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Myeongwol House Gapyeong: Experience Legendary 2-Month Dry-Aged Pork That Melts in Your Mouth

After two long months of room temperature aging, and known as a legendary pork restaurant, Myeongwol House (명월집) is open only 3 days a week, making reservations nearly impossible. But finally, after a year of trying, I succeeded in booking a table at this highly sought-after restaurant in Gapyeong! They say you need to have accumulated three generations of good karma to eat here, such is the difficulty in securing a reservation. The rumors and anticipation were immense – pork aged for two months at room temperature, creating an unbelievably unique and delicious flavor.

The Secret: Unique 2-Month Room Temperature Aging

Myeongwol House doesn’t offer a menu; their pride is in their uniquely aged pork and the way they grill it. From the first bite, it’s clear this isn’t ordinary pork. The texture is shockingly tender, almost melting in your mouth. It’s unlike any pork I’ve ever tasted, more akin to a high-quality cut of beef than typical pork. This revolutionary taste comes from their special two-month room temperature aging process, a method that transforms the meat into something truly extraordinary. They even use charcoal to give it a perfect smoky flavor.

Dining at Myeongwol House: A Unique Experience

Finding Myeongwol House can be a bit of a surprise. From the outside, it doesn’t immediately scream ‘restaurant’. Stepping inside, we were greeted with a simple, unassuming ambiance. We were informed that they don’t take additional orders after the initial one, and we opted for 3 servings. The kimchi served was also unique – a refreshing water kimchi style, made fresh every two weeks, notably without anchovy sauce. The grilling process is also special; they use charcoal and seem to pre-grill the pork to perfection.

Unbelievable Tenderness and Flavor

The server explained their grilling technique, mentioning they use charcoal heat over 300 degrees and grill it close to 100 times. He emphasized that unlike conventionally aged pork (3-10 days), their two-month fermentation keeps the meat cells alive, preventing moisture loss during grilling. The result is unbelievably tender, like injeolmi (Korean rice cake). The marinade doesn’t burn due to this unique aging process. The taste? Simply mind-blowing. The texture is incredibly soft, almost like a meatball, easily falling apart with the slightest touch. It’s not chewy at all. The marinade is subtly sweet, unlike typical sweet pork ribs, making it incredibly palatable and non-greasy. There’s also a hint of spiciness that kicks in at the end, perfectly complementing the charcoal flavor.

Beyond Expectations: A Must-Try in Gapyeong

Myeongwol House operates only three days a week (Fri, Sat, Sun) and for just three hours each day. This exclusivity, combined with the unforgettable taste, makes it a legendary dining spot. The atmosphere is cozy, perhaps a little warm in the winter as it was quite packed. To finish off the meal, I highly recommend trying their Sikhye, a traditional Korean sweet rice drink. It’s the perfect dessert after this rich and flavorful pork experience.

Myeongwol House is truly a one-of-a-kind dining experience. If you ever find yourself in Gapyeong, securing a reservation here is highly recommended. It’s a culinary adventure that you won’t soon forget, offering a taste of pork unlike anything you’ve ever encountered.

Location: Gapyeong, South Korea (가평, 대한민국)

General Rating: Highly Recommended (Based on enthusiastic review)

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