Must-Try Korean Food #1 Samgyeopsal – The King of Korean BBQ

 

(불판 위에서 구워지고 있는 삼겹살, 식욕 돋우는 비주얼이죠?👉 Samgyeopsal sizzling on the grill — just looking at it makes your mouth water!)

Must-Try Korean Food #1

Samgyeopsal – The King of Korean BBQ

If I had to pick one image that best represents a Korean evening,
it would be the sound of sizzling meat at a samgyeopsal restaurant.

Whenever I dine out with foreign friends, I always take them to try samgyeopsal.
The fun of grilling meat yourself, wrapping it in leafy greens with various sides—
it leaves a strong impression and creates lasting memories.

(삼겹살 상차림, 식탁에 앉으면 이런 모양의 차림이 준비됩니다👉 This is what a typical samgyeopsal table setting looks like when you sit down to eat.)

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🍖 What is Samgyeopsal?

Samgyeopsal is thick slices of pork belly, grilled right at your table.
In Korea, barbecue is a hands-on experience—you cook it yourself as you eat.

(삼겹살 모양, 고기 모양이 세 겹으로 되어 있어서 삼겹살이라고 합니다
👉 The name “samgyeopsal” means “three-layered pork belly,” referring to its distinct layers of meat and fat.)

Once cooked, you take a piece of meat and wrap it in a leaf of lettuce or perilla leaf,

then add garlic, ssamjang (spicy soybean paste), green chili, and a spoonful of rice,
and eat it all in one bite. This is called “ssam” in Korean.

“A single bite of ssam contains the full flavor and soul of Korean food.”
– From a foreign traveler’s review

For many visitors, the mix of flavors and textures is a fresh and fascinating experience.

(삼겹살 상추쌈, 꼭 이렇게 한 입 드셔보세요
👉 Try making a bite like this — a perfect Korean-style lettuce wrap (ssam).)

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🌍 Why Do Foreigners Love It?

• Grill-it-yourself experience: A fun, interactive way to dine

• Assorted side dishes and ssam culture: New flavors in every bite

• Instagram-worthy visuals: Glowing meat + a shot of soju = photo gold

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📍 Where to Eat?

You can find samgyeopsal restaurants all over Seoul.
Many places offer English menus and friendly service for travelers.

(홍대에 있는 삼겹살 식당, 대개 간판을 보면 삼겹살 식당이라는 것을 알 수 있어요👉 A samgyeopsal restaurant in Hongdae. You can usually tell by the signboard — it often says “삼겹살.”)

Recommended areas:

• Hongdae – Trendy, youthful vibe and foreigner-friendly

• Itaewon – Great mix of global and Korean cuisine

• Myeongdong – Tourist hub, perfect for first-timers

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💰 How Much Does It Cost?

• About ₩13,000–₩20,000 ($10–15) per person

• Usually ordered for 2 or more people, with unlimited side dishes

• Soju or beer costs around ₩5,000 ($3.7) per bottle

  
  (소주와 환상 궁합, 소주 또는 소맥(소주+맥주)와 잘 어울립니다👉 Perfect with soju — or try “somaek,” a mix of soju and beer!)

🍽️ A full meal for two, including drinks, costs about $30–35 (₩40,000–45,000)

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📷 Samgyeopsal Tips!

• Filming the sizzling meat is a must for your travel vlog

• Staff will often help you grill if it’s your first time

• Timing matters—don’t flip the meat too early!

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So, how about samgyeopsal for your first dinner in Korea?
Just like locals, sit around the grill, cook your own food,
and turn an ordinary evening into something truly unforgettable.

(지글지글 익는 삼겹살, 고기 색깔이 이렇게 갈색으로 되면 잘 익은 겁니다. 드시면 돼요.👉 When the meat turns this golden-brown color, it’s perfectly cooked and ready to eat!)

* 한글로 읽으시는 것이 편하신 분들을 위해 한글 원문을 올려 드립니다.

한국 음식 이야기 ①
삼겹살 – 한국식 바비큐의 왕!

한국의 저녁 풍경 중 가장 한국적인 장면을 꼽으라면,
지글지글 고기를 굽는 삼겹살집 풍경이 아닐까요?

저도 외국 친구들과 식사할 때 꼭 한 번은 삼겹살집을 데려갑니다.
고기를 직접 구워 먹고, 상추에 싸서 다양한 반찬과 함께 먹는 경험은
외국인 친구들에게 정말 인상 깊은 추억이 되더라고요.

🍖 삼겹살이란?
삼겹살은 두껍게 썬 돼지의 배 부분 고기를 구워 먹는 한국의 대표 바비큐입니다.
고기를 상추나 깻잎에 올리고, 마늘, 쌈장, 고추, 밥 한 숟갈까지 넣어
한 입에 싸서 먹는 것을 ‘쌈’이라고 부릅니다.

“한 쌈에는 한국의 맛과 정서가 모두 들어 있어요.” – 어느 외국 여행자의 후기 중

🌍 외국인이 좋아하는 이유

• 직접 구워 먹는 재미

• 다양한 반찬 & 쌈 문화

• 지글지글 익어가는 고기와 소주 한 잔의 조화

📍 어디서 먹을까?

