10 of Seoul’s Most Famous and Popular Galbi Restaurants
I am happy to announce that Keith Kim of Seoulistic has decided to join Seoul Eats and he has given permission to link over some of the articles he has written. Follow him at http://seoulistic.com/
Thanks Keith,
Dan
Galbi restaurants in Korea are on nearly every block — there’s always someplace for Korean BBQ lovers. It’s hard to choose, so why not go with the crowd. Check out some of Seoul’s most famous and popular galbi restaurants according to Korean bloggers. You might have to wait on a few lines, but that just reaffirms you’re eating at some of the best galbi restaurants in Seoul!
(Click pictures for sources)
This 24-hour galbi restaurant, located in the ever so trendy Nonhyun area (near Apgujeong), is a favorite for Korean drama or movie superstars. Tables are commonly reserved for celebrations by Korean drama or movie crews after they successfully complete their projects. Walls are plastered with pictures of Korean celebrities that have partaken in this restaurants famous galbi offerings. Come and try their specialty, 왕생갈비 (wang-seng-galbi), which goes for 30,000 won a person. They have close to 250 seats, and things can get a bit hectic in there. But with some of the best galbi in Seoul and Korean celebrities galore, who wouldn’t want to eat there? 
Open: 24 hours
Phone number: 02-516-1522
Address: 서울시 강남구 논현동 62-6
(Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Nonhyeon-dong 62-6)
Closest subway station: 압구정역 (Apgujeong Station – line number 3)
Click for maps: Naver, Google
Click for pictures via KoreanBlogger1, KoreanBlogger2
Another restaurant that takes the Mapo Sutbul moniker, this restaurant is famous for its marinated galbi (양념갈비), both beef and pork versions. What makes this Korean galbi restaurant different is the special marinade they use. Rather than using the typical seasonings of other Korean galbi recipes, they add plums in the marinade to utilize their natural sweetness. If the 26,000 won for 1 serving of marinated beef galbi is too rich for your blood, you can still taste this famous galbi marinade recipe for the cheaper pork version (13,000 won).
Open: 4PM – 2PM
Phone number: 02-3431-9411
Address: 서울시 송파구 잠실동 188-11
(Seoul, Songpa-gu, Jamsil-dong 188-11)
Closest subway station: 신천역 (Shincheon Station – line number 2)
Click for maps: Naver, Google
Click for pictures via KoreanBlogger1, Korean Blogger 2, Korean Blogger3
Tip: Be careful not to go to 신촌역 (Shinchon Station), which is also on line number 2, but all the way on the other side of town.
This galbi restaurant is situated right in the middle of Yaksu Market (약수시장). Some might call it ghetto, but others might say it’s a very old school Korean experience (plastic chairs, no interior design, crowded, etc.). But its simplicity is also part of its success. There are only two items on the menu: pork galbi (돼지갈비) and pork rinds (껍데기). Even with the limited offerings, if you check out the Korean blogosphere, you’ll see that Korean bloggers love this place. And for 12,000 won for each serving, you can too
Open: 2PM – 2AM
Phone number: 02-2231-6722
Address: 서울시 중구 신당3동 372-40
(Seoul, Jung-gu, Shindang3-dong 372-40)
Closest subway station: 약수역 (Yaksu Station – line number 3 and 6)
Click for maps: Wingspoon, Google
Click for pictures via Korean Blogger 1, Korean Blogger 2, Korean Blogger 3
If you know what galbi jjim (갈비찜) is, chances are you’ve seen this again in your dreams. And you’ll most definitely want to head over to Seochomyeonok, one of the most widely regarded galbi jjim restaurants in Seoul, for this heavenly galbi variation. The heaping portions are one of the keys to take away from this galbi jjim restaurant in Seoul. People say the galbi jjim here is not too sweet with just the right amount of kick from the peppers. When you’re done top off your meal by asking the staff to fry some rice in the left over marinade (see language tip below). Smallest galbi jjim servings start at 35,000 won.
