Culinary Tour in Hwacheon

Embarking on a culinary tour in Hwacheon!!
The place I visited, known for its charcoal-grilled chicken galbi, is Cheongsu Charcoal Galbi.
The chicken galbi, infused with the aroma of charcoal, was a delightful treat.
Let me introduce you to the time filled with delicious sounds during my culinary tour with friends in Hwacheon!
One unique feature of this place is the chicken neck meat galbi. I was skeptical about ordering it, wondering if there would be enough meat, but I was pleasantly surprised by its tenderness and flavor. Just having chicken neck galbi was intriguing, but the taste made me give it a thumbs up.
Cheongsu Charcoal Galbi
Address - 9, Sumilli-gil, Saneum-myeon, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do
Operating Hours - Weekdays 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Weekends 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Notably, this restaurant is popular among soldiers due to its proximity to a military base. On days with ceremonies, it can get so busy that finding a seat is a challenge!
The restaurant exudes a countryside charm. Crossing a small bridge, you can see the restaurant, which has parking available right in front. The exterior gives off a cozy mountain lodge vibe, complemented by the soothing sound of a nearby stream.
The unique atmosphere of Hwacheon was delightful. The quiet, fresh air and the serene country roads created a lovely ambiance. Upon entering, I was greeted by a cat, the restaurant's mascot, stretching adorably.
The interior of the restaurant is adorned with chrysanthemums. It was a place where you had to take off your shoes before entering, and the ondol (heated floor) made it warm and inviting. The dining area had tables on both sides, and there was a room with traditional seating for groups or family visits.
As I entered, I noticed pots filled with blooming chrysanthemums, their subtle fragrance far more pleasant than any diffuser. The sight of these fresh flowers brought a smile to my face.
The menu is simple, featuring marinated pork ribs, chicken galbi, and chicken neck meat as the main dishes. Their price for the soybean paste stew was astonishingly low at just 2,000 won, earning them recognition as a restaurant with fair prices.
When I ordered the food, a set of side dishes was provided. The moment the side dishes were served, my appetite kicked in. I hesitated to pick up the tongs and scissors, deciding to let someone else handle the grilling.
The chicken neck meat was a unique sight, served with rice cakes to grill over charcoal. Despite being mostly bones, this cut was transformed into a delicious dish here.
The chicken galbi was also served, evenly coated in marinade. Its thinly sliced nature was characteristic of this place, allowing it to cook evenly without burning.
The marinated pork ribs looked impressive, with generous portions that exceeded my expectations. It was clear why this place is renowned as a military favorite.
The aroma of the grilling meat was irresistible, and after ensuring it was perfectly cooked, I finally began to eat. The tenderness and flavor were extraordinary, surpassing my expectations. Even though I wasn't particularly hungry, the smell of the grilled meat was enough to entice me. Enjoying a beer with friends made the experience even more enjoyable.
The chicken neck meat was a culinary revelation! I was amazed at how tender and flavorful it was, even more so than breast meat, with a delightful chewy texture. Personally, I preferred the chicken neck over the galbi!
I savored a large piece without cutting it, and the burst of juicy flavor made it one of my favorite meals ever.
This place is definitely worth a return visit. Eating something so delicious made me think of my family back home. I can't wait to bring them here, especially during the upcoming Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival.
Images from the Cheongsu Charcoal Galbi culinary tour:

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