events. They often cater events for the Peruvian embassy in Seoul. Ceviche 210’s Other Awards: Support This Business Best Filipino Restaurant: MABUHAY PHILIPPINE FOOD Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) In Pyeongtaek-si, we have been blessed with a plethora of Filipino options. This year the small but mighty Mabuhay Philippine Food restaurant took home the title of Best of Filipino Food in Pyeongtaek. Their diverse menu and excellent prices made them a favorite. Support This Business Best Thai Restaurant: TASTE of THAILAND Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Taste of Thailand moved to Pyeongtaek from Seoul and is one of the newest Thai restaurants to enter the food scene in our area. Their experience allowed them to move through 2020 with confidence that impressed the community. They continue to deliver consistent food and service. Their iced tea is an absolute MUST Try. Taste of Thailand’s Other Awards: Support This Business Best Fusion-Mexican or Mexican: QUE RICO Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Que Rico has been a Pyeongtaek favorite for many years. Their focus on traditional Mexican food and a great atmosphere make it the perfect spot for tacos and other Mexican meals. If you love authentic Mexican food, flavors and tacos, make sure to put Que Rico on your list of top spots. Que Rico’s Other Awards: Support This Business Best Vietnamese: PHO VIETNAM Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Vietnamese restaurants became a popular trend across Pyeongtaek in 2020 with a wide variety of new spots opening in many different neighborhoods. However, Pho Vietnam stood out. Tucked away on a side street in Anjeongri near Camp Humphreys, this small restaurant continues to offer big flavor and good prices. Pho Vietnam’s Other Awards: Support This Business Best Middle Eastern: RED ONION Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Red Onion, one of the oldest Turkish kebab restaurants in the area, moved into a big, beautiful space in 2019. The new space and their improved menu certainly wowed Pyeongtaek. They won Best Middle Eastern restaurant by a landslide despite some stiff competition. We are loving this new trend in fancy middle eastern restaurants. They offer classic middle eastern dishes and delicious fusion burgers and tacos. Red Onion’s Other Awards: Support This Business Best...

The post Best of Pyeongtaek Poll 2022 Winners appeared first on South of Seoul.

What is the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? South of Seoul is proud to host the 5th Annual Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in celebration of our delicious and delightful community. The South of Seoul volunteer organization has supported ex-pats living outside of Seoul since 2015. The South of Seoul (SOS) volunteers and manage multiple Facebook groups, the South of Seoul Facebook page, South of Seoul blog, and South of Seoul smartphone app. In 2021 the South of Seoul volunteers also launched the SOS Public Health which researches and distributes information to support the physical and mental health of expats in Korea. Our volunteers adore this rich life we live south of Seoul and feel honored to help new arrivals discover the hidden magic it holds. Pyeongtaek is a rewarding mix of city life and country life which can make it a challenge for new arrivals. However, with a little information like the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll Winners list, Pyeongtaek-si can be a delightful place for new arrivals and long-term international residents alike. How did the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll change in 2021? For 2021 we added a few new categories and withdrew a few categories in order to respond to the changes caused by the global pandemic and shifts in information. Since SOS volunteers stay closely connected with the community, each year we adjust the categories to reflect what is happening right now. This means each year the poll is a little different. Specifically in 2021, South of Seoul decided to split the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll into two different polls. The Best of Pyeongtaek winter poll focuses now on food and beverage hotspots while the summer poll will focus on lifestyle and health and coordinated by the SOS Public Health Program. Who votes in the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? The South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek poll is open to the public. We make every feasible effort to reach outside the South of Seoul community into the communities around us to gain an authentic insight into the preferences of English-speaking international residents in Pyeongtaek. SOS volunteers feel confirmation bias does not serve the greater good, so we seek opinions outside of our own sphere of influence. We want the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll to hold accurate information whether that information matches our belief or not. South of Seoul volunteers want to meet the authentic needs of the community and the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll provides us with the insight we need by reflecting on the opinions of others. That said, nothing about this poll is scientific. It is for fun and for community development. We try to level the playing field by leaving the poll open for two weeks so that community members can vote once a day and deeply support the people and businesses they love. Over 250 people participated in the poll in 2019 and over 350 individuals cast votes in 2021. What did you learn from the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in 2021? When reviewing the responses to The Best of Pyeongtaek 2021 poll we found that English-speaking residents’ comfort zone in Pyeongtaek has expanded! This trend started in 2018 and has continued to grow when we saw more international residents voting for businesses outside of Paenseong and Sinjangdong. In 2021, a variety of businesses located far from US military bases won Best of Pyeongtaek. Each year more votes are cast for businesses that 1) aren’t English dominant or 2) located outside of the Songtan/Shinjang or Paengseong areas. That’s right! English speakers are moving about the different neighborhoods of Pyeongtaek more every year! International residents now enjoy more of the magic Pyeongtaek has to offer. This growing trend makes our South of Seoul hearts very happy. In 2021, we learned that South of Seoul continues to be a leader in information in Pyeongtaek. Our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group has been a powerhouse of information with the community that allows us all to come together to support people every single day. The hard work of each member of Pyeongtaek Food & Fun has driven the group to become one of the most influential places for ex-pats to gather information.  We want to congratulate the SOS Technology Development Volunteers for continuing to build the South of Seoul app. We never imagined a volunteer-built app could compete in Pyeongtaek with giants like Naver, Kakao, Google, and Facebook. South of Seoul 2.0 is under development and will hopefully be available in the first quarter of 2021. Enough talking, time to get down to business. *drum roll please* We are proud to announce the amazing, hard-working, talented winners of The Best of Pyeongtaek 2020. Go visit them all! PYEONGTAEK’S BEST NEIGHBORHOOD SOSABEOL Offers the Best Experience for Date Night, Hanging Out, and Families One of the most common questions we in the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun group get is, “Where can we go on a date?” or “Where can I go that’s family-friendly?” So we decided to put it to a vote and the winning neighborhood is Sosabeol, Bijeondong! Every year since the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll started, Sosabeol has been the date night choice of English-speaking residents of Pyeongtaek. Past Awards: PYEONGTAEK’S BEST RESTAURANT WINNERS IN 2021 Best International Grilled Meat: BRAAI REPUBLIC Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Braai Republic offers heaping plates of South African comfort food including grilled lamb, ribs, chicken, and more. Braai Republic also has a location in Seoul. In addition to their BBQ, we also recommend their hearty and filling meat pies. Braai Republic’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best Pub / Sports Bar: TAILGATE TAVERN Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Tailgate Tavern has been a popular spot for beer and burger enthusiasts. It’s not surprising with their many TVs, large menu, and solid beer selection. With seating for 100, Tailgate is an excellent space for large groups. Plus, drum roll please, parking! Tailgate also does catering for large events in-house and off-site. This is their second year winning Best Pub or Sports Bar. Tailgate‘s Other Awards: Support This Business: Best Sandwich Shop: EPHPHATHA Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) For the third year in a row, the sandwich shop with the impossible name-Ephphatha- has won over Pyeongtaek hearts with their hearty and delicious Philly cheese-steaks. A well-deserved win by this hardworking couple. Sandwich shops keep opening in the area, but Ephphatha has held on and kept up the great work. In 2020 they also began offering the first burger in Pyeongtaek served on a homemade pretzel bun. Ephphatha’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best American BBQ Restaurant: JP’S BBQ Neighborhoods: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong and Sinjang (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base and Osan Air Force Base) JP’s BBQ has been working hard to bring authentic USA-style smoked meat to Pyeongtaek for years and that work has paid off! He started out working the pink carts in Songtan that grew into a popular catering company. In 2018, the husband and wife team opened their own storefront in Paengseong, and in 2019 they opened a second location in Songtan/Sinjang-dong. Last year they won for Best BBQ Sandwich and best brisket. In 2020, they swept all non-Korean BBQ categories. In 2020 JP’s BBQ also went out of its way to support US troops by providing