I’m excited to introduce the 10 best Korean BBQ restaurants in Korea! Seoul is always at the top of people’s travel lists when they visit Korea, so today, I’ll be sharing some of the best Korean barbecue Seoul restaurants. There are many delicious options in Korean BBQ, but the most iconic dish in Korea is definitely samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly). That’s why today’s list focuses on the best samgyeopsal restaurants in Seoul that you won’t want to miss!
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K BBQ at Home
Are you sad because you can’t travel to Korea and miss out on K BBQ?
Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here’s an easy recipe for Korean barbecue that you can try at home.
Actually, when Koreans eat samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), we often skip the many side dishes. We just grill some kimchi right next to the meat—and that’s it. Simple, but so good! I’ll also show you 3 delicious dipping sauces to pair with the BBQ. Yes, you can enjoy real Korean BBQ at home—easy and tasty!
Seoul Restaurants for Korean BBQ
When it comes to Korean BBQ, pork is the most common choice for local. Especially cuts like samgyeopsal (pork belly), mok-sal (pork shoulder), and hangjeong-sal (pork jowl). Many BBQ restaurants in Korea actually serve only pork, and that’s totally normal. Why? Because beef is very expensive in Korea. So when Koreans go out for hanwoo (premium Korean beef), it’s usually for a special occasion. The most popular and expensive hanwoo cuts are the ribeye, short ribs, and chuck flap tail. These cuts are known for their rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
If you’re looking for Korean barbecue restaurants in Seoul, you’ll find that most of them focus on pork. Beef-only restaurants exist, too, but they’re less common and more expensive. Some places serve both pork and beef, but it’s more typical for Korean restaurants to specialize in either pork or beef, not both.
Unlike in Europe or the U.S., where many Korean BBQ restaurants serve pork, beef, and chicken, in Korea, it doesn’t work that way. For example, if you go to a pork barbecue restaurant, there’s a good chance they won’t serve beef.
So here’s a tip:
- If you’re craving pork Korean BBQ, go to a pork-only place.
- If you want beef Korean BBQ, look specifically for a hanwoo or beef BBQ restaurant.
What about chicken? In Europe, chicken barbecue restaurants are everywhere, right? Well, chicken BBQ restaurants are quite rare in Korea. They exist, but not many. So, if you’re expecting to easily find grilled chicken on the streets, you might be disappointed. It’s better to search in advance for a place that serves chicken barbecue instead of walking around looking for one and wasting time.
Must-Try Korean BBQ Side Dishes
When you go to a Korean BBQ restaurant, don’t just stop at the meat! Here are some side dishes you have to try—they’ll take your BBQ experience to the next level.
- Steamed Egg (Gyeran-jjim | 계란찜): This fluffy, savory steamed egg is the perfect soft bite between grilled meats. Some restaurants give it for free, but most places offer it as a cheap add-on. Totally worth it—creamy, warm, and comforting!
- Cold Noodles (Naengmyeon | 냉면): You’ve probably heard of this one! These cold, tangy noodles are the perfect match for greasy BBQ. Koreans love eating naengmyeon with grilled meat—it’s refreshing and balances the heaviness. You’ll usually see two types on the menu.
- Mul-naengmyeon (물냉면) – cold noodles in icy beef broth (the one you might know)
- Bibim-naengmyeon (비빔냉면) – spicy, sauce-based version with no broth
- Soybean Paste Stew (Doenjang-jjigae | 된장찌개): This rich, umami-packed stew is sometimes served by default, but usually needs to be ordered separately. A bowl of rice, a bubbling pot of doenjang-jjigae, and grilled meat, what more could you ask for? haha
- Fried Rice (Bokkeumbap | 볶음밥): Koreans jokingly call this the “K-BBQ dessert”—yes, dessert!
After the meat, we use the leftover meat and kimchi on the grill to make fried rice. Many places even melt cheese on top… and trust me, you’ll want to save room for this. Some people intentionally leave meat just to enjoy this final round.
Best 10 Korean BBQ Restaurants in Seoul, Korea
Now, let’s dive into the Top 10 Korean barbecue restaurants in Seoul! I’ve handpicked places located in some of the hippest neighborhoods—popular among locals.
Geumdwaeji Sikdang (금돼지식당)
This Korean BBQ Restaurant a favorite among celebrities like BIGBANG’s G-Dragon, BTS, and BLACKPINK, as well as David Beckham. Located in Yaksu, Seoul, this restaurant has been featured in the Michelin Guide for 7 consecutive years. Plan to wait 2–3 hours, as reservations are currently booked over three months in advance.
At Geumdwaeji Sikdang, the staff grill the pork for you over traditional charcoal(yeontan), bringing out the rich smoky flavor. The meat is thick, juicy, and perfectly marbled—with the fat and lean meat beautifully balanced. For dipping, they serve Maldon sea salt, green onion soy sauce (파간장), and fermented fish sauce (갈치속젓). They also grill fresh basil alongside the meat—surprisingly aromatic and a perfect match for pork. Once you try it, you’ll keep reaching for more!
Must-try side dish is Tongdwaeji Kimchi Jjigae (통돼지 김치찌개), a rich, deep-flavored kimchi stew made with aged kimchi and smoky pork. For the grand finale, order green onion kimchi ramen (파김치 라면) as your K-BBQ dessert—yes, K dessert is a thing!
- Locals Tip: If you order 2 or more servings of samgyeopsal (삼겹살), you’ll get the special rib-attached cut, which is widely considered the best part. Everyone agrees—it’s worth ordering at least 2 servings!
- Recommended Menu: 본삼겹 (Bon-samgyeop), 눈꽃목살 (Nunkkot-moksal), 통돼지 김치찌개 (Tongdwaeji Kimchi Jjigae)
- Address: 149 Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Sancheong Sutbul Garden (산청숯불가든)
This place is one of the trendiest K BBQ restaurants in Seoul, with wait times often reaching up to 2 hours. As soon as you walk in, the unique atmosphere stands out—it almost feels like stepping onto a movie set, with cuts of meat hanging on display. The restaurant serves Jirisan black pork grilled by the staff over charcoal. A notable feature is that the pork is served with whole green onions placed directly on top. The onions are grilled with the meat, adding a fragrant aroma.
The pork is dry-aged, giving it a rich, deep flavor. The fat has a slightly crispy texture that enhances the overall bite. Side dishes include perilla leaves, scallion salad, and pickled radish—all perfect companions for the meat. For dipping sauces, they offer salt, ssamjang, and fermented hairtail fish sauce (galchi-sokjeot). This salty, umami-rich sauce pairs perfectly with samgyeopsal and is something you’re unlikely to find outside of Korea—so be sure to try it.
- Recommended Menu: Jerae-sik Salt-grilled Pork (재래식 소금구이), Black Soybean Hanwoo Doenjang Jjigae (검은콩 한우된장찌개)
- Address: 114-6 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (near Euljiro 3-ga Station)
- Hours: Weekdays 16:00–23:00, Weekends 11:30–23:00
Godosik (고도식)
This is the third Korean BBQ restaurant operated by the owner of two of Korea’s most famous Korean BBQ restaurants: Sancheong Sutbul Garden and Mongtan. Located on Songridan-gil in Jamsil, Godosik has quickly earned its place among the top K BBQ restaurants.
Many customers order their signature altteungsim (알등심, thick and juicy ribeye cap) as a single item, but if you go for the set menu, you’ll get three premium cuts: altteungsim, samgyeopsal, and donchimasal (pork brisket). The restaurant’s name, “Godosik,” literally means “high-altitude style,” symbolizing the premium quality of pork sourced from highland regions like Jirisan and Jeju Island. The meat is first grilled over open flames for a smoky touch, then finished on a cast-iron grill at your table by the staff—perfectly seared and juicy.
One unique aspect is the dipping salt made from dried pollack, which adds a deep umami flavor that enhances the richness of the meat. A Sundubu jjigae (순두부찌개) is served as a complimentary side dish. This spot is also known as NCT Jungwoo’s favorite Korean BBQ restaurant.
