๐ Why Pork Belly Is a Korean Soul Food
When it comes to Korean BBQ, pork bellyโcalled samgyeopsal (three-layered pork)โis one of the most beloved dishes in Korea. Restaurants often serve cuts like hangjeongsal (pork neck) and moksal (pork shoulder) alongside it, offering diners a variety of textures and flavors. Some spots even serve ogyeopsal (five-layered pork), which includes pork skin for added crunch.
๐ More Than Just a Dish
Samgyeopsal is widely considered Koreaโs go-to comfort food. Many locals choose it for gatherings, casual dinners, or after-work meals. It’s also popular among international visitors for its interactive and communal style. This guide highlights five pork belly restaurants in and around Seoul that are consistently appreciated by residents. These places may not be the most viral on social media, but they are known for their quality and loyal customer base.
๐ท Somoonnan Chondweji (Famous Village Pork)
Image Source: Naver Smartplace
Image Source: Naver Smartplace
๐ Address: 31 Dongnam-ro 18-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul
๐ Hours: TueโSun 10:00โ22:00 (Break 14:30โ16:00), Closed Mondays
๐ฑ Instagram: @somonanchon
โ๏ธ Phone: 02-3012-5989
This restaurant is a well-known local favorite. Even after moving to a larger venue, it continues to attract a steady stream of customers. Their set menu includes 12 varieties of side dishes and traditional stone pot rice (dolsotbap), creating a balanced and satisfying meal experience. The pork belly is grilled to bring out its natural flavor and tenderness, making it a popular choice among regulars.
A frequent diner commented, โUsually when a restaurant expands, it changes. But here, the food and service quality remain consistent.โ Reviews often highlight the variety and harmony of the side dishes as a key strength.
Menu Highlights:
– Samgyeopsal (pork belly): โฉ17,000
– Jeyuk Bokkeum (spicy stir-fried pork): โฉ14,000
– Chadolbagi (thin sliced brisket): โฉ21,000
๐ Google Maps: View Location
How to Get There:
Take Subway Line 5 to Gaerong Station.
Use Exit 1 and walk straight for about 200 meters.
Turn left at the GS25 convenience store. The restaurant is on the right-hand side.
๐ฅ Muswe Ttuksangyeop (Cast-Iron Pork Belly)
Image Source: Naver Smartplace
Image Source: Naver Smartplace
๐ Address: 94 Dandae-ro, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do
๐ Hours: Daily 12:00โ24:00
๐ฑ Instagram: @musoidduk
โ๏ธ Phone: 0507-1393-8748
Cast-iron pans offer a unique grilling experience. The heavy surface locks in heat and delivers a crisp outer sear while keeping the meat juicy inside. At this restaurant, staff members help with the grilling process, ensuring even results. Side dishes are thoughtfully curated to complement the meal, and recent additions like Jjajang Ramyeon (black bean noodle ramen) add fun variety.
Menu Highlights:
– Samgyeopsal (pork belly): โฉ15,000
– Spicy Marinated Pork Belly: โฉ15,000
– Pork Neck: โฉ16,000
– Pork Shoulder: โฉ15,000
๐ Google Maps: View Location
How to Get There:
Take Subway Line 8 to Sujin Station.
Exit 3 and walk 5 minutes toward Dandae-ro.
The restaurant is located near a Paris Baguette with a cast-iron grill logo.
๐๏ธ Jejutgan (A Butcherโs Shop in Jeju Style)
Image Source: Naver Smartplace
๐ Address: 136 Wirye Plaza-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
๐ Hours: Daily 12:00โ24:00
๐ฑ Instagram: @jejutgan
โ๏ธ Phone: 0507-1382-2898
Inspired by Jeju Islandโs butcher-style restaurants, Jejutgan offers thick cuts of pork belly with a mild and clean flavor. A highlight here is the self-serve veggie bar, which allows guests to customize each bite with fresh greens, garlic, and sauces. Side dishes like Gyeran Jjim (steamed egg) and Dwaeji Kimchi Jjigae (pork kimchi stew) are served as part of the meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Menu Highlights:
– Premium Pork Belly: โฉ15,900
– Pork Shoulder: โฉ14,900
– Korean Beef Sirloin (100g): โฉ9,900
๐ Google Maps: View Location
How to Get There:
Take Subway Line 8 to Namwirye Station.
Use Exit 2 and walk 7 minutes toward Wirye Central Plaza.
Look for the wooden signage and tiled roof.
๐ฅ Sotdon (Cauldron Pork in Hongdae)
๐ Address: 14 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
๐ Hours: Daily 11:00โ22:30 (Break 14:00โ16:00)
๐ฑ Instagram: @sotdon
โ๏ธ Phone: 0507-1470-2779
Sotdon uses real Sotttukkeong (cauldron lids) as grills, which help concentrate heat and caramelize the pork belly perfectly. The unique setup also minimizes splatter. The staff finishes each cut with a tableside sear, and after the main course, leftover fat is used to grill kimchi and tofu, adding an enjoyable twist to the end of the meal.
Menu Highlights:
– Samgyeopsal (pork belly): โฉ16,000
– Pork Shoulder: โฉ16,000
– Kimchi Kalguksu: โฉ8,000
– Kimchi Albap: โฉ4,000
๐ Google Maps: View Location
How to Get There:
Take Subway Line 2 to Hongik Univ. Station.
Use Exit 9 and head toward Wausan-ro 21-gil.
The restaurant is on the right side, marked by its cauldron-shaped logo.
โญ Geum Dweji Sikdang (Golden Pork Diner)
๐ Address: 149 Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
๐ Hours: Daily 11:00โ23:00
๐ฑ Instagram: @geumdoeji
โ๏ธ Phone: 0507-1307-8750
Recommended by local food guides, this restaurant is known for its expertly aged pork belly and attentive service. The interior resembles a modern hanok (Korean house), creating a comfortable and stylish atmosphere. Each table is serviced by trained staff who grill your meat with care, ensuring an enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Menu Highlights:
– Samgyeopsal: โฉ19,000
– Pork Shoulder: โฉ19,000
– Grilled Pork Skin: โฉ14,000
๐ Google Maps: View Location
How to Get There:
Take Subway Line 3 to Yaksu Station.
Use Exit 7 and walk down Dasan-ro for about 4 minutes.
Look for the golden pig cartoon sign at the entrance.
๐ฅข More Delicious Trails to Follow
- ๐ After BBQ, cool off with: 5 Must-Try Naengmyeon Spots Locals Love
- ๐ฅ Or explore: Seoulโs Best Gopchang Restaurants