The best places for Korean BBQ in Seoul – Updated 2019

You’re going to be craving Korean BBQ once you see how many great BBQ restaurants there are around Seoul. Trouble is, which is the best? With everyone asking the same question, we sought an insider opinion about the 12 best places to eat Korean BBQ in Seoul, called galbi in Korea.

Related: Seoul Yummy – Cheatsheet to the Best Street Eats in Seoul

#1 Seochomyeonok (서초면옥)

Such gravy, so skill, much yum.
Such gravy, so skill, much yum

Address:  Seocho-gu, Seocho-dong 1557-7

Tel: 02-522 1422

Famous for: Galbi jjim (갈비찜) Beef short rib steamed with carrots and potatoes and a whole lotta gravy.

Price: $$$

#2 Maple Tree House Itaewon

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This is how they get to know one another, so don’t refuse an outing if you’re invited to one

Address: 116-1 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tel: 02-790 7977

Famous for: Being foreigner friendly (no more trying to pronounce dishes in Korean), it’s also a decent and clean atmosphere. Great for group gatherings and the like.

Price: $$

#3 Saebyukjib (새벽집)

Dat marblin'.
Dat marblin’

Address: Gangnam-gu, Cheongdam-dong 129-10

Tel: 02-546 5739

Famous for: The ultimate after-hour place. The place to see and be seen in the posh cheongdamdong area. Open 24 hrs, it’s pretty famous amongst the locals, too!

Price: $$$

#4 Heungboogol (흥부골 돼지갈비)

Pork monster? This is the place for you.
Pork monster? This is the place for you

Address: Sinsangdong, Sindang-dong 393-2

Tel: 02-2232 1978

Famous for: Daeji galbi (pork BBQ). Great quality, affordable pork. Samgyupsal fans unite!

Price: $

#5 Myongwolgwan (명월관)

Posh is as posh goes.
Posh is as posh goes

Address: 177 Walkerhill-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tel: 02-450 4595

Famous for: Being upscale, serving the highest quality charbroiled beef money can buy.

Price: $$$

#6 Two Plus Itaewon (투뿐등심)

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Or a beef monster? Then this is the place for you

Adress: 36, Itaewon-ro 27na-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 140-858, South Korea

Tel: 02-796 7277

Famous for: Its top-quality service, which matches the standards of the grilled beef served. Excellent spot for accommodating big groups, but we hope everyone’s a big spender.

Price: $$$

#7 Southside Parlour

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You know where to go when you’re craving a bloody mary

Address: 218 Noksapyeong-Daero, Yongsan-Gu, Seoul 140-200, South Korea

Tel: 02-749 9522

Famous for: Craft cocktails, galbi meats with a few options for Texas-style BBQ too and of course, the southern hospitality that comes with it.

Price: $$

#8 Manimal Smokehouse

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Raspberry glazed pork spare ribs — yummy

Address: 47, Noksapyeong-daero 40-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tel: 02-790 6788

Famous for: Being a fusion of Korean and American-style BBQ on the other side of the world. Think Korean grilled meats with American dips. Meats are smoked over cured Korean oak wood, but in a customised offset smoker built in Texas.

Price: $$

#9 Palsaik Samgyupsal Sinchon Main (팔색)

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Which flavour sounds the most delicious?

Address: 107-111 Nogosan-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tel: 02-719 4848

Famous for: The pork belly with 8 flavours; ginseng, wine, pine leaves, garlic, herb, cirry, miso paste and red pepper. Palsaik means ” 8 colours”, and Samgyupsal translates to “pork”.

Price: $$

#10 Seoseo Meokneun Galbi Jip

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Tip: Bring your own side dishes to buff up your meal. It’s allowed!

Address: 164-7 Nogosan-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tel: 02-716 2520

Famous for: Quality BBQ with affordable prices, set in an old-school hole in the wall-style eatery. Seoseo means “standing”, so you’ll want to gobble up as much meat as you can, and be on your way right after.

Price: $

#11 Daedo Sikdang (대도식당)

Daedo Sikdang seoul
Feel that? That’s your knees weakening at the thought of this meal.

Address: Seungdong-gu, Hongik-dong 431

Tel: 02-2292 9772

Famous for: Having a zero-frills menu consisting of beautifully marbled and tender sirloin beef, kimchi fried rice and porridge. Guests sit on the floor and dine in traditional Korean style.

Price: $$

#12 Gombawi (곰바위)

Gombawi Korean BBQ Seoul
Even if you’re not into beef innards, there’s a big variety of cuts you can order.

Address: Gangnam-gu, Samseong-dong 76-10

Tel: 02-511 0068

Famous for: Gop chang (beef intestines) and tripe. A server will cook your choice of meat in front of you if there are a minimum of two people at your table.

Price: $$

Did we leave anything out? Which is the best Korean BBQ you’ve tasted, nomads?

Photo credits: Main12345, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.
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2 Comments
  1. I’ve tried Maple Tree and Saebyukjib along with some others on various visits. I must say, Saebyukjib is my absolute favourite. I’ve got another trip lined up so may try out one of the others you have mentioned. Thanks!

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