13 Must-Try Korean BBQ Restaurants in Seoul: Our Best Picks

Best Korean BBQ Restaurants in Seoul

When you're wandering around Seoul, you've got to treat yourself to some authentic Korean BBQ - it's like a rite of passage! The mix of flavours, cooking styles, and the pure passion locals have for BBQ will blow your mind and leave you craving more.

BBQ, or 'gogi-gui,' isn't just food; it's a story that goes way back. From the refined grilling techniques of the Joseon Dynasty, BBQ has been a part of Korean culture for ages.

So, if you're in Seoul, you can't skip out on a dinner or two of K-BBQ! Let this guide lead you to the best Korean BBQ restaurants in Seoul, where you can dive into mouthwatering dishes and soak up the lively vibes.

1. Mongtan

Craving smoky BBQ with a twist? Head to Mongtan, a hidden gem near Seoul's Samgakji Station infamous for its long lines since 2019. Be prepared to wait unless you snag a rare online reservation (weekdays only).

Their marinated pork belly is delicious, but the real star is the udae galbi- a massive 250-gram beef rib!

And the showstopper - marinated and seared over a unique straw fire for an unforgettable smoky flavour, then brought sizzling to your table for dramatic chopping into bite-sized perfection.

Don't forget to cool down with refreshing naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) or savoury onion fried rice for the complete experience.

• Address: 50 Baekbeom-ro 99-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea (map)

• Opening hours: Open Daily, 12pm to 9pm

• Price: $$$

2. Nam-Yeongdon

Forget gimmicks and tricks. Nam-Yeongdon keeps it simple, and it's the best Korean BBQ restaurant in Myeongdong.

This restaurant, serving pork and noodles since 1982, found new fame after a 2017 revamp. The secret? Premium pork grilled over charcoal, perfectly paired with homemade banchan (side dishes).

Don't miss their melt-in-your-mouth hangjungsal (pork jowl) and gabrisal (pork cheek).

But leave space for the jjolmyeon - chewy wheat noodles in a spicy, tangy sauce that cuts through the richness of the pork. The long wait is a testament to the power of perfecting the classics.

• Address: 17 Hangang-daero 80-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea (map)

• Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 4pm to 10pm, Sat to Sun: 12pm to 9pm

• Price: $$$

3. Jamsugyo-jip

Forget if you thought naengsam (frozen pork belly) was out! It's making a cool comeback, and Jamsugyo-jip is leading the change.

This popular restaurant exploded from one location in Bogwang-dong to nearly a dozen across Seoul, but be prepared to wait - their fame precedes them. The wait is worth for the extensive side dishes served in charming, retro-style dishes.

Beyond the complimentary banchan, you can customise your meal with extras like minari (water parsley) and fresh oysters. To top it all, servers whip up some instant fried rice right at your table, using leftover meat and sides for a delicious finale.

• Address: 81 Jangmun-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea (map)

• Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 5pm to 5am, Sat-Sun: 2pm to 5am

• Price: $$

4. Woo Lae Oak

Looking for cheap Korean BBQ in Seoul? Woo Lae Oak has been one of Seoul’s classic spots for barbecue since 1946.

And although the naengmyeon in extra meaty broth might steal the spotlight, the bulgogi has also been a popular choice for generations.

What we highly recommend is ordering the off-menu special: their famous naengmyeon noodles added to bulgogi broth.

• Address: 62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea (map)

• Opening hours: Tues-Sun: 11:30am to 9pm, Closed on Mon

• Price: $$

5. Nari’s House

There's no other place you can go for fab quality naengsam (frozen pork belly) but Nari's House. The best Korean BBQ in Itaewon. They've been serving nothing but frozen pork belly for over 30 years in Itaewon!

They take frozen pork belly to a whole new level by slicing it ultra-thin just before serving, maximising flavour and ensuring perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth slices.

This creates a unique texture and taste compared to other typical fresh cuts. Despite the worn-down exterior, the clientele is a surprising mix of trendy hipsters, energetic Itaewon clubbers, and an occasional celebrity sighting too!

• Address: 245 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu (map)

• Opening hours: Open Daily 2pm to 12am

• Price: $$$

6. Geumdwaeji Sikdang

Geumdwaeji Sikdang, Seoul's hottest spot for pork BBQ, swears by YBD - a unique breed combining Yorkshire, Berkshire, and Duroc pigs.

This special blend boasts juicy richness with a satisfying chew and less grease, making it perfect for grilling.

But what's the secret? Geumdwaeji Sikdang ages their YBD pork to unlock deep umami flavours before grilling it to perfection on cast iron over briquettes.

For a flavour explosion try their signature "bon sapgyeop" pork belly that includes part of the rib, and for an extra punch, pair it with their anchovy dipping sauce. Don't miss their other specialty - the sweet and chewy grilled pork rind.

• Address: 149 Dasan-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea (map)

• Opening hours: Open Daily, 11:30am to 11pm

• Price: $$

7. Ggupdang

Sinsa Station has a hidden gem for pork lovers - Ggupdang. Their specialty is pork shoulder, meticulously aged for 15 days to achieve incredible flavour and tenderness.

Expert staff grill the meat over fiery binchotan charcoal, locking in those juicy flavours.

Don't miss their signature dashi-infused rice - a perfect complement to the pork. Feeling adventurous? Add a touch of wasabi to your rice.

• Address: 615 Gangnam-daero, Seocho District, Seoul, South Korea (map)

• Opening hours: Open Daily, 3pm to 10:50pm

• Price: $$

8. Ujeong Yanggopchang

Look no further as gopchang (grilled intestines) takes centre stage. Despite its unique main course, the restaurant boasts a modern and comfortable atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed dining experience.

New to gopchang? The modeum hanpan is your best bet. This sizzling platter features four different intestine cuts, each individually prepared to highlight its specific texture and flavour.

Pair your gopchang adventure with a side of comforting fried rice and doenjang (a soybean paste stew) for a complete and delicious meal.

• Address: 23 Dosan-daero 30-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea (map)

• Opening hours: Mon to Sat 4:30pm to 10pm. Closed on Sun

• Price: $$

9. Budnamujip

Budnamujip has been serving since 1977 and it isn't uncommon to see generations of foodies sitting together enjoying a meal here!

Budnamujip skips the mundane soy sauce in beef marinades and produces a unique tender texture and savoury flavour with just sea salt and a charcoal grill.

At lunchtime, you'll see people flocking early to get one of only a hundred bowls of galbitang (beef rib soup) packed with loads of Korean beef (hanwoo).

• Address: 434 Hyoryeong-ro, Seocho District, Seoul, South Korea (map)

• Opening hours: Open Daily, 11am to 9:30pm

• Price: $$$$$

10. Born and Bred

Seongdong-gu's Born and Bred is an ode to Korean beef and a legacy built by owner Jeong Sang-won.

Named after his father's workplace, the Majangdong meat market, Born and Bred started as an exclusive social club, showcasing the finest cuts of hanwoo to discerning guests.

Their creative approach of serving different cuts as courses inspired countless modern Korean BBQ restaurants.

In 2019, Born and Bred expanded into a three-story haven for beef lovers. The first floor houses a butcher shop, the second a casual restaurant, and the basement – the crown jewel.

Here, in an intimate setting usually reserved for groups, you can experience the ultimate beefy extravaganza.

• Address: 1 Majang-ro 42-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea (map)

• Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 12pm to 3pm; 6pm to 10:15pm. Closed on Tues.

• Price: $$$$$

11. R Gogi

They've redefined the fancy dining with their thick cuts of premium (1++) grade beef.

Their well-trained staff expertly grill succulent tenderloin, sirloin, and other specialty cuts right on your table's charcoal fire, ensuring every bite is cooked to perfection.

Feeling extra fancy? You can even add caviar to your order! Unlike most BBQ spots, R Gogi boasts an impressive bar program, featuring cocktails and whiskey to complement your luxurious feast.

Don't miss their off-menu omurice (an omelet with rice and savoury filling) for a unique end to your meal.

• Address: 51 Seolleung-ro 162-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea (map)

• Opening hours: Open Daily, 5:30pm to 1am

• Price: $$$$$

12. Gombawie

Seoul's Gombawie has been a master of yangdaechang (beef tripe and large intestine) since 1983.

They've perfected the art of preparing these unique ingredients, ensuring the right balance of flavour and satisfyingly chewy texture.

Not only this, Gombawie isn't a one-trick pony – they also offer a variety of premium hanwoo cuts like sirloin, ribs, and brisket, all accompanied by delectable banchan.

If you're feeling adventurous, opt for the hongtang, a spicy red soup brimming with beef ribs and gopchang.

• Address: 10 Yeongdong-daero 115-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea (map)

• Opening hours: Open Daily, 11am to 10pm

• Price: $$$$$

13. Byeokje Galbi

Since 1986, Byeokje Galbi has redefined Korean BBQ luxury with its focus on marinated galbi (short ribs).

They source the finest beef available at daily auctions, reflected in the price.

Their signature diamond-cut galbi, made with the highest-grade, beautifully marbled "seol-hwa" (snow flower) beef, starts at a cool SGD 60 per 100 grams.

Craving the ultimate indulgence? Their "ultimate" striploin steak reaches SGD 100 per 100 grams. But they aren't just about the meat.

They're also masters of naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) and gomtang (milky white beef bone soup), ensuring an all-around exquisite experience.

• Address: 1-4 Yangjae-daero 71-gil, 방이1동 Songpa District, Seoul, South Korea (map)

• Opening hours: Open Daily, 11:30am to 10pm

• Price: $$$$$

KBBQ Experiences

Half-day KBBQ Experience

Dive into Seoul's hottest BBQ scene with a local in the know! A Seoul resident will personally curate a delicious adventure each month, introducing you to both his tried-and-tested favourites and the latest trending spots.

KBBQ Samgyupsal Party

This Korean BBQ isn't just about the food; it's about the whole vibe. This is an authentic Korean experience, complete with delicious sizzling BBQ under the open sky and a fun and social atmosphere - a perfect opportunity to bond with friends, share stories over laughter, and savour every bite of this unforgettable experience.

Other Local Food Experiences

Cooking Class and Mangwon Market Tour

Join Chef Jomin, a certified expert, for a unique cooking class in his home kitchen located in the heart of Hongdae's trendy urban-indie neighborhood. The class begins with a guided exploration of Mangwon Market, where you'll unearth the freshest local ingredients that will become the stars of your culinary creations.

Kimchi-Making Experience

Seoul Kimchi Academy House offers a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of Korean cuisine and culture. Join passionate experts for a hands-on immersive workshop where you'll learn the secrets of crafting traditional kimchi and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

Insadong Makgeolli Taster Tour

Embark on a three-hour immersion into Korea's traditional spirit, makgeolli. Led by the knowledgeable Julia, a sool (Korean rice wine) specialist, you'll explore the charming Insa-dong district, visiting three unique makgeolli restaurants to discover the diverse flavours of this beloved beverage.

Makgeolli Brewing Class

Founded by Julia Mellor, the team led by the first non-Korean specialist in sool (Korean traditional alcohol) is dedicated to sharing their love for this unique beverage in their classes.

But it's not just a classroom—it's a one-stop shop for all things sool! Participants can immerse themselves in this makgeolli brewing class in their educational space, a functioning brewery where they can witness the magic first-hand.

Japchae, Mandu, Tteokbokki & Fishcake Cooking

This unique experience lets you learn how to make iconic Korean dishes - must-tries for any visitor to Korea.

You'll be guided through the process of preparing a traditional Korean table setting, perfect for capturing fab pics for Instagram! After all your hard work, you savour a delicious and hearty meal featuring seasonal Korean desserts too.

A Feast For The Senses

From sizzling meats cooked table-side to the vibrant atmosphere and endless side dishes, Korean BBQ offers a truly immersive culinary experience.

Whether you crave classic favourites like bulgogi or delve into adventurous options like gopchang, Seoul's BBQ scene has something for every palate.

Commonly Asked Questions

Is Korean BBQ big in Korea?

Korean BBQ is huge in Korea, given its cultural relevance, accessibility, variety and flavour. It's in fact a matter of national pride.

What is Korean BBQ called in Korean?

Korean BBQ is called Gogi-gui in Korean.

What's the difference between Korean BBQ and other BBQ styles?

Korean BBQ is unique for being cooked at your table on a built-in grill.