Gogigui (Korean BBQ)

Nobody goes to Seoul without the intention of indulging in authentic Korean BBQ, or gogigui as the locals would call it. It is, after all, Korea’s most valuable export, next to catchy K-Pop tunes and intricate nail art.

Barbecue places are found in every corner of Seoul, and though it’s “practically just pieces of meat grilled on charcoal”, you’ll find that these Korean BBQ places are not created equal.

The most mouth-watering gogigui is made from high-grade meat with beautiful marbling of fat – so delicious that marinades and sauces won’t even be necessary. Pickled veggies are a perfect accompaniment to gogigui as the acidity cuts through the richness of the meat.

Here are the best places to have gogigui in Seoul.

• WANG BI JIB | Jung-gu
  For melt-in-your-mouth pieces of meat with snowflake marbling
  What to order: Gogigui, Beef tartare, Seafood pancake
  Price range: 13,000 to 32,000 won ($11.44 to $28.17)
  When: 11:30 – 22:30 daily
  Where: 26 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• GANGNAM MYEONOK | Gangnam-gu
  For Korean barbecue marinated in a secret savory broth
  What to order: Galbi jjim, Nengmyun, Galbitang
  Price range: 15,000 to 20,000 won ($13.20 to $17.61)
  When: 11:00 – 22:00 daily
  Where: 34, Nonhyeon-ro 152-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• TWO PLUS BBQ | Gangnam-gu
  For delicate, luxurious pieces of beef that you will never forget
  What to order: Aged striploin, Hangover hot noodle, Beef tongue
  Price range: 20,000 to 42,000 won ($17.61 to $36.97)
  When: 11:30 – 22:00 daily
  Where: 12 Dosan-daero 50-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul