Buzz
If you're a die-hard K-Drama fan who often dreams of indulging in BBQ like your favorite oppas and unnies, jot down the addresses of these 10 BBQ joints in your travel diary.
10 Famous BBQ Spots You Shouldn't Miss in Seoul
Because who knows, South Korea might not be too far away after all…
In many Korean dramas, we've seen scenes of roadside eateries with the air thick with the savory smoke of grilled meat, and actresses patting their satisfied tummies after a hearty feast. The BBQ, often beef or pork, is marinated with each restaurant's special formula. When eating, people wrap the meat in lettuce leaves, adding a few pieces of garlic, a slice of fresh chili, kimchi… to enhance the flavors.
The renowned BBQ dish is also known as galbi, and of course, it has been present in Vietnam for a long time. However, if you happen to visit South Korea and want to try the authentic galbi right in the land of ginseng, make sure to note down these 10 addresses below, as they are all extremely famous galbi restaurants in Seoul.
1. Nonhyundong's Mapo Sutbul Galbi
This 24-hour galbi joint, situated in the Nonhyun district near Apgujeong, holds a prominent place in the K-Drama scene. The tables are often reserved by Korean superstars and drama crews upon completing TV projects. The walls are adorned with images of these Korean celebrities. With around 250 seats, the place can get quite crowded. However, the dishes here are exceptionally delicious, especially the wangseng galbi – grilled beef. Dining at one of Korea's finest galbi restaurants while having a chance encounter with Hallyu stars doesn't sound like a bad plan, does it?
Opening hours: 24h.
Address: 62-6 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu.
Nearest subway station: Apgujeong, line 3.
2. Shincheon's Sutbul Mapo Galbi
Opening hours: 2 pm – 2 am.
Location: 372-40 Shindang3-dong, Jung district.
Nearest subway station: Yaksu, line 3 and 6.
4. Seochomyeonok in Seocho-dong
Seochomyeonok is renowned for its delectable galbi jjim, a Korean dish featuring slow-cooked pork or beef ribs with a distinctive blend of spices and savory sauce. If the sound of that intrigues you, you'll undoubtedly be captivated by Seochomyeonok, one of Seoul's most celebrated galbi jjim restaurants. They say the galbi jjim here strikes a perfect balance, not overly sweet and just the right amount of heat. Thanks to the impeccable reduction of flavors in the broth, don't forget to ask the staff for some extra rice to soak up the remaining broth in your bowl. The smallest portion of galbi jjim here is priced at 35,000 won, approximately around 700,000 VND.
Opening hours: 10:30 am – 10 pm.
Location: 1557-5 Seocho-dong, Seocho district.
Nearest subway stations: Seocho, Gyodae, line 2 and 3.
5. Gangnammyeonok in Shinsa-dong
Gangnammyeonok is one of the two establishments racing neck and neck for the title of the best galbi jjim restaurant in Seoul (the other one we've mentioned above). With any order of galbi jjim, you'll receive a complimentary bowl of galbi tang soup, an ideal appetizer for your stomach and taste buds before diving into the galbi jjim feast. Korean bloggers suggest that the galbi jjim here has a unique flavor with a secret recipe in the sauce. The key in the sauce might be sesame oil, as it elevates the ribs to perfection, with a hint of saltiness, a touch of sweetness, a bit of spiciness, and tender, juicy meat. The smallest portion of galbi jjim here is priced at 35,000 won, approximately around 700,000 VND.
Opening hours: 9 am – 10 pm.
Location: 588-9, Shinsa-dong, Gangnam district.
Nearest subway station: Apgujeong, line 3.
6. Granny’s Bossam and Spicy Galbi Jjim in Yeongdeungpo
You can find this renowned eatery tucked away in an alley in Yeongdeungpo. Though it may be a bit challenging to locate, the spicy galbi jjim here will make you realize that all your efforts were worthwhile. It has all the sweetness of galbi, but the spiciness emerges like a shooting star, a special highlight of the overall flavor profile. And hey, who wouldn't want to indulge in ribs simmered with the secret spices of a Korean grandma? This is undoubtedly a galbi joint you must try in Seoul. The price for a meal here starts from 30,000 won, approximately around 600,000 VND.
Opening hours: 3 pm – 2 am.
Location: 3-ga 12-16, Yeoungdeungpo-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu.
Nearest subway station: Yeongdeungpo, line 1.
7. Unlimited Galbi Feast at New Seoul Restaurant, Nowon Station
Don't mistake this place for any other all-you-can-eat buffet-style restaurant you might encounter in Korea. The food quality here surpasses your expectations. While your only choice is pork galbi, you'll be delighted to discover that the surprisingly delicious meat doesn't match the low price you pay – 9,000 won, approximately around 200,000 VND.
Opening hours: 2:30 am – 11 pm.
Location: 2nd floor, 726-1 Sanggye-dong, Nowon district.
Nearest subway station: Nowon, line 4.
8. Upscale Galbi Experience at Byeokje Galbi, Seoraemaul
For a distinct galbi experience in a luxurious and special setting, Byeokje Galbi is the address you need. Highly acclaimed, some even say it's one of the best galbi spots in Seoul. Here, they exclusively use premium Korean beef (known as hanwoo) for all dishes. Starting at 30,000 won for bulgogi and 75,000 won for beef galbi (around 1.5 million VND), it may be a bit much for some. But worry not, 'galbi-inspired' dishes like galbi tang (ribs soup) and gom tang (ribs and tail soup) start at just 9,000 won, approximately 180,000 VND.
Opening hours: 11 am – 10 pm.
Location: 205-8 Bangi-dong, Songpa district.
Nearest subway station: Bangi, line 5.
9. Special Pork Galbi at Buam Galbi, Incheon
Situated in this remote area, this galbi joint is known for having the 'top-tier' pork ribs galbi. With over 30 years of tradition, they've turned galbi into a feast for your taste buds. The interior is quite simple with round iron tables and stoves, so it's not the ideal spot for a romantic date. However, the prices are very reasonable, at around 14,000 won per serving (approximately 280,000 VND). It's a perfect place to enjoy soju, savor galbi, and bask in the pleasant weather of Seoul with friends.
Opening hours: 12 pm – 12 am.
Location: 130-12, Ganseaok2-dong, Namdong district.
Nearest subway station: Ganseok Ogeori.
10. Traditional Seoul Bulgogi in Mapo
While Seoul Bulgogi is renowned for its bulgogi, the galbi here is equally adored. It's one of the places with the best beef ribs soup (galbi tang) in Seoul. The menu features 2-3 beef options, changing daily. Don't think you can just stroll in and treat yourself to a meal easily. They have a set daily quota, and you must make reservations in advance to secure your share.
Opening hours: 12 pm – 2 am.
Location: 115 Sangsu-dong, Mapo district.
Nearest subway stations: Sangsu, Gwangheungchang, line 6.
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourNovember 24, 2015
