Best Value Korean BBQ in Gangnam: 풍년집 (Pungnyeon House) Sullung vs. Daechi Branch Review

Hello! Today, I’m excited to introduce one of my personal favorite Korean BBQ restaurants: 풍년집 (Pungnyeon House). Known for its exceptional value for money (가성비) in Gangnam, 풍년집 is a place I’ve reviewed before. Recently, a new branch opened in Daechi, so I decided to revisit both the original Sullung branch and the new Daechi branch to compare them and share my updated review. Let’s dive in!

Exploring 풍년집 Branches: Sullung vs. Daechi

Searching for “풍년집” on Naver will show you three locations: Yeoksam, Sullung, and Daechi. Among these, my personal favorite is the Sullung branch. However, all three branches are delicious, and I understand they are family-run. The main menu item across all branches is 갈빗살 (Beef Ribs).

Interestingly, the menu names differ slightly between branches. The Sullung branch offers “풍년 소금 간장 갈비살 (Pungnyeon Salt & Soy Sauce Ribs),” while the Daechi branch serves “소갈비살 (Beef Ribs)” and “풍년갈비살 (Pungnyeon Ribs).” Essentially, the “소갈비살” at the Daechi branch is the same as the “풍년갈빗살” at the Sullung branch. Let’s take a closer look at the menu offerings.

Consistent and Delicious Side Dishes

One consistent aspect across 풍년집 branches is their fantastic side dishes. You’ll be served the same delicious spread including:

• 상추 겉절이 (Lettuce Salad): Fresh and tangy, perfectly seasoned.
• 총각김치 (Chonggak Kimchi): Wonderfully fermented ponytail radish kimchi.

Both the lettuce salad and chonggak kimchi are incredibly tasty and complement both the grilled beef and the 된장찌개 (soybean paste stew) perfectly.

Charcoal Grill and Tasting: 소금갈비살 (Salt Ribs)

As expected, a hot and inviting charcoal grill arrived at our table. Before grilling the marinated ribs, we started with the 소금갈비살 (Salt Ribs), a must-do when enjoying Korean BBQ to appreciate the pure meat flavor before the 양념 (marinade). This is a highlight unique to the Sullung branch, not available at Yeoksam or Daechi. The well-aged beef ribs had an incredible flavor on their own.

Since it’s high-quality beef and the charcoal is hot, it’s best not to overload the grill. Grill small portions to enjoy each piece of perfectly cooked beef with a sip of soju. The grilled 소금갈비살 can be enjoyed simply with salt, or with onion sauce, or the refreshing cabbage salad.

Trying “짜배기 (Jjabaegi)” – A Unique Soju Drink

On this visit, I tried “짜배기 (Jjabaegi),” a novel way to enjoy soju. It involves filling a beer glass with ice, pouring in soju, and drinking it in one shot. Apparently, this drinking style is popularized by Korean celebrities Sung Si-kyung and Shin Dong-yeop, so I had to try it!

풍년갈비살 (Pungnyeon Ribs): Marinated Perfection

Next up was 풍년갈비살 (Pungnyeon Ribs), beef ribs marinated in a sweet and savory garlic-based sauce. This is the primary rib option available at the Daechi branch. Grilling marinated ribs requires a bit more attention to prevent burning due to the sugar in the marinade. As someone with some grilling experience (self-proclaimed!), I managed to grill them perfectly, infusing them with smoky flavors.

While the 소금갈비살 highlights the natural beef flavor, the 풍년갈비살 offers a delightful combination of the sweet garlic marinade and the savory beef. It’s a truly delicious marinated rib experience.

The Highlight: 된장찌개 (Soybean Paste Stew)

Now, for what I consider the highlight of 풍년집: their 된장찌개 (Soybean Paste Stew). Served in a large earthenware pot (뚝배기) and made with a rich anchovy broth (밴댕이), this amazing stew is provided free of charge! Ordering a bowl of rice to enjoy with the chonggak kimchi and 된장찌개, or simply sipping the flavorful broth alone, is enough to empty a bottle of soju.

Daechi Branch’s Unique 된장찌개 Upgrade: Ramen Noodles!

Here’s another difference between the Daechi and Sullung branches. While the generous portion and fantastic 된장찌개 quality are consistent, the Daechi branch offers a unique twist. After enjoying some of the stew and creating some space in the pot, you can add 라면사리 (ramen noodles)! It’s a universally loved combination. The slightly chewy ramen noodles in the savory 된장찌개 broth are simply irresistible. This pot of noodles and broth offers a different kind of satisfaction compared to just 된장 rice.

Don’t worry about the broth reducing too much; both the Sullung and Daechi branches offer free refills of 된장찌개! It’s like the owner’s thoughtful gesture to encourage more soju consumption!

Friendly Service and Atmosphere

Before I knew it, a mountain of empty bottles had accumulated! The owner, noticing our enthusiasm, even gave us a complimentary Fanta soda! To summarize my review, both the Daechi and Sullung branches were excellent. Especially noteworthy is the exceptional kindness of the owners at both locations. 풍년집 offers a nostalgic, old-school vibe (노포 분위기), making it a perfect spot for casual after-work gatherings or enjoyable get-togethers with friends.

Final Verdict

풍년집 remains a top recommendation for delicious and affordable Korean BBQ in Gangnam. Whether you visit the original Sullung branch or the new Daechi location, you’re in for a treat. I’ll be back with more delicious reviews soon. Please like and subscribe for more!

Restaurant Information: 풍년집 (Pungnyeon House)

• Location: Gangnam, Seoul (Sullung & Daechi Branches mentioned)
• General Rating: Highly Recommended (Based on review content)