7 Samgyeopsal Spots Foreigners Can’t Stop Raving About

Samgyeopsal is more than just grilled pork belly—it’s a cultural experience filled with shared meals, sizzling plates, and hearty side dishes. For many foreign visitors, it’s the ultimate taste of Korea’s food culture. Here are 7 must-visit places where flavor and experience go hand-in-hand.
What Makes Korean BBQ Special

Grilling meat at your table, wrapping it with fresh greens and toppings, and sharing side dishes—Korean BBQ is as interactive as it is flavorful. The experience offers a social and immersive way to enjoy a meal, which is why foreign travelers keep coming back for more.
Geumdwaeji Restaurant – Michelin-Approved Pork Perfection

Located in Jung-gu, Seoul, Geumdwaeji is a Michelin-certified pork restaurant loved by celebrities like BTS’s Jungkook and even David Beckham. Their chewy bone-in samgyeopsal, basil wraps, and bubbling kimchi stew make this a truly premium experience for international foodies.
Address: 149 Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Stone Plate Grilling at Shin Kimchi

This local gem in Hapjeong, Mapo-gu specializes in grilled kimchi and samgyeopsal on a stone plate. It’s the perfect introduction to real Korean-style grilling and brings bold flavors with every bite. The sizzling kimchi, bean sprouts, and pork combination is unforgettable.
Address: 50 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
8 Flavors on One Plate

Try eight types of flavored samgyeopsal at once—from garlic and doenjang to wine and ginseng. This experience-style restaurant near Dongdaemun is perfect for groups and photo lovers, thanks to its colorful platters and dynamic BBQ setup.
Address: 30 Euljiro 43-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Premium Black Pork Experience

This restaurant recreates the rich flavor of Sancheong black pork in the heart of Seoul. Whether you choose salt-grilled or gochujang-marinated, the charcoal finish and premium ingredients will impress any diner. Reservations are highly recommended.
Address: 114-6 Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Retro Vibes with Frozen Pork

This budget-friendly spot in Chungjeongno serves thin-sliced frozen pork belly with generous side dishes in a retro atmosphere. It’s a favorite among visitors wanting to experience everyday Korean BBQ culture.
Address: Chungjeongno 3-ga, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Creative Fusion Options

At PaSam, the pork belly is butter-aged for extra richness and served with Japanese yakisoba for a fun East-meets-West combo. A trendy twist on the Korean classic, perfect for adventurous eaters.
Address: 43 Toegye-ro 41-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Experience Korea Through Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal is the ultimate Korean dining experience, combining flavorful meat with interactive grilling, diverse banchan, and communal dining. These 7 spots ensure not just great food, but an unforgettable cultural immersion too.