Korean Food Series (4) – Dwaeji Galbi (Grilled Pork Ribs) 🐖🔥

Grilled Pork Ribs, Korean BBQ

Photo by koreavisit2025

📍 Welcome back to the Korean Food Series!

In this series, we introduce must-try iconic Korean dishes.
Today, we're diving into a mouthwatering favorite that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and smoky flavors—Dwaeji Galbi (Grilled Pork Ribs).

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🐷 What is Dwaeji Galbi?

Dwaeji Galbi (돼지갈비) is marinated pork ribs grilled to perfection.
Unlike beef galbi, this version uses pork and is typically marinated in a sweet-savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, sugar, sesame oil, and fruits like pear or apple to tenderize the meat and enhance the flavor.

Once grilled, the ribs become slightly caramelized and juicy—an irresistible combination.
It’s a popular BBQ dish enjoyed by families and friends, especially during gatherings or special meals.

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📍 How to Eat Dwaeji Galbi – Step by Step

1. Grill the Ribs

Cook the ribs over charcoal or a gas grill until they’re well-cooked and nicely charred. The marinade will give the edges a delicious caramelization. Most restaurants will help grill for you—just relax and enjoy!

2. Wrap It with Ssam

Take a lettuce or perilla leaf, add a piece of galbi, top it with ssamjang, sliced garlic, green chili, and a bit of rice. Customize it to your taste.

3. Enjoy Each Bite Slowly

Each bite is packed with flavor, so take your time. The mix of textures from the meat, leaf, and sauces makes every bite special.

4. Pair with Side Dishes (Banchan)

Dwaeji galbi goes great with side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, and stir-fried vegetables. A bowl of steamed rice is a perfect companion.

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🍶 Drink Pairing

• Soju – The sweet marinade pairs wonderfully with soju.

• Beer – Light beer helps cut through the richness of the meat.

• Somaek – A mix of soju and beer is also a popular choice with grilled pork dishes.

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💡 Pro Tip!

Look for places that specialize in charcoal grilling for the most authentic flavor.
If you're not confident grilling yourself, choose restaurants where staff grill at your table—it’s part of the experience!

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📍 Best Dwaeji Galbi Restaurants in Seoul

Samwon Garden (삼원가든)
Address: 623 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
(Search: Samwon Garden Seoul on Google Maps)

Janguhjin Galbi (장우진갈비)
Address: 43 Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Byeokje Galbi (벽제갈비)
Address: 41 Yangjae-daero 71-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Galbi House Mapo (갈비하우스 마포)
Address: 7 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Wangbijib (왕비집)
Address: 26 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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📍 Recommended Dwaeji Galbi Restaurants in Incheon

Hwadeok Galbi (화덕갈비)
Address: 94 Gyeongwon-daero, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon

Samsan Dwaeji Galbi (삼산돼지갈비)
Address: 77 Sinchon-ro, Namdong-gu, Incheon

Yeonsu Galbi Town (연수갈비타운)
Location: Near Yeonsu Station, Incheon

Songdo Gogi Street (송도 고기거리)
Location: Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon

Ganghwa Traditional Galbi (강화전통갈비)
Address: Various locations in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

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📍 Top Dwaeji Galbi Spots in Gyeonggi Province

Suwon Dwaeji Galbi Street (수원 돼지갈비 거리)
Location: Near Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon-si

Uijeongbu Galbi House (의정부 갈비집)
Address: 134-2, Ganeung-dong, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do

Pocheon Charcoal Galbi (포천 숯불갈비)
Address: 1278-5 Sinbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Goyang Samgye Galbi (고양 삼계갈비)
Address: 21 Jeongbalsan-ro, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

Yongin Galbi Village (용인 갈비마을)
Address: Near Everland, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

Gyeonggi-do is known for its spacious galbi restaurants with traditional vibes and family-style dining—ideal for trying this dish in a cozy setting!

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📝 Final Tips

• Dwaeji Galbi is often marinated and cooked to order, so allow time for proper grilling.

• Ask staff for help if unsure how long to grill—it’s better than overcooking!

• Make sure to enjoy with side dishes and rice to balance the sweet and savory flavor.

Thanks for joining us in this fourth delicious entry in the Korean Food Series!
Stay tuned for more culinary adventures across Korea! 🇰🇷🍽️