Top 5 Korean BBQ Spots in Seoul

In Seoul, choosing from the overwhelming array of gogi-jip (literally, 'meat houses') – Korean barbecue joints that line nearly every street – can be a tough task.

An essential part of Korean dining culture, any excuse will do for locals to gather at a barbecue restaurant.

Food enthusiasts seek out the finest cuts of beef – ideally hanwoo (Korean beef) – and pay just as much attention to the 'siksa' (the post-bbq meal, typically including noodles, stew, or fried rice).

Whether it’s a casual dinner with colleagues after work, a quirky blind date, or late-night cravings after a night out, these five top BBQ spots in Seoul are where connoisseurs go to enjoy premium Korean-style grilled beef.

1. Daedo Sikdang (대도식당)

Daedo Sikdang is the no-nonsense, classic king of barbecue beef spots in Seoul. The menu is refreshingly simple, offering just three items: sirloin beef, fried rice, and porridge. Despite the basic, unadorned decor, it’s tough to find a seat at the flagship locations in Wangship-ri and Samsung-dong any night of the week.

You can choose whether to have your meat with or without the chewy tendons. And don’t overlook a seemingly humble off-menu treat – a bowl of cold kimchi soup – which is nothing short of a pinnacle of Korean culinary excellence.

The restaurant’s success has led to a franchise, with Daedo Sikdang outlets in nearly every district, but none quite match the authenticity of the original.

Seungdong-gu Hongik-dong 431 (Wangshipri flagship)

2. Saebyukjib (새벽집)

Living up to its name, 'House of Dawn,' Saebyukjib is a beloved after-hours gem south of the Han River.

Renowned for serving some of the finest meat in the city, Saebyukjib’s prices reflect the quality. The menu includes a variety of stews and rice dishes, with late-night favorites like doenjang stew, perfect for curing a hangover, and the yook-hwe bibimbap, which some argue is the best bibimbap in Seoul.

For the daring, the thick yook-hwe – sashimi-style, tender slices of fresh raw beef – is a must-try.

Gangnam-gu Cheongdam-dong 129-10 (강남구 청동동 129-10), alley across from the Prima Hotel

3. Parkdaegamne (박대감네)

Established in 1998, this barbecue hotspot, beloved by celebrities, sits on the edge of the Cheongdam district. A generation of partygoers has grown up enjoying its signature galbi-tang (beef stew), and at its peak, the restaurant employed over 70 staff.

Even in its downsized new location next to the original, the restaurant continues to serve more than 300 bowls of galbi-tang daily, according to veteran server Sa Chun Hwa, 54.

For its meats, Parkdaegamne brings in fresh beef daily from the Gwangju region, with a '1++' grade – the highest beef quality available.

Owner Kim Heemija shares that the menu is organized by popularity, with the top three favorites being rib eye roll, outside skirt, and free-range beef ribs.

Gangnam-gu Cheongdam-dong 124-3 (강남구 청담동 124-3), at the Cheongdam intersection

4. Gombawui (곰바위)

Gombawui’s specialty is clearly beef tripe and gop-chang, but you can’t go wrong with almost any of the cuts available. Just ask the staff, 'What’s good today?' and they’ll enthusiastically point you toward their best offerings.

Though it has expanded to three buildings, the main location – with its nostalgic oil barrel grills – still offers a cozy atmosphere that keeps customers coming back for more.

Gangnam-gu Samsung-dong 76-10 (강남구 삼성동 76-10); alley across from the COEX Intercontinental Hotel

5. Nongoljip (농골집)

Nongoljip stands out as one of the best value barbecue chains. While they don’t boast about daily fresh beef deliveries, they consistently deliver great results at a fraction of the cost, complemented by a solid selection of stews and rice dishes.

Don’t miss out on their galbi or outside skirt, both crowd favorites.

With its rustic log cabin-inspired decor, this spot is perfect for relaxed, informal gatherings, especially for those with hearty appetites.

Though Nongoljip has expanded into a full-fledged franchise, the original locations in Nonhyun and Chungdam continue to be the most popular among locals.

Gangnam-gu Nonhyun-dong 15 (강남구 논현동 15)