Korean Valentine’s Day is peculiar because, unlike the States (and much of the world?), girls shower their partners or loved ones with gifts and boys reciprocate the following month (called White Day). And the month after that (called Black Day) singles congregate to eat and depress over a bowl of jjajangmyeon. Needless to say, Korea is very good at commercializing holidays.

In the spirit of Valentine’s, and maybe providing a suggestion to any females in Korea, taking your loved one to Jeonju Jip in Euljiro is one way to show you really care. They serve Valentine’s Day inspired Korean barbecue in the form of beautifully marbled moksal 목살 (neck meat), which according to the owner, is bought fresh, then frozen, and served thinly sliced to give the meat a heftier yet satisfying texture. Grilled on parchment paper to limit oil from splattering, the meat goes extremely well wrapped in lettuce leaves along with grilled veggies of your choice. The plethora of banchan and bokkeumbap 볶음밥 (fried rice) aren’t that bad either, making it no surprise of its impressive 40 years of operation. Other cuts of meat—fresh and frozen—are available upon request.

Food: ★★★★½ out of 5 stars

Service: ★★★★ out of 5 stars

Ambiance: ★★★½ out of 5 stars

Value: ★★★★½ out of 5 stars

Jeonju Jip 전주집

Ipjeong-dong 251-1 (입정동 251-1)

Phone: 02-2267-8208

Hours: Open every day 09:00 am – 22:00 pm except Sundays

Click here for an interactive map: http://naver.me/G1vNNQID