A ssam made with lettuce, rice, green onion kimch, and bulgogi. (Yoojin Lee/Stars and Stripes)
Think Korean cuisine and the big three come to mind: bibimbap, kimchi and bulgogi.
Koreans have grilled bulgogi for centuries, with earlier versions developing into the modern bulgogi style during the Joseon era, 1392-1897.
The word “bul” means “fire” and “gogi” means “meat.” Bulgogi is usually made with thin slices of beef or pork marinated in a soy sauce-based mixture then grilled or stir-fried. The marinade is slightly sweet and pairs well with other side dishes, including kimchi.
One of my favorites for a bulgogi lunch or dinner near Camp Humphreys is Ganggyeong Pyeongtaek, where I can make a ssam, or wrap, to my own tastes for 19,000 won, or $13, for pork bulgogi, or 25,000 won for beef.
Grab a piece of lettuce or any leafy vegetable of your choice, a piece of meat, kimchi or pickled onions, and a bit of rice and sauce.
Ganggyeong Pyeongtaek has everything required to assemble a DIY grilled meat wrap. (Yoojin Lee/Stars and Stripes)
Wrap everything together and eat it in one bite. The key is to experience all the flavors at once and enjoy the juicy harmony in your mouth.
Depending on regional culture and family traditions, some prefer grilled bulgogi while others enjoy hot pot style.
The Ganggyeong Pyeongtaek ssam section offers various vegetables for self-service. An empty plate is provided for customers to grab sesame leaves, lettuce, kimchi cabbage, red mustard leaves, kale or angelica leaves from the bar. The restaurant has a branch in Osan, too.
Pork bulgogi served with abalone and two shrimps. Side dishes from left to right are stir-fried fish cake, radish kimchi, kimchi stew, macaroni mayo, pickled onion and green onion kimchi. (Yoojin Lee/Stars and Stripes)
The pork bulgogi I ordered is served grilled. It comes with two shrimp and one abalone and variety of side dishes. All side dishes can be refilled at the self-service bar. A small kimchi stew is offered for free when you order pork bulgogi; a radish soup is served with beef bulgogi.
This restaurant even has a play area for kids. Arcade machines, drawing boards and a mini table-tennis court for families and friends to enjoy before and after the meal. These features make the restaurant very family-friendly and comfortable for customers.
Thanks to these amenities, especially popular among people in their 40s and above, the restaurant gets packed during lunch and dinner with groups of people.
Bulgogi has also been incorporated into various modern menus. The bulgogi burger at a major burger chain remains a steady bestseller, while some Mexican restaurants in South Korea serve bulgogi tacos as part of their “Koreanized” menu.
These variations show how bulgogi continues to evolve and remains a beloved staple of Korean cuisine.
Gaggyeong Pyoeongtaek provides a play area for young diners. (Yoojin Lee/Stars and Stripes)
Ganggyeong Pyeongtaek
Location: Bijeon-dong 603-2, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Directions: A 20-minute drive from the Millet Gate at Camp Humphreys, South Korea.
Hours: Open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; last order at 8:30 p.m.
Prices: 19,000 to 25,000 won per person, or $13 to $17, for pork or beef.
Dress: Casual
Information: 031-692-1255, free parking lot available
