The best pork ribs in all of Korea are right here—water beef ribs in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, that are tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

▲ Gyeonggi Province’s Suwon City is regarded as the birthplace of Korea’s best beef ribs. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziyin)

Reported by Reporter Chen Ziyin / from Korea

In Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province, Korea, the most famous local dish is pork ribs. But since Suwon hasn’t yet seen many international visitors, it’s considered a hidden gem known mostly to Koreans. For them, not having tried Suwon ribs is like not having been to Suwon at all. Hong Seung-pyo, the head of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, says that while visiting Seoul, you must make a trip to Suwon to try the ribs—and he also highly recommends experiencing the city’s laid-back atmosphere.


▲ The Korean-style barbecue table setup. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziyin)

“Suwon ribs” originated during the Joseon Dynasty when the area, being close to the then-capital Hanyang (present-day Seoul), became a major hub for beef trade. Locals became experts at butchering different cuts of beef and discovered that the meat near the ribs was the most delicious. This premium cut gradually became associated exclusively with Suwon, earning the name “Suwon ribs.” For Korean families, a trip to Suwon isn’t complete without trying these ribs. Today, Suwon ribs are typically enjoyed Korean BBQ style—served with fresh lettuce and pickled side dishes. The meat is tender, juicy, and has a texture quite distinct from regular beef.


▲ Juicy and tender Suwon ribs. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziyin)

One well-known rib specialty shop in the area is called “Honjia Ribs,” reputed to serve the most authentic Suwon ribs. The restaurant offers both original and marinated rib options, as well as a pork rib stew known as “Ribs General Soup.”

*In Taiwan, “ribs” usually refer to pork ribs with bones, but in Korea, “ribs” refer to the meat near the beef ribs.

Honjia Ribs
Address: Yeoncheon-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (??衬?菩萝?训?菩?迟)
(Asiana Airlines operates daily flights between Taipei and Incheon, with flight times from 12:55–16:30. Additional flights are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 16:50–20:20. Flights from Incheon to Taipei run daily from 10:00–11:30, with additional flights on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 14:20–15:50.)