Hello, food lovers! Welcome back to Hidden Gem Seoul, your ultimate guide to the most delicious corners of Seoul. 💎
When you think of Korean food, Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal) is probably one of the first things that comes to mind. But today, we aren't just talking about any ordinary pork belly. We are heading to Yaksu Station to visit Geum Dwaeji Sikdang (Golden Pig Restaurant), a premium K-BBQ joint that has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for several consecutive years and boasts a star-studded clientele, including BTS and EXO!
Let’s find out if this legendary pork BBQ is truly worth the hype and the wait. 🕵️♂️
📍 Geum Dwaeji Sikdang: Basic Information
- Location: 149 Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (3-minute walk from Yaksu Station, Exit 2