Open: 10:30AM – 10PM
Phone number: 02-522-1422
Address: 서울시 서초구 서초동 1557-7
(Seoul, Seocho-gu, Seocho-dong 1557-7)
Closest subway stations: 서초역/교대역 (Seocho Station Gyodae Station – lines number 2 and 3)
Click for maps: Wingspoon, Google
Click for pictures via Korean Blogger 1, Korean Blogger 2
Gangnammyeonok is the other restaurant in this two-horse race for best galbi jjim restaurant in Seoul. With any order of galbi jjim (갈비 찜) you’ll get a bowl of galbi tang soup (갈비탕 국물) for free, a nice warm up for the main course. But galbi jjim is what you’re here for. Korean bloggers claim that the secret is the sesame oil in this galbi jjim recipe, which all amalgamates to a little-salty, little-sweet, semi-spicy, fall-off-the-bone galbi jjim other restaurants owners can only hope to make. Smallest galbi jjim servings start at 35,000 won.
Open: 9AM – 10PM
Phone number: 02-3446-5539
Address: 서울시 강남구 신사동 588-9
(Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Shinsa-dong 588-9)
Closest subway stations: 압구정역 (Apgujeong Station – line number 3)
Click for maps: Wingspoon
Click for pictures via Korean Blogger 1, Korean Blogger 2
This popular restaurant is found in Yeongdeungpo’s restaurant alley. It may be a little more difficult to find, but this spicy galbijjim variant (매운갈비찜) is well worth the trip. It has all the sweet taste of galbi but with a bit of butt kicking spices. And who wouldn’t want butt kicking spices from a Korean grandmother? Ok, maybe it’s not an actual grandmother that’s cooking you the food, but it’s still another great galbi jjim restaurant in Seoul that you should try out. Prices start at 30,000 won.
Open: 3PM – 2AM
Phone number: 02-836-2353
Address: 서울시 영등포구 영등포동 3가 12-16
(Seoul, Yeongdeungpo-gu, yeongdeungpo-dong 3-ga 12-16)
Closest subway stations: 영등포역 (Yeongdeungpo Station – line number 1)
Click for maps: Naver
Click for pictures via Korean Blogger 1, Korean Blogger 2
Don’t categorize this with other all you can eat restaurants in Korea. The quality of the food here is well above par. Although your only choice for all you can eat is the pork galbi (돼지 갈비), you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find the quality and flavor of the goods are a mismatch for the ridiculously cheap price (9,900 won). You’ll find another price mismatch with the more costly (and better!) charcoal fires, which typical all you can eat galbi restaurants don’t offer.
Open: 2:30AM – 11PM
Phone number: 02-939-3343
Address: 서울시 노원구 상계동 726-1 2층
(Seoul, Nowon-gu, Sanggye-dong 726-1, 2nd floor)
Closest subway stations: 노원역 (Nowon Station – line numbers 4 and 7)
Click for maps: Naver
Click for pictures via Korean Blogger 1, Korean Blogger 2, Korean Blogger 3
Tip: Might be kind of hard to find. This blogger says get out of exit 5, take two immediate lefts, and the building will be on your right.
If you’re a fan of fine dining or got a special occasion coming up, head over to Byeokje Galbi. This highly recommended, fine dining galbi restaurant in Seoul has some of the best galbi in town, literally. They only use high-end Korean beef (aka hanwoo) for all their dishes. Galbi BBQ dishes start at 30,000 won for bulgogi (불고기) and go upwards of 75,000 won for Beef Galbi (생갈비). Not getting paid enough to roll with the big boys? Regular joes can come eat other galbi-based dishes (i.e. galbi tang, gom tang, naengmyun, etc.) at prices starting from 9,000 won.
Open: 11:00AM – 10PM
Phone number: 02-415-5522
Address: 서울시 송파구 방이동 205-8
(Seoul, Songpa-gu, Bangi-dong 205-8)
Closest subway stations: 방이역 (Bangi Station – line number 5)
Click for maps: Wingspoon, Google
Click for pictures via Korean Blogger 1, Korean Blogger 2
The lone Seoul suburb galbi restaurant to make our list is Buam Galbi, masters of pork rib galbi. They boast an impressive 30 year history of making their galbi taste like boom boom in your mouth. The interior is the standard metal round tables with fire pits, so it’s not the most impressive place to go out on a date in Korea. But at the reasonable price of 14,000 won per serving, it’s a great place to drink some soju with your drinking buddies.
