Must-Try BBQ in Busan: Jipbul Grilled Galbi at Gogyeol

/ Busan / By

"What’s the Deal with This Hot New Trend? Exploring Galbi Jipbul BBQ at Gwangalli’s Latest Spot"

I couldn’t ignore the endless Instagram and blog posts raving about 우대갈비 (Wudae Galbi) lately. What exactly makes it so popular? My curiosity was through the roof.

When I went home to Busan, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to try a new place. After a quick search, I found a newly opened Wudae Galbi restaurant in Gwangalli. Naturally, I made a reservation without hesitation. And here’s the kicker—it’s a jipbul (straw fire) BBQ spot. Honestly, unless the ingredients were bad (spoiler: they weren’t), this sounded like an unbeatable combo. 😊

📍 Gogyeol
Address: 50, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 255beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan
🚇 750m from Gwangalli Station Exit 1
⏰ Open 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM (last order at 10:00 PM; break time 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
📞 Phone: 0507-1495-8311

First Impressions

From Gwangalli Station, it’s about a 10+ minute walk through a residential area. Just when you’re convinced you’re lost, there it is: Gogyeol, glowing warmly in the quiet streets.

The entrance alone feels like it’s begging to be Instagrammed. Think sleek design, ambient lighting, and a vibe that screams “take a picture of me!”

As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by the sight of Wudae Galbi hanging near the grill and staff carefully tending the fire. The place radiates cleanliness and luxury without feeling pretentious.

Our Feast

We went all out for two people:

Wudae Galbi + Jipbul Pork Set (for 2): ₩85,000
Stone Pot Rice (for 2): ₩5,000
Earthenware Doenjang Stew: ₩7,000
Gwangalli Ade: ₩7,000

Setting the Mood

The table was already prepped when we arrived. A clean and minimal spread, complete with shellfish soup, sauces, and side dishes, greeted us.

The soup was refreshing but lacked a spicy kick. A little extra cheongyang chili would have elevated it!

A Sauce Lover’s Paradise

They served eight dipping sauces, including:

Shiitake mushroom
Pollack roe
Basil
Frozen pickled radish
Wasabi
Salt
Black sesame
Fermented fish paste

Each added a unique twist, but for me, the wasabi sauce paired best with the meat!

The Star: Wudae Galbi

I’ve been dying to figure out what makes Wudae Galbi so special. Turns out, it’s short rib steak, meticulously trimmed to keep the bone intact for that dramatic presentation. Fancy, right?

They grill it with straw fire first, then bring it to your table to finish on the grill. The staff does all the work, cutting and cooking it to perfection. Lazy foodies, rejoice!

The galbi was tender, flavorful, and paired wonderfully with the sides like mini bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and a truffle-stuffed mushroom that was out of this world. By the way, the crispy edges of the ribs? Chef’s kiss.

Jipbul Pork

After the galbi, they seamlessly transitioned to grilling the pork neck cuts. Thick and juicy, it was cooked to perfection. While I appreciated the service, having someone cook everything for you can feel slightly awkward when you’re trying to chat freely. Still, no complaints about the quality!

Wrapping It Up with Comfort Food

As we neared the end, we ordered stone pot rice and doenjang stew to round out the meal. The rice came with squid pickles, dried seaweed, and soy sauce—a fail-proof combo. While I wished the rice had steamed a bit longer, it was still delicious.

The doenjang stew was mild and well-balanced, pairing beautifully with the rice.

Finally, the best part of stone pot rice: the crispy nurungji (scorched rice)! Pouring hot water over it to make soothing sungnyung (rice tea) is the ultimate meal closer.

Final Thoughts

From its photogenic interiors to the thoughtful plating and flavors, Gogyeol nailed both the aesthetic and taste. The staff was incredibly friendly, making the experience even better.

If you’re in Gwangalli and looking for a chic, quiet spot to enjoy premium BBQ, Gogyeol’s Wudae Galbi Jipbul BBQ is a must-visit.