Donbaekseok (돈백석 Main Branch), Cheonan’s Legendary Seoksoe-gui
I’ve been seeing countless Shorts and Reels recommending this place, and I finally went to check it out. They say the seoksoe-gui (석쇠구이, charcoal-grilled meat or seafood) here is absolutely amazing 😋
The moment I stepped inside, it had that unmistakable “this is a real spot” vibe. No wonder it’s so popular—everything from the main dishes to each side dish was delicious.
Honestly, I should have come here much earlier! If you’re looking for a Cheonan seoksoe-gui restaurant Donbaekseok is highly recommended.
Here’s my detailed review 👇🏻😉
Good to Know
🍖 30 years of tradition, serving only fresh meat
🔥 Specializes in seoksoe gui — both pork and squid are excellent
🥗 Even the side dishes are outstanding
🌟 A hidden alley spot, yet popular with celebrities
🍚 More of a restaurant vibe than a bar
🕛 Weekday lunch: busy but no waiting, weekends: expect a crowd
⏱️ Seating limited to 2 hours (posted on the wall)
👏🏻 Food is served quickly
📦 Takeout available for seoksoe-gui
🚶 Parking is technically available but very limited → better to walk
Restaurant Info
📍Location
1F, 14 Seongjeong Park 2-gil, Seobuk-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungnam
Donbaekseok Main Branch
충남 천안시 서북구 성정공원2길 14 1층
돈백석 본점
⏰ Hours
Mon–Sat 07:00 – 22:30 (Break time 15:00 – 16:00)
Closed on Sundays
👍 Recommended Menu
– Pork Seoksoe-gui (for 2) + Doenjang Jjigae: 28,000 KRW
– Squid Seoksoe-gui: 15,000 KRW
Menu Overview
We ordered 2 servings of Pork Seoksoe-gui (14,000 KRW each, minimum 2 orders).
- Pork Seoksoe-gui (14,000 KRW) → comes with a tasty doenjang jjigae (된장찌개, soybean paste stew)
- Squid Seoksoe-gui (15,000 KRW) → available from 1 serving
Steamed rice (1,000 KRW) must be ordered separately
Taste Review
⭐ Pork Seoksoe-gui 돼지 석쇠구이
Perfectly grilled pork with that smoky fire-charred flavor. No unpleasant odor at all, and the marinade was fantastic. Since it’s served pre-grilled, it’s easy to eat and the portions are generous.
Wrap it in lettuce with garlic and ssamjang, take a big bite, and it honestly feels like heaven. Rice disappears in an instant 🪄.
⭐ Doenjang Jjigae 된장찌개
Clear and refreshing, with zucchini and deep traditional flavors. More like a soup than a thick stew. Absolutely delicious—it tastes like it carries decades of cooking mastery.
⭐ Side Dishes 반찬
Every single side dish was spot-on. Seasoning was slightly on the salty side, which meant I didn’t even need refills. It’s the kind of flavor you’d want stocked in your own fridge. I had to stop myself from going for a third bowl of rice—self-control tested.
Overall Impression
From the main dishes to the sides, everything was excellent. It was a truly satisfying lunch.
Next time, I’ll try the squid seoksoe-gui and maybe pair it with chicken feet and some soju.
Revisit intention: 200%. This place is already on my repeat list!
