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. 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.