Finding delicious pork belly in Seoul is always a delightful adventure. As I mentioned in a previous post, many of the popular eateries have long waits, making them hard to visit. Therefore, this time, I will introduce the top 7 BBQ franchises in Seoul that pork belly enthusiasts can enjoy without waiting. Let's explore these places where you can savor authentic Korean BBQ amidst your busy lives.
Top 7 Pork Belly Franchises in Seoul
Hanam Pig House (하남돼지집)
Description: Since opening in 2010, Hanam Pig House captivates everyone's palate with meat initially grilled over 500-degree charcoal and then cooked on a coated grill pan. The servers cook the meat for you, which is served alongside garlic and kimchi fried in pork fat, making it convenient to eat. It's particularly popular to eat with simple but delicious side dishes and pickled radish.
Location: Myeongdong
Taste chan Deul King Salt Grill (맛찬들왕소금구이)
Started in 2008, Machan King Salt Grill revolutionized the taste of pork belly by serving top-grade pork cut into 3.5 cm thick steaks. The franchise manages everything from production to distribution to maintain consistent quality. The system allows servers to cook for you, enabling a relaxed dining experience with clean, tasty side dishes and pickles.
Location: Jongno
Wonjo BuanJib (원조부안집)
Famous for its tender and juicy neck meat, Wonjo Buan House offers the rich flavor of Korean BBQ, complemented by a variety of traditional side dishes reminiscent of a mother’s cooking from Jeolla Province. The pork goes particularly well with green onion kimchi, radish kimchi, seasoned bean sprouts, and perilla leaf pickles. For those interested in trying different cuts of pork, this is the place to go.
Location: Gangnam
Saemaeul Sikdang (새마을식당)
As one of Korea’s most famous franchises, Saemaeul Restaurant was founded in 2002 and is represented by celebrity CEO Baek Jong-won. It serves various grilled items including pork belly, neck meat, and intestines. Its charcoal-grilled pork and "7-minute pork kimchi" are notably good value. The grilled pork is marinated in gochujang and grilled over charcoal, while the "7-minute pork kimchi" is a fresh take on kimchi stew mixed with seaweed powder.
Location: Dongdaemun
Gyodae Icheungjip (교대이층집)
Starting in a two-story building in front of Seoul National University of Education, Kyo-dae Second Floor House brings a retro 1980s Korean ambiance. It offers delicious flower pork belly, which is thinly sliced and quickly grilled, served with mixed spring onions. Seafood hot pot is provided as a standard service with meat orders, and diners can enjoy free soft ice cream after their meal.
Location: Main branch
Heukdonga (흑돈가)
As a Jeju black pork specialist, Heukdon House allows you to experience Jeju's unique food culture in Seoul. The black pork here has a chewy texture and a rich taste, which is enhanced when dipped in Jeju-style anchovy sauce. It’s a premier location to enjoy Jeju flavors without leaving Seoul.
Location: Samsung
Mokgumeong (목구멍)
Mokgumeong uses traditional Korean iron pot lids to grill pork, offering a unique dining experience. The cast iron lid, known as a "pot lid," allows the meat to cook quickly at high temperatures while the fat drains away, ensuring a leaner meal. Pork belly grilled with water dropwort adds a bitter flavor that balances the fat of the meat, enhancing its crisp texture.
Location: Hongdae Entrance
These unique and distinctive franchises provide a taste and service that can only be experienced in Seoul. I hope you discover new flavors of pork belly at these eateries that offer both taste and comfort without the wait. Enjoy a special dining experience at these places.
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