Open: 12PM to 12AM (closed on Tuesdays)
Phone number: 032-425-5538
Address: 이천시 남동구 간석2동130-12
(Incheon-shi, Namdong-gu, Ganseok2-dong 130-12)
Closest subway stations: 간석오거리역 (Ganseok Ogeori Station – Incheon subway line number 1)
Click for maps: Wingspoon, Google
Click for pictures via Korean Blogger 1, Korean Blogger 2
Tip: Line number 1 and Incheon subway line number 1 are two different lines.
Although this Seoul Bulgogi restaurant is known for its bulgogi, it’s famous for another galbi variation. This restaurant is popular because it’s known to serve some of the best galbi tang in Seoul. Their breakfast menu is fixed to two to three beef-based items, which changes daily. But don’t think you can just walk in and get a quick Korean-style breakfast here. They have a set amount of dishes that they’ll prepare for the day, so you’ll have to call in to reserve your dish. Get their galbi tang and stay on the lookout for the owner, one of the coolest looking guys to ever grace a cutting board.
Open: 12PM to 2AM
Phone number: 070-4090-9371
Address: 서울시 마포구 상수동 115
(Seoul, Mapo-gu, Sangsu-dong 115)
Closest subway stations: 상수역/광흥창역 (Sangsu Station/Gwangheungchang Station – line number 6)]
Click for maps: Wingspoon
Click for pictures via Korean Blogger 1, Korean Blogger 2 (Cheongjeong-dong Branch), Korean Blogger 3 (Suwon Branch)
Branches: Cheongjeong-dong (Naver map), Suwon (run by the owner’s buddy | Naver Map)
Thanks Keith,
Dan
Galbi restaurants in Korea are on nearly every block — there’s always someplace for Korean BBQ lovers. It’s hard to choose, so why not go with the crowd. Check out some of Seoul’s most famous and popular galbi restaurants according to Korean bloggers. You might have to wait on a few lines, but that just reaffirms you’re eating at some of the best galbi restaurants in Seoul!
(Click pictures for sources)
Mapo Sutbul Galbi (마포숯불갈비) in Nonhyun-dong (논현동)
This 24-hour galbi restaurant, located in the ever so trendy Nonhyun area (near Apgujeong), is a favorite for Korean drama or movie superstars. Tables are commonly reserved for celebrations by Korean drama or movie crews after they successfully complete their projects. Walls are plastered with pictures of Korean celebrities that have partaken in this restaurants famous galbi offerings. Come and try their specialty, 왕생갈비 (wang-seng-galbi), which goes for 30,000 won a person. They have close to 250 seats, and things can get a bit hectic in there. But with some of the best galbi in Seoul and Korean celebrities galore, who wouldn’t want to eat there? Open: 24 hours
Phone number: 02-516-1522
Address: 서울시 강남구 논현동 62-6
(Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Nonhyeon-dong 62-6)
Closest subway station: 압구정역 (Apgujeong Station – line number 3)
Click for maps: Naver, Google
Click for pictures via KoreanBlogger1, KoreanBlogger2
Sutbul Mapo Galbi (숯불마포갈비) near Shincheon Station (신천역)
Another restaurant that takes the Mapo Sutbul moniker, this restaurant is famous for its marinated galbi (양념갈비), both beef and pork versions. What makes this Korean galbi restaurant different is the special marinade they use. Rather than using the typical seasonings of other Korean galbi recipes, they add plums in the marinade to utilize their natural sweetness. If the 26,000 won for 1 serving of marinated beef galbi is too rich for your blood, you can still taste this famous galbi marinade recipe for the cheaper pork version (13,000 won).Open: 4PM – 2PM
Phone number: 02-3431-9411
Address: 서울시 송파구 잠실동 188-11
(Seoul, Songpa-gu, Jamsil-dong 188-11)
Closest subway station: 신천역 (Shincheon Station – line number 2)
Click for maps: Naver, Google
Click for pictures via KoreanBlogger1, Korean Blogger 2, Korean Blogger3
Tip: Be careful not to go to 신촌역 (Shinchon Station), which is also on line number 2, but all the way on the other side of town.
WooSung Galbi (우성갈비) in Yaksu-dong (약수동)
This galbi restaurant is situated right in the middle of Yaksu Market (약수시장). Some might call it ghetto, but others might say it’s a very old school Korean experience (plastic chairs, no interior design, crowded, etc.). But its simplicity is also part of its success. There are only two items on the menu: pork galbi (돼지갈비) and pork rinds (껍데기). Even with the limited offerings, if you check out the Korean blogosphere, you’ll see that Korean bloggers love this place. And for 12,000 won for each serving, you can too Open: 2PM – 2AM
Phone number: 02-2231-6722
Address: 서울시 중구 신당3동 372-40
(Seoul, Jung-gu, Shindang3-dong 372-40)
Closest subway station: 약수역 (Yaksu Station – line number 3 and 6)
Click for maps: Wingspoon, Google
Click for pictures via Korean Blogger 1, Korean Blogger 2, Korean Blogger 3
Seochomyeonok (서초면옥) in Seocho-dong (서초동)
If you know what galbi jjim (갈비찜) is, chances are you’ve seen this again in your dreams. And you’ll most definitely want to head over to Seochomyeonok, one of the most widely regarded galbi jjim restaurants in Seoul, for this heavenly galbi variation. The heaping portions are one of the keys to take away from this galbi jjim restaurant in Seoul. People say the galbi jjim here is not too sweet with just the right amount of kick from the peppers. When you’re done top off your meal by asking the staff to fry some rice in the left over marinade (see language tip below). Smallest galbi jjim servings start at 35,000 won.Open: 10:30AM – 10PM
Phone number: 02-522-1422
Address: 서울시 서초구 서초동 1557-7
(Seoul, Seocho-gu, Seocho-dong 1557-7)
Closest subway stations: 서초역/교대역 (Seocho Station Gyodae Station – lines number 2 and 3)
Click for maps: Wingspoon, Google
Click for pictures via Korean Blogger 1, Korean Blogger 2
Gangnammyeonok (강남면옥) in Shinsa-dong (신사동)
Gangnammyeonok is the other restaurant in this two-horse race for best galbi jjim restaurant in Seoul. With any order of galbi jjim (갈비 찜) you’ll get a bowl of galbi tang soup (갈비탕 국물) for free, a nice warm up for the main course. But galbi jjim is what you’re here for. Korean bloggers claim that the secret is the sesame oil in this galbi jjim recipe, which all amalgamates to a little-salty, little-sweet, semi-spicy, fall-off-the-bone galbi jjim other restaurants owners can only hope to make. Smallest galbi jjim servings start at 35,000 won.Open: 9AM – 10PM
Phone number: 02-3446-5539
Address: 서울시 강남구 신사동 588-9
(Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Shinsa-dong 588-9)
Closest subway stations: 압구정역 (Apgujeong Station – line number 3)
Click for maps: Wingspoon
Click for pictures via Korean Blogger 1, Korean Blogger 2
Granny’s Bossam and Spicy Galbi Jjim (할매 보쌈과 매운갈비찜) in Yeongdeungpo (영등포)
This popular restaurant is found in Yeongdeungpo’s restaurant alley. It may be a little more difficult to find, but this spicy galbijjim variant (매운갈비찜) is well worth the trip. It has all the sweet taste of galbi but with a bit of butt kicking spices. And who wouldn’t want butt kicking spices from a Korean grandmother? Ok, maybe it’s not an actual grandmother that’s cooking you the food, but it’s still another great galbi jjim restaurant in Seoul that you should try out. Prices start at 30,000 won.Open: 3PM – 2AM
Phone number: 02-836-2353
Address: 서울시 영등포구 영등포동 3가 12-16
(Seoul, Yeongdeungpo-gu, yeongdeungpo-dong 3-ga 12-16)
Closest subway stations: 영등포역 (Yeongdeungpo Station – line number 1)
Click for maps: Naver
Click for pictures via Korean Blogger 1, Korean Blogger 2
All You Can Eat Galbi at New Seoul Restaurant (새서울식당) by Nowon Station (노원역)
Don’t categorize this with other all you can eat restaurants in Korea. The quality of the food here is well above par. Although your only choice for all you can eat is the pork galbi (돼지 갈비), you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find the quality and flavor of the goods are a mismatch for the ridiculously cheap price (9,900 won). You’ll find another price mismatch with the more costly (and better!) charcoal fires, which typical all you can eat galbi restaurants don’t offer.Open: 2:30AM – 11PM
Phone number: 02-939-3343
Address: 서울시 노원구 상계동 726-1 2층
(Seoul, Nowon-gu, Sanggye-dong 726-1, 2nd floor)
Closest subway stations: 노원역 (Nowon Station – line numbers 4 and 7)
Click for maps: Naver
Click for pictures via Korean Blogger 1, Korean Blogger 2, Korean Blogger 3
Tip: Might be kind of hard to find. This blogger says get out of exit 5, take two immediate lefts, and the building will be on your right.
High-end Galbi at Byeokje Galbi (벽제갈비) in Seoraemaul (서래마을)
If you’re a fan of fine dining or got a special occasion coming up, head over to Byeokje Galbi. This highly recommended, fine dining galbi restaurant in Seoul has some of the best galbi in town, literally. They only use high-end Korean beef (aka hanwoo) for all their dishes. Galbi BBQ dishes start at 30,000 won for bulgogi (불고기) and go upwards of 75,000 won for Beef Galbi (생갈비). Not getting paid enough to roll with the big boys? Regular joes can come eat other galbi-based dishes (i.e. galbi tang, gom tang, naengmyun, etc.) at prices starting from 9,000 won.Open: 11:00AM – 10PM
Phone number: 02-415-5522
Address: 서울시 송파구 방이동 205-8
(Seoul, Songpa-gu, Bangi-dong 205-8)
Closest subway stations: 방이역 (Bangi Station – line number 5)
Click for maps: Wingspoon, Google
Click for pictures via Korean Blogger 1, Korean Blogger 2
Pork Rib Galbi Specialists at Buam Galbi (부암갈비) in Incheon (인천)
The lone Seoul suburb galbi restaurant to make our list is Buam Galbi, masters of pork rib galbi. They boast an impressive 30 year history of making their galbi taste like boom boom in your mouth. The interior is the standard metal round tables with fire pits, so it’s not the most impressive place to go out on a date in Korea. But at the reasonable price of 14,000 won per serving, it’s a great place to drink some soju with your drinking buddies.Open: 12PM to 12AM (closed on Tuesdays)
Phone number: 032-425-5538
Address: 이천시 남동구 간석2동130-12
(Incheon-shi, Namdong-gu, Ganseok2-dong 130-12)
Closest subway stations: 간석오거리역 (Ganseok Ogeori Station – Incheon subway line number 1)
Click for maps: Wingspoon, Google
Click for pictures via Korean Blogger 1, Korean Blogger 2
Tip: Line number 1 and Incheon subway line number 1 are two different lines.
Old School Seoul Bulgogi (옛맛서울불고기) in Mapo (마포)
Although this Seoul Bulgogi restaurant is known for its bulgogi, it’s famous for another galbi variation. This restaurant is popular because it’s known to serve some of the best galbi tang in Seoul. Their breakfast menu is fixed to two to three beef-based items, which changes daily. But don’t think you can just walk in and get a quick Korean-style breakfast here. They have a set amount of dishes that they’ll prepare for the day, so you’ll have to call in to reserve your dish. Get their galbi tang and stay on the lookout for the owner, one of the coolest looking guys to ever grace a cutting board.Open: 12PM to 2AM
Phone number: 070-4090-9371
Address: 서울시 마포구 상수동 115
(Seoul, Mapo-gu, Sangsu-dong 115)
Closest subway stations: 상수역/광흥창역 (Sangsu Station/Gwangheungchang Station – line number 6)]
Click for maps: Wingspoon
Click for pictures via Korean Blogger 1, Korean Blogger 2 (Cheongjeong-dong Branch), Korean Blogger 3 (Suwon Branch)
Branches: Cheongjeong-dong (Naver map), Suwon (run by the owner’s buddy | Naver Map)
