Best Korean BBQ
Restaurants in Seoul
Wherever in the world I’ve had Korean BBQ, it’s never tasted quite as good as it does in Seoul. Maybe it’s due to the quality of the side dishes, and the fact that they’re complimentary, or the wide choice of meats, like premium Korean beef. There are so many fantastic Korean BBQ restaurants in Seoul. Here is a list of my ten favourites:
Browse my List of the 10 Best Korean BBQ Restaurants in Seoul
1. Wangbijip
Location: Myeongdong
Wangbijib tops my list for Korean BBQ in Seoul. I had the Hanwoo set, and the high-quality Korean beef was melt-in-your-mouth delicious, grilled perfectly by the staff. Their spicy noodles were a bold, flavourful side that balanced the richness of the meat. The restaurant is clean, well-run, and has several branches around the Myeongdong area, making it ideal for your first KBBQ experience or simply for those who love incredible food in a welcoming setting.
2. DOOKUPSAM Myeongdong
Location: Myeongdong
Next on my list of the best Korean BBQ’s in Seoul is this premium aged meat restaurant located in touristy Myeongdong. However, this is far from a tourist trap. There’s a good amount of locals who dine here for its top-quality meats, including Hanwoo Aged Korean Beef Sirloin, and the selection of porks.
3. Maple Tree
Location: Itaewon
This chain of Korean BBQ restaurants in Seoul serve some of the highest quality premium meats. On the menu is Hanwoo Korean marbled beef, so highly regarded it doesn’t get exported to other countries. On top of that, there’s premium marinated short ribs, or Korean black pork belly from the island of Jeju. It’s loved by both tourists and locals. Prices can add up, depending on how much you order, but you can really taste the quality.
4. MokGuMung BBQ Hongdae
Location: Hongdae
I was tempted to gatekeep this one, as on two out of my three visits, there was such a long queue to get seated. However, I couldn’t do that. This pork BBQ place is too good not to share. If you see loads of people waiting outside, I suggest don’t be put off. The wait will be worth it. Plus I hear the owner is friends with K-drama superstar Byeon Woo-seok, which is evident in the lemon tree outside dedicated to him.
5. Dosan Butchers
Location: Gangnam
Junkook from BTS is known to frequent Dosan Butchers, as well as other celebrities. After visiting the place myself I can see what the hype is all about. Famed for their black Jeju pork, but the beef, side dishes, and soups are also very tasty.
6. Saemaul Restaurant Hongdae Seogyo Branch
Location: Hongdae
Located in the trendy area of Hongdae, this Seoul BBQ restaurant is very popular. Evident by the amount of people sitting patiently on stalls out front waiting to be called into an available table. The prices are very reasonable. As well as the free side dishes, which include an incredibly flavoursome fried tofu soup, there’s a buffet to get more (for a nominal fee). Highly recommend the Chadolbaegi (thinly sliced beef brisket).
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7. Hanmiok
Location: Gangnam
The reason Hanmiok is on my list of the best Korean BBQ restaurants in Seoul is the quality of the beef and the whole experience. You can eat at a booth or in a private room. It’s not a BBQ in the traditional sense. Meat, vegetables, and eggs are cooked by blow torch at your table. The highlight is a dish called Chadol Gujeolpan. A sort of omelette surrounded by meat and vegetables. You use pancakes to make little wraps. This is definitely a location for special occasions.
8. Hongik Sutbul Galbi
Location: Hongdae
No Website
Next on my list of the best BBQ restaurants in Seoul is this place in Hongdae. Another venue that has great prices, lots of free side dishes, and a good selection of meat. Previously used as a filming location for a K-drama. Plus, they’re open until 4am every day.
9. Sammidaepo Korean BBQ House (삼미대포 시청점)
Location: City Hall
Looking for a good quality Korean BBQ restaurant near City Hall in Seoul then this is it. Located on one of my favourite streets, Namdaemun-ro, which is full of restaurants. They have nice marbled beef, chadolbaegi among others. And some very good and spicy soups.
10. Yang Good
Location: Gangnam
At Yang Good they do things slightly differently compared to other Seoul Korean BBQ Restaurants. In the fact that beef is not the main attraction, it’s lamb. Premium Australian halal lamb to be exact. Succulent, juicy lamb or chicken skewers grilled at your table. It’s definitely one of the best BBQ experiences in Seoul.
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