A great place for grilled pork in Cheongju.
After my girlfriend arrived at Cheongju Airport at 10:30, we were deciding where to eat in the restaurant district. We had originally planned on lamb skewers, but noticed how busy this place was. She is particular about food and felt reassured by a restaurant drawing a crowd at that hour, so we changed plans. Once again, her choice proved right and left her happy. The napkins suspended from the ceiling were memorable too.
Cauldron-lid barbecue in Bokdae-dong, Cheongju
Mokgumeong’s Cheongju branch, in Bokdae-dong’s dining district, specializes in meat grilled on cast-iron cauldron lids. Its slogan amounts to “Aging or whatever—good meat is what tastes good,” expressing its straightforward focus on the quality of the meat itself. The huge iron lid retains intense heat and sears the thick cuts quickly to keep them juicy. Staff handle the grilling carefully from start to finish, so you can relax and enjoy the meat at just the right moment.
Pork belly, pork neck and water dropwort
The menu centers on skin-on pork belly, with a pleasantly springy bite, and specially selected pork neck, full of juice. A highlight is grilling Cheongdo water dropwort, bean sprouts, mustard-leaf kimchi and sour kimchi where the pork fat runs down the lid. The fresh, aromatic greens cut through the richness of the belly and bring the flavors into balance.
The dimly lit, lively tavern atmosphere and rustic side dishes on metal trays make this a casual rather than formal outing. Noise and queues during weekends or busy evenings may tire diners hoping for a quiet conversation. Still, when you want the bold flavor of cauldron-lid barbecue, fragrant water dropwort and inviting sides such as beef-knee-cartilage doenjang stew or cold noodles with seasoned raw fish, the warm retro setting makes it an excellent choice.
Price impression: Affordable.
