Philadelphia Cheesesteaks in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, serves arguably the best rib-eye sandwich this side of Broad Street. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
An authentic Philadelphia-style cheesesteak in the heart of South Korea? Get outta here, youse.
Philadelphia Cheesesteaks in Pyeongtaek serves arguably the best rib-eye sandwich this side of Broad Street. But don’t look for this overlooked gem on Google; its online presence is low key.
Word of mouth alerted me to its location just a short stroll from Osan Air Base’s main gate. The place has been serving its distinctively Mid-Atlantic mainstay for a decade.
Inside Philadelphia Cheesesteaks in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, you’ll find posters of celebrities and sports teams associated with the City of Brotherly Love. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
The restaurant blends into its surroundings, but once you find it, you’ll find it hard to believe you overlooked it. A sign outside proclaims Philadelphia Cheesesteaks in bold letters of blue and white, the colors of Penn State. A huge Philadelphia Flyers flag hangs on the door.
Inside, you’ll find posters of celebrities and sports teams associated with the City of Brotherly Love.
Philadelphia Cheesesteaks’ owner, Kim Minjun, lived up to the city’s reputation for hospitality. He said he learned how to make the perfect cheesesteak from his uncle, a Philly native.
The only menu hangs poster-style on the wall and features just two items: cheesesteaks, fries.
The cheesesteaks come in two sizes: 8 or 14 inches of sliced, grilled rib-eye beef, caramelized onions, green bell pepper and white American cheese served on soft homemade white bread. Everything is cooked to order and served within minutes.
My cheesesteak arrived piping hot, a mouthwatering combination of meat, cheese, onions and peppers, authenticity in every bite.
Philadelphia Cheesesteaks in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, serves arguably the best rib-eye sandwich this side of Broad Street. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
Philadelphia Cheesesteaks
Location: Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek-si, Jungangsijang-ro 11beon-gil, 10-1
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday
Prices: About $10 for an 8-inch cheesesteak and $15 for a 14-inch sandwich. Fries are $4, drinks are included in the price of the sandwich.
Dress: Casual
Directions: About a 5-minute walk from Osan Air Base’s main gate.
Information: 070-8969-6168