meals to soldiers and their families in quarantine. JP’s Other Awards: Support This Business Best Korean Galbi Restaurant: HWA HWA and MYEONGNYU AYCE (Tie) Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Hwa Hwa has been a Paengseong institution for as long as we can remember. It was recently remodeled and offers Korean BBQ and sides that lean toward the western taste. It’s the perfect spot to get used to this delicious new way of eating. Once you have tried them, keep trying as many other BBQ joints as you can. The choices are limitless. In 2020 Hwa Hwa supported US troops by providing meals to soldiers and their families in quarantine and packaging their tasty BBQ for take-out so that the local community could continue to enjoy their food at home. HWA HWA’S Other Awards: Support This Business Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Myeongnyu AYCE is another popular galbi restaurant in South Korea that recently opened a new location in Paengseong. The location became a big hit with the English-speaking community in 2021 earning them their first Best of Pyeongtaek award. Support This Business Best Korean BBQ Restaurant: ARIRANG Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Arirang has been around for many years. The location offers delicious Korean BBQ and side dishes near gorgeous cafes. It makes it the perfect spot for families, couples, and companies. The location also offers plenty of parking huge tables and private rooms. This is Arirang’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win. They greatly deserve it since they are popular with both Korean and English speaking residents. Support This Business Best Fried Chicken: BRUXIE CHICKEN AND WAFFLES Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base) Bruxie has two locations. One location is in Paengseong and the original location is in Sinjang. The brand originated in California and opened locations in Pyeongtaek recently. Their savory fusion fried chicken mixes American comfort food with a Korean twist. You can find both sandwiches and plates that will remind you of home with a Korean twist. The perfect meal for hungry days. This Bruxie Chicken and Waffles’ first Best of Pyeongtaek win. Support This Business Best Family Restaurant: THE RED ONION Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) This is The Red Onion’s first win in the Best of Pyeongtaek Family Restaurant category. Red Onion’s recent remodel and expansive menu which offers something for everyone pushed them to the top of the list in 2021. The Big Bite’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best NOT Fried Chicken: SOUS VIDE CHICKEN PUB Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sosabeol Sous Vide Chicken Pub has a unique and interesting menu. They even have a giant chicken dish that gets set on fire. It’s hard to compete with a restaurant that offers delicious and exciting food along with a nice assortment of beers, including some they brew themselves. Additionally, Sous Vide Chicken Pub is located in Sosabeol which has been winning awards as the Best Pyeongtaek Neighborhood for date nights, family fun and hanging out since 2017. This is Sous Vide Chicken Pub’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win. Sous Vide Chicken Pub Other Awards: Support This Business Best Italian: DEL VINO Winner 2 Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Pyeongtaek-dong (Near AK Plaza) Del Vino is one of Pyeongtaek’s longest-running Italian Restaurants. Located about a 5-minute walk from Pyeongtaek Station, Del Vino offers an open concept kitchen and a romantic atmosphere. The menu features steak, pasta, stone over pizza, and a substantial wine list.  This is Del Vino’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win. Support This Business Best South American Restaurant: CEVICHE 210 Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base) When you think Pyeongtaek you probably don’t think “What an amazing place for Peruvian food!”… but you should. The best of the bunch is hands down, Ceviche 210. It’s a show-stopper. It’s hard to pick a favorite dish on their menu because it’s all friggen delicious. Their green sauce is a legend all its own. Ceviche 210 also offers stunning off-site catering for your events. They often cater events for the Peruvian embassy in Seoul. Ceviche 210’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best Filipino Restaurant: ALICE’S FILIPINO CUISINE Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) In Pyeongtaek-so, we have been blessed with a plethora of Filipino options and Alice’s Filipino has been voted the best. It has a great location near Camp Humphreys and offers very affordable meal sets. This is the perfect cuisine for those who don’t like spicy food. Next time you need some lumpia or chicken adobo, you know where to go. Next year this category will be packed! Even more Filipino restaurants are opening each month and SOS volunteers love it! Alice’s Filipino’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best Thai Restaurant: TASTE of THAILAND Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army...

