The capital of South Korea, Seoul is packed with endless experiences for every type of traveler. Here, you can freely choose your own adventure, whether you’re craving an exciting day out at Everland, curious about the traditional architecture of Gyeongbokgung Palace, or simply just want to explore the many hipster cafés in the city.
But no trip to South Korea would be complete without trying Korean BBQ (also known as gogi-gui), one of the most popular dishes in the country. And with so many top-quality restaurants in Seoul, there’s no better place for a BBQ feast than here. To guide you on your culinary journey, we’ve rounded up the restaurants serving the best Korean BBQ in Seoul.
Read on below to know more:
1. Wangbijip (Myeongdong)
Sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal as the staff at Wangbijip cook the meat for you.
If it’s your first time trying Korean BBQ, then a trip to Wangbijip is a must! Here, the staff prepares the meat and cooks on your behalf, so you can just enjoy every bite of the best Korean BBQ in Myeongdong without needing to manage the grill yourself. The staff can also communicate in English and Chinese, so tourists can order without any difficulty.
Recommended menu items: Hanwoo set and spicy noodles on the side, which helps to balance the richness of the meat.
Address: 26 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
2. Hongojib (Hongdae, Myeongdong)
Try some bibim guksu on the side, which helps balance the richness of the meat. (Credit: daecheonnet | Pixabay)
Designed for solo diners, Hongojib is the best Korean BBQ restaurant in Seoul if you’re traveling alone. Here, you can just order food for yourself, compared to most Korean BBQ restaurants, which require at least a group of two to be seated. You’ll be seated in individual booths that each have personal grills and even a tablet, which you can use to order directly.
Recommended menu items: Wagyu sukiyaki set and bibim guksu (spicy cold noodles), especially in summer.
Hongdae Branch Address: 1 Donggyo-ro 30-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Myeongdong Branch Address: 26 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung District, Seoul
3. Pigbar (Mapo)
Feast on pork belly and other pork cuts at Pigbar. (Credit: uxsj_ph | Unsplash)
Specializing in pork cuts, Pigbar is a must-visit for its super crispy pork belly, pork skin, and samgyeopsal (pork belly). Whatever you order here is sure to be flavorful, especially if you pair it with their unique condiments like homemade ssamjang (spicy soybean paste), anchovy sauce, mushroom sauce with wasabi, or the hot cheese corn to dip your meat in.
Recommended menu items: Samgyeopsal, seafood ramen, and sundubu-jjigae (spicy soft tofu stew).
Address: 28-7, Dongmak-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
4. Chungkiwa Town (Gangnam)
The charcoal grill at Chungkiwa Town gives each bite a distinct and smoky flavor.
With locations all across the city, Chungkiwa Town in Gangnam is one of the best places to visit if you’re craving some of the best Korean BBQ in Seoul. What makes this restaurant stand out is their use of charcoal to grill as opposed to an electric grill, which adds a smoky flavor to the meat.
Recommended menu items: Suwon Wang Galbi (beef ribs), LA Galbi, spicy marinated raw crabs, and salad.
Address: Basement Level 1, Global Takson Building, 24 Teheran-ro 64-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
5. 853 (Insadong)
Feast on thick cuts of pork at 853, grilled to perfection by the staff.
Serving some of the best Korean BBQ in Insadong, 853 is a must-visit if you’re craving grilled pork. Here, thick cuts of pork like shoulder, belly, and neck are grilled to perfection by the staff, which ensures that they’re juicy and bursting with flavor. You’ll also get to choose from different sauces to dip the meat in, such as Himalayan rock salt, mustard seeds with wasabi, and more.
Recommended menu items: Any pork cut of your choice, alongside the rice balls with flying fish roe.
Address: 16 Insadong 12-gil, Jongno District, Seoul
Discover more of Seoul with Klook
Need some help exploring Seoul’s culinary scene? Check out some of our guided food tours, led by local guides who know their way around the city:
Now that you know where to go for the best Korean BBQ in Seoul, all that’s left to do is to pack your bags, wait for your flight, and you’re all set! Make sure you book your travel essentials ahead of time too, like your Korea eSIM. Safe travels!
FAQs about the best Korean BBQ in Seoul
1. What is the best Korean BBQ in Seoul for first-time visitors?
For first-time travelers, Wangbijib in Myeongdong is best, as the staff can communicate in English and Chinese and they even help you grill the meat. If you’re dining alone, try Hongojib in Hongdae, as they offer set meals and individual booths for solo travelers. You can also try walking along Gwangjang Market and other markets in Seoul to explore local BBQ restaurants.
2. How much does Korean BBQ cost in Seoul?
This varies depending on the cut of meat and the restaurant’s location. A typical meal will cost around USD25 per person, with costs increasing if you order premium beef (Hanwoo), side dishes, or beverages like soju. Dining at premium, high-end restaurants can cost upwards of USD65, while budget-friendly all-you-can-eat buffets can be as cheap as USD15.
3. Do Korean BBQ restaurants in Seoul require reservations?
No, most Korean BBQ restaurants in Seoul typically do not require reservations. Instead, they generally operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with queueing done either in person with the host/hostess or digitally through apps like Catchtable or KakaoTalk. However, high-end restaurants are more likely to require reservations, while popular spots will have longer waits.
Klook tip: Avoid peak dinner hours (typically from 6:00pm-9:00pm) for faster queueing, especially on weekends. Try to visit around lunch or have an early dinner at 5:00pm instead.
4. What should I order at a Korean BBQ restaurant in Seoul?
For an authentic local experience, it’s best to order different types of meat, such as samgyeopsal (thick pork belly), galbi (marinated beef short ribs), Hanwoo beef, and more. We also recommend trying different marinades, side dishes such as doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew) or tteokbeokki (spicy rice cakes), and drinks like soju or somac (soju + beer).
5. Are there Korean BBQ places in Seoul that cater to solo diners or tourists?
Hongojib in Hongdae is one of the best places to go for solo diners, as it features individual booths and personal grills, allowing diners to eat privately and order via tablet. For tourists, Wangbijib in Myeongdong is recommended, as the staff can communicate in English and Chinese. They also cook the meat on your behalf, so you won’t need to mind the grill.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