- Recommended Menu: Altteungsim (알등심), Set Menu (세트메뉴), Hanu Yukhoe with Herring Roe (청어알 한우육회)
- Address: 28 Baekjegobun-ro 45-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul
- Hours: Mon–Thu 12:00–22:40 (Break time: 14:30–16:00), Fri–Sun 12:00–22:40 (no break time on weekends)
Seokam Saeng Sogeum Gui (석암생소금구이)
Although it’s a chain, this is one of the hottest Korean BBQ restaurants in Seoul right now. The Yongsan location is the most famous and usually has the longest wait. The Sillim branch is also popular, but usually with a shorter wait time. Surprisingly, this BBQ spot is run by the same company as Sancheong Sutbul Garden, so the meat quality is guaranteed.
If you order the Modum Gui(assorted grill), you’ll get samgyeop (pork belly) and cheongyeop (pork jowl). Like other high-end BBQ spots, the staff grills the meat for you on a stone slab, and they also grill thin rice cakes and cheese, which you can wrap with your meat — a signature experience here.
You must try the stone-plate Chapagetti — it’s served right on the meat grill slab and works perfectly as a side. And don’t leave without trying the cheese fried rice at the end. That’s the real K-dessert. Just come hungry — you’ll want to eat everything.
- Recommend Menu: Assorted Grill, Stone-Grilled Chapagetti, Seokam Fried Rice
- Address (Yongsan): 49 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 12:00–23:00 (Break Time: 15:00–16:00)
Pul Ddeutneun Dwaeji (풀뜯는 돼지)
In Korea, eating samgyeopsal (삼겹살, pork belly) with minari (미나리, Korean water parsley) has been a trend for some time. Some restaurants now even grill the meat together with minari. One of the most popular places to try this is Pul Ddeutneun Dwaeji, located in Yeonnam-dong near Hongdae.
Their signature Korean BBQ dish is Minari Samgyeopsal, but they also offer unique minari-inspired dishes like Minari Pancake (미나리전) and Minari Bibimbap (미나리 비빔밥). When you order the grilled pork, a staff member grills the meat and presses fresh minari on top, letting the herbal aroma infuse the meat. Wrap the pork in minari, dip it in soy sauce, and enjoy—it’s incredibly flavorful. The side menu items like Minari Bibimbap, Minari Jeon, and even Minari Ramen are all worth trying. Personally, after moving to Belgium, minari is one of the Korean vegetables I miss the most.
- Recommended Menu: Minari Samgyeopsal, Minari Jeon, Minari Bibimbap, Minari Ramen
- Address: 서울 마포구 동교로32길 7
- Hours: 12:00–22:00
Eulji Jeongyuk (을지정육)
Located in Euljiro—one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Seoul—Eulji Jeongyuk is famous for its extra-thick cube-cut pork. You’ve probably heard of kkakdugi, the cubed radish kimchi. Here, “kkakdug”-style pork refers to thick-cut cubes of samgyeopsal (pork belly) and hangjeongsal (pork jowl), cut even thicker than a steak.
Why cube it? The outside crisps up while the inside stays juicy, creating an incredibly satisfying bite. These cuts also include the pork skin, giving the meat a pleasantly chewy texture that’s prized in Korea (while it’s often removed in Western countries, it actually makes the meat more expensive here).
Their Kkakdug Hangjeongsal is the most popular item, known for its juicy and crunchy texture. Pair your meat with spicy Soft Tofu Stew (순두부찌개) and Puffed Egg Stew (폭탄 계란찜) for a complete meal. And don’t miss their viral side dish, Jjagyechi (짜계치)—a comforting bowl of Chapagetti topped with cheese and egg.
- Recommended Menu: Kkakdug Samgyeopsal, Kkakdug Hangjeongsal, Soft Tofu Stew
- Address: 서울 중구 충무로5길 24
- Hours: 13:00–22:30
Ppyeotan Jip (뼈탄집)
If you’re visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace—one of the most iconic spot in Seoul—make sure to stop by Ppyeotan Jip, a popular Korean BBQ restaurant just nearby. While it now operates as a chain with branches in Euljiro, City Hall, and Yongsan, the original Seochon location remains the most beloved.
