Inside Seoul

Saemaeul Sikdang

Saemaeul Sikdang (새마을식당) is one of Korea's most beloved BBQ chains, founded in 2002 by celebrity chef Baek Jong-won — the star of Netflix's Culinary Class Wars and Korea's most famous restaurateur.

Price Range

₩9,000–15,000 per person

Menu Guide

4 items

Nearest Locations for Tourists

3 spots

How to Order

Seat yourself and press the call button for a server. The 7-Minute Dwaeji Bulgogi is the must-try — staff will cook it at your table. Rice, soup, and banchan (side dishes) are included. Ask for extra rice (gonggi bap) if needed. Payment at the counter after eating.

Saemaeul Sikdang (새마을식당) is one of Korea's most beloved BBQ chains, founded in 2002 by celebrity chef Baek Jong-won — the star of Netflix's Culinary Class Wars and Korea's most famous restaurateur.

Named after the iconic 1970s New Village Movement, the restaurant immerses diners in a nostalgic retro atmosphere with communal wooden tables and real charcoal briquette grills.

The star of the menu is the Yeoltan Bulgogi (열탄불고기, charcoal-grilled marinated pork at just ₩10,900) — thin slices seared over real charcoal for a distinctive smoky sweetness.

Equally legendary is the 7-Minute Pork Kimchi Stew (7분돼지김치찌개, ₩8,000), a bubbling pot of aged kimchi and tender pork that reaches peak flavor after exactly seven minutes.

Staff handle all the grilling, making it perfect for BBQ first-timers.

Side dishes including kimchi, lettuce wraps, garlic, and sauces are unlimited and free to refill.

With locations in Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Dongdaemun, English-friendly staff, and prices starting under $10 USD per person, Saemaeul Sikdang is arguably the best-value authentic Korean BBQ experience in Seoul.

Part of Theborn Korea (KOSPI-listed since 2024), the chain has over 70 domestic stores and international presence in Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, the US, and more.

Nearest Locations for Tourists

Myeongdong Branch

서울특별시 중구 명동8나길 8

Myeongdong Station (Line 4, Exit 8)

Hongdae Branch

서울특별시 마포구 어울마당로 118

Hongik University Station (Line 2, Exit 9)

Gangnam Branch

서울특별시 강남구 강남대로 328

Gangnam Station (Line 2, Exit 10)

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