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What is the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? South of Seoul is proud to host the 4th Annual Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in celebration of our delicious and delightful community. The South of Seoul volunteer organization has supported ex-pats living outside of Seoul since 2015. The South of Seoul (SOS) volunteers and manage multiple Facebook groups, the South of Seoul Facebook page, South of Seoul blog, and South of Seoul smartphone app. In 2021 the South of Seoul volunteers will also launch South of Seoul podcast that features in-depth interviews with many talented business owners who won Best of Pyeongtaek throughout the years. We adore this rich life we live south of Seoul and feel honored to help new arrivals discover the hidden magic it holds. Pyeongtaek is a rewarding mix of city life and country life which can make it a challenge for new arrivals. However, with a little information like the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll Winners list, Pyeongtaek-si can be a delightful place for new arrivals and long-term international residents alike. How did the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll change in 2020? For 2020 we added few new categories and withdrew a few categories in order to respond to the changes caused by the global pandemic. Since SOS volunteers stay closely connected with the community, each year we adjust the categories to reflect what is happening right now. This means each year the poll is a little different. Due to the Pandemic, different aspects of the poll needed to be adjusted for changes in society at large. These changes also meant the polling and results occurred about 2 months later than the past Best of Pyeongtaek Polls. We thank everyone who put in the effort to fill out the poll all the way to the end or cast a vote each day. Who votes in the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? The South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek poll is open to the public. We make every feasible effort to reach outside the South of Seoul community into the communities around us to gain an authentic insight into the preferences of English-speaking international residents in Pyeongtaek. SOS volunteers feel confirmation bias does not serve the greater good, so we seek opinions outside of our own sphere of influence. We want the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll to hold accurate information whether that information matches our belief or not. South of Seoul volunteers want to meet the authentic needs of the community and the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll provides us with the insight we need by reflecting on the opinions of others. That said, nothing about this poll is scientific. It is for fun and for community development. We try to level the playing field by leaving the poll open for two weeks so that community members can vote once a day and deeply support the people and businesses they love. Over 250 people participated in the poll in 2019 and over 400 individuals cast votes in 2020. What did you learn from the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in 2020? When reviewing the responses to The Best of Pyeongtaek 2020 poll we discovered something exciting, English-speaking residents in Pyeongtaek continue to move outside the old comfort zones! This trend started in 2018 and has continued to grow when we saw more international residents voting for businesses outside of Paenseong and Sinjangdong. Each year more votes are cast for businesses that 1) aren’t English dominant or 2) located outside of the Songtan/Shinjang or Paengseong areas. That’s right! English speakers are moving about the different neighborhoods of Pyeongtaek more every year! International residents now enjoy more of the magic Pyeongtaek has to offer. This growing trend makes our South of Seoul hearts very happy. In 2020 we also learned that South of Seoul continues to be a leader in information in the Pyeongtaek. Our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group has been a powerhouse of information with the community that allows us all to come together to support people every single day. The hard work of each member of Pyeongtaek Food & Fun has driven the group to become one of the most influential places for ex-pats to gather information. However, Nothing replaces the votes and encouragement of friends. Remember that sharing information with each other is the greatest support you can give a friend and the community at large. Enough talking, time to get down to business. *drum roll please* We are proud to announce the amazing, hard-working, talented winners of The Best of Pyeongtaek 2020. Go visit them all! PYEONGTAEK’S BEST DATE NIGHT NEIGHBORHOOD Best Date Night Night: SOSABEOL One of the most common questions we in the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun group get is, “Where can we go on a date?” So we decided to put it to a vote and the winning neighborhood is Sosabeol, Bijeondong! Every year since the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll started, Sosabeol has been the date night choice of English-speaking residents of Pyeongtaek. Past Awards: PYEONGTAEK’S BEST RESTAURANT WINNERS IN 2020 Best World Cuisine: BRAAI REPUBLIC Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) We are having a steady increase in foreigner-owned restaurants cooking up specialty foods. The clear leader in this category is Braai Republic who also has a restaurant in Seoul and also won Best BBQ Restaurant in Pyeongtaek 2018. When you go you feel like you stepped out of Korea and into South Africa. The food and atmosphere are perfections. We recommend making a reservation if you plan on going on the weekends since the place is often packed. Braai Republic’s Past Awards: Best Pub / Sports Bar: TAILGATE TAVERN Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Tailgate Tavern has been a popular spot for beer and burger enthusiasts. It’s not surprising with their many TVs, large menu, and solid beer selection. With seating for 100, Tailgate is an excellent space for large groups. Plus, drum roll please, parking! Tailgate also does catering for large events in-house and off-site. This is their second year winning Best Pub or Sports Bar. Tailgate‘s Other Awards: Best Irish Bar: WOLFHOUND Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) The Wolfhound Irish Pubs are loved from Seoul to Busan, so when they opened one in Pyeongtaek it came on the scene fast. This large but cozy feeling bar serves up cold beer and some of the best fish & chips in town. Also, be sure to stop in for the Irish breakfast during brunch time. They won the Irish bar category with authority. Wolfhound’s Other Awards: Best Sandwich Shop: EPHPHATHA Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) For the third year in a row, the sandwich shop with the impossible name-Ephphatha- has won over Pyeongtaek hearts with their hearty and delicious Philly cheese-steaks. A well-deserved win by this hardworking couple. Sandwich shops keep opening in the area, but Ephphatha has held on and kept up the great work. In 2020 they also began offering the first burger in Pyeongtaek served on a homemade pretzel bun. Ephphatha’s Past Awards: Best Non-Korean BBQ Restaurant: JP’S BBQ Neighborhoods: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong and Sinjang (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base and Osan Air Force Base) JP’s BBQ has been working hard to bring authentic USA-style smoked meat to Pyeongtaek for years and that work has paid off! He started out working the pink carts in Songtan that grew into a popular catering company. In 2018, the husband and wife team opened their own storefront in Paengseong and in 2019 they opened a second location in Songtan/Sinjang-dong. Last year they won for Best BBQ Sandwich and best brisket. In 2020, they swept all non-Korean BBQ categories. In 2020 JP’s BBQ also went out of their way to support US troops by providing meals to soldiers and their families in quarantine. JP’s Other Awards: Best Korean BBQ Restaurant: HWA HWA Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Hwa Hwa has been a Paengseong institution for as long as we can remember. It was recently remodeled and offers Korean BBQ and sides that lean toward the western taste. It’s the perfect spot to get used to this delicious new way of eating. Once you have tried them, keep trying as many other BBQ joints as you can. The choices are limitless. In 2020 Hwa Hwa supported US troops by providing meals to soldiers and their families in quarantine and packaging their tasty BBQ for take-out so that the local community could continue to enjoy their food at home. HWA HWA’S Other Awards: Best Korean Fried Chicken: Saku Saku Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base) Saku Saku is a popular and long-running, affordable fried chicken franchise. The location in Sinjang/Songtan has provided hearty and plentiful chicken for dine-in, take-out, and delivery for over a decade. The chicken joint has a home-town dive-bar feel that welcomes families and individuals to enjoy their classic Korean fried chicken flavors. This is the first Best of Pyeongtaek win for Saku Saku. Best Family Restaurant: THE BIG BITE Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) In a food scene dominated by pubs and sports bars, where do families go? They go to The Big Bite which serves big portions, has high chairs, and unlimited soda. The prices are on the higher end, but that’s because they give you enough food for an army.  The Best Family Restaurant category has been growing big time. We are very impressed that Big Bite held onto victory this year. It’s a tough category to win and they have managed to hold onto the title of Best Family Restaurant for the 3rd year in a row. Although, La Salude gave them a run for their money in 2020. The Big Bite’s Past Awards: Best Italian: LA CUCINA Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) La Cucine provides American Italian food that will take your tastebuds home. The atmosphere lends itself perfectly to romantic date nights. The chef is happy to share stories and his passion for creating delicious food that brings comfort to ex-pats. You absolutely must go here for a date night. This is La Cucina’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win. Best Peruvian Restaurant: CEVICHE 210 Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base) When you think Pyeongtaek you probably don’t think “What an amazing place for Peruvian food!”… but you should. The best of the bunch is hands down, Ceviche 210. It’s a show stopper. It’s hard to pick a favorite dish on their menu because it’s all friggen delicious. Their green sauce is a legend all its own. Ceviche 210 also offers stunning off-site catering for your events. They often cater events for the Peruvian embassy in Seoul. Ceviche 210’s Past Awards: Best Filipino Restaurant: ALICE’S FILIPINO CUISINE Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) In Pyeongtaek-so, we have been blessed with a plethora of Filipino options and Alice’s Filipino has been voted the best. It has a great location near Camp Humphreys and offers very affordable meal sets. This is the perfect cuisine for those who don’t like spicy food. Next time you need some lumpia or chicken adobo, you know where to go. Next year this category will be packed! Even more Filipino restaurants are opening each month and SOS volunters love it! Alice’s Filipino’s Past Awards: Best Thai Restaurant: EATHAI (Paengseong) Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Eathai moved to Pyeongtaek from Seoul and is one of the newest Thai restaurants to enter the food scene in our area. Their experience allowed them to move through 2020 with confidence that impressed the community. Their ice tea is an absolute MUST Try. This is their first Best of Pyeongtaek win! Best Mexican or Tex-Mex: EL PINO 323 Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) El Pino 323’s win is incredibly impressive in 2020 due to the incredible strain put on restaurants with locations in Seoul. Despite being new to our area, the owners of...

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The 2019 Best of Pyeongtaek Poll results. Thank you to everyone who voted.

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