Korean BBQ (aka K-BBQ) is more than just a meal—it’s an interactive dining experience. You grill your own meat, wrap it in lettuce with sauces and sides, and enjoy it with friends and drinks.
Whether you’re in Seoul’s trendy Hongdae, Gangnam, or a neighborhood joint, here’s how to do Korean BBQ right.
🥩 Step 1: Choosing Your Meat
Most K-BBQ restaurants specialize in either beef (so-gogi) or pork (dwaeji-gogi). Some offer chicken or seafood too.
Popular Cuts to Try:
Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) – Thick pork belly slices
Galbi (갈비) – Marinated beef or pork short ribs
Bulgogi (불고기) – Thinly sliced marinated beef
Chadolbaegi (차돌박이) – Thin, fatty brisket
Hangjeongsal (항정살) – Pork jowl, juicy and rich
📝 Ordering Tip:
Meat is usually ordered by serving (인분/inbun), not grams. 1 serving ≈ 150–200g, and most places require 2 servings minimum per type.
🥬 Step 2: All About Banchan (Side Dishes)
Your table will be filled with banchan (반찬)—small side dishes that are refillable and free. These may include:
Kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage)
Pickled radish or garlic
Japchae (glass noodles)
Potato salad
Steamed egg (gyeran-jjim)
🍚 Pro Tip: Rice and soups are ordered separately, so don’t hesitate to ask!
🔥 Step 3: Grilling Like a Pro
Most K-BBQ tables have a built-in grill. A server might help start you off, but grilling is part of the fun!
Place meat on the grill and don’t overcrowd.
Flip with tongs, not chopsticks.
Cut into bite-size pieces with scissors (provided).
Avoid overcooking—it’s all about juicy tenderness.
🥓 Don’t forget to grill garlic or kimchi for extra flavor!
🌯 Step 4: How to Eat It
Once grilled, grab a leaf of lettuce (ssam), add a slice of meat, a bit of sauce (ssamjang), garlic, and kimchi. Wrap and pop it in your mouth!
Ssam tip: One bite is ideal. No shame in having a big mouth at Korean BBQ!
🧂 Popular Sauces to Know
Ssamjang (쌈장): Spicy-salty paste (gochujang + doenjang)
Gireumjang (기름장): Sesame oil with salt and pepper
Gochujang (고추장): Fermented red chili paste
🍶 Drinks to Pair
No Korean BBQ is complete without a drink!
Soju (소주) – Korea’s iconic spirit
Makgeolli (막걸리) – Milky rice wine
Beer (맥주 / maekju) – Pairs great with grilled meat
Somaek (소맥) – Soju + beer cocktail
🍻 Cheers = “Geonbae!” (건배)
📸 Ready for Your First BBQ Experience?
Tag your grill adventure with #KBBQBeginner or @KoreaThread and show off your meat mastery!
