After a long day of sightseeing, we were all starving, so Shinae suggested we go to Oneunjeong. It turned out to be exactly the right call. Oneunjeong is known for jjokgalbi, Korean pork ribs marinated in a sweet or savory sauce, sometimes with a bit of heat, then grilled or pan fried. Unlike regular galbi, which usually comes in larger cuts, jjokgalbi is sliced into smaller pieces that are much easier to eat, preferably with your hands. The ribs are grilled right out front, filling the street with the smell of grilled meat.
As soon as we were seated, the staff handed us plastic gloves and aprons, and we ate with our hands. The meat was incredibly juicy and tender, and it came with a generous spread of banchan, all of them really good. You can eat the ribs straight off the bone or wrap the meat in a lettuce leaf with a bit of ssamjang, and both ways work perfectly.
Oneunjeong is located near Gyeongbokgung Station and is popular with locals. I think we were the only international tourists there that day. The atmosphere is relaxed and no fuss, exactly how you want a casual Korean barbecue place to be. If you like Korean barbecue but haven’t tried jjokgalbi yet, this is a great place to do it.
Oneungjeong Jjokgalbi, 22 Jahamun-ro 1-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Oneunjeong Jjokgalbi 오는정쪽갈비 경복궁역점, 22 Jahamun-ro 1-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