Their signature K BBQ dish features bone-in aged samgyeopsal, which is grilled whole with the bone still attached. This cut offers extra juiciness, deep flavor, and a pleasantly chewy texture thanks to the bone. The pork here is aged for extra depth, making it a must-visit for meat lovers who care about quality. They also serve a spicy grilled pork ribs dish, known for its tender meat and addictive, bold seasoning. To wrap up your meal, don’t forget to order Gyetanbap, their signature fried rice covered in melty cheese—an indulgent Korean-style ending.
- Recommended Menu: Aged Bone-In Samgyeopsal, Spicy Grilled Pork Ribs, Gyetanbap (Cheese Fried Rice)
- Address: 서울 종로구 자하문로 1길 13
- Hours: 11:00–23:00
Wolhwa Gogi (월화고기)
Pork that won the President’s Award? Yes—Wolhwa Gogi serves award-winning pork that received the grand prize (President’s Award) at the National Livestock Product Quality Evaluation Contest. They use antibiotic-free, grade 1 pork, and you can instantly taste the quality from the very first bite.
The most popular cut here is moksal (pork shoulder), known for its thick cut, tender texture, and perfect fat-to-meat ratio. It’s incredibly flavorful and melts in your mouth. Side dishes include young radish kimchi (알타리무), garlic stems (마늘쫑), and scallion kimchi (대파김치). The signature experience at Wolhwa Gogi is simmering the scallion kimchi in pork fat at the table—a rich, savory twist that pairs amazingly with grilled pork. If you’ve only tried napa cabbage kimchi, this scallion version is a must-try.
And here’s the highlight: Beeswax-aged samgyeopsal (밀랍숙성 삼겹살). The pork belly K BBQ is aged inside a block of hardened beeswax and served only after the staff cracks it open at your table. This dry-aged pork is extra juicy, flavorful, and has a firm, chewy texture. It’s a premium item priced at 100,000 KRW, making it a luxury BBQ experience.
- Recommended Menu: Animal Welfare Moksal (동물복지 목살)
- Address: 34 Dangsan-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (near Mullae Station)
- Hours: Weekdays 16:00–23:00, Weekends 11:30–23:00 (Break time: 15:00–16:00)
Sujeong Okdol Saeng Sogeum Gui (수정옥돌생소금구이)
This Seoul restaurant for K BBQ is a true local favorite in Hongdae, with a history of over 30 years. What makes it stand out is the grilling method—instead of a metal grill, you cook the meat over real river stones. When you order their signature salt-grilled pork, it comes partially cooked, and you finish grilling it on a hot bed of stones, which gives the meat a unique texture and flavor. Here, it’s mostly a self-grill style, so you’ll cook the meat yourself. However, if you’re not confident with the grill, the staff may help you out.
Compared to other BBQ places, prices here are relatively affordable for the portion size, and you’ll get a hearty doenjang-jjigae (soybean stew) for free. In warmer seasons, they open the folding doors to create a terrace-like atmosphere, making it even more popular. If you’re looking for a BBQ spot with a unique vibe, this one’s worth a visit.
- Recommend Menu: Salt-Grilled Pork (소금구이)
- Address: 146-1 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 14:00–02:00
Musoe Kimchi Samgyeop (무쇠김치삼겹)
This Korean BBQ restaurant is famous for grilling pork belly and kimchi in a sizzling cast iron pot, almost like frying. It’s a popular chain Seoul restaurants with locations in Hongdae, Hannam, Myeongdong, and even Busan, so you don’t have to be in Seoul to enjoy it.
They grill the samgyeopsal (pork belly) in the cast iron until it’s crispy. As the pork cooks, the fat drips into the center of the pan, where a whole head of napa cabbage kimchi is placed. The pork fat makes the kimchi incredibly savory and rich in flavor.
The must-try tip: save some meat and kimchi to stir-fry with rice at the end. It’s one of the best parts of the meal. Actually, don’t just hope to have leftovers—plan to leave some meat and kimchi for that final fried rice moment.
- Recommend Menu: Musoe Kimchi Samgyeop (무쇠김치삼겹)
- Address (Hongdae): 20-5 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 15:00–24:00