• 홍대: 젊고 활기찬 분위기, 외국인 친화적

• 이태원: 글로벌 문화 속 한국식 바비큐

• 명동: 관광객을 위한 입문자용 삼겹살집

💰 가격

• 1인분 ₩13,000~₩20,000

• 보통 2인 이상 주문

• 소주 또는 맥주 약 ₩5,000
  👉 2인이 식사 + 음료 포함 시 약 ₩40,000~₩45,000 ($30–35)

📷 삼겹살 팁

• 고기 굽는 장면은 인생샷

• 직원이 구워주는 매장도 많음

• 고기 색이 노릇하게 익었을 때가 먹기 좋은 타이밍

🧡 한국 여행 첫 식사로 삼겹살 어때요?
불판 앞에 앉아 고기를 굽는 경험은 단순한 식사가 아닌
‘한국을 체험하는 순간’이 될 거예요.

6 Must-Try Korean Foods in Hongdae

6 Must-Try Korean Foods in Hongdae

Hongdae is not only Seoul’s trendiest neighborhood but also a true food haven.
Here, dining is more than just eating—it's an experience.

In this post, I’ll introduce six of the most popular Korean foods in Hongdae,
perfect for sharing with friends from abroad.
(My YouTube video is linked below for visuals and prices.)

① Samgyeopsal – The Essence of Korean BBQ

Hongdae is filled with samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) restaurants.
Watching the meat sizzle on the grill is an essential part of the Korean dining experience.
Prices range from $9.5 to $11.4 per serving, and the flavor is as satisfying as the lively atmosphere.

(한국 대표 음식 삼겹살, 삽겹살은 직접 구워먹는 재미가 있어요. 영상을 보고 적당하게 익는 정도를 익히시면 좋아요

*Samgyeopsal, a signature Korean dish—you grill it yourself, which is part of the fun. Watch a video to learn how to cook it just right.*)

② Unlimited Pork + Spicy Chicken (Dakgalbi)

When you're extra hungry, go for all-you-can-eat BBQ.
You can enjoy unlimited pork belly and spicy dakgalbi for just $12.5 per person—
a delicious and filling choice loved by locals and visitors alike.

(삼겹살과 닭갈비 무한리필, 두가지를 한번에 구워 드실 수 있어요. 무한리필이니 맘껏 먹을 수 있죠

*All-you-can-eat samgyeopsal and dak-galbi—grill both at once and enjoy as much as you want.*)

(무한리필 간판, 홍대거리에는 이런 무한리필을 제공하는 곳이 많아요. 배고플때는 이런간판을 찾아가세요

*All-you-can-eat signs—many places in Hongdae offer unlimited refills. Look for these signs when you're hungry!*)

③ Tteokbokki – Sweet & Spicy Street Food

Tteokbokki is Korea’s signature street snack,
featuring chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy red sauce.
At just $3.2, it’s a flavorful bite of Korean street culture.

(먹음직한 떡복이, 붉은 색깔이지만 보기보다 맵지 않아요. 달콤한 떡볶이를 드셔보셔야죠.

*Delicious tteokbokki—it looks spicy but is actually sweet and mild. A must-try Korean snack!*)

(떡볶이는 $3.2로 저렴해서 간식으로 적당하죠

*Tteokbokki costs just $3.2—affordable and perfect as a light snack.*)

④ Gimbap – Korea’s Everyday Favorite

Gimbap is a quick and hearty Korean rice roll.
You can get a roll for $2.5 to $3.5, packed with fresh ingredients.
Perfect to enjoy on the go as you stroll the streets of Hongdae.

(한국에 오면 김밥을 드세요. 종류가 수십가지가 된답니다.

*Try gimbap when you’re in Korea—there are dozens of varieties to choose from.*)

( 김밥은 간식으로도, 한끼 식사로도 좋아요

*Gimbap is great as both a snack and a full meal.*)

⑤ Jeon + Makgeolli – A Rainy Day Pairing

Korean savory pancakes (jeon) paired with traditional rice wine (makgeolli)
make for a classic rainy-day combo.
A platter of assorted jeon costs around $14.3, and a glass of makgeolli is just $3.6.
Crispy, cozy, and perfect for sharing.

(전과 막걸리, 안주거리로 적당한 전과 막걸리를 꼭 드셔보세요. 잘 맞는 조합이랍니다.

*Korean pancakes (jeon) with makgeolli—this classic combo makes the perfect side dish pairing.*)

⑥ Takeout Coffee – Carry a Taste of Hongdae

After your meal, grab a takeout coffee for just $1.8
and enjoy a romantic walk through the streets of Hongdae.
It feels just like a scene from a movie.

(식사 후에는 아이스아메리카노

*After your meal, enjoy a refreshing iced Americano.*)

 Hongdae is more than a tourist destination—

it’s a place where Korea’s food culture, youth, and everyday life come together.
If you're planning a visit, don’t miss these must-try dishes.
Your heart and stomach will thank you.

(커피를 손에 들고 홍대 거리를 걸어 보세요. 좋은 추억을 가지실 겁니다.

*Stroll the streets of Hongdae with coffee in hand—it’ll be a memory to cherish.*)

Hope this video gives you a better sense of what Korea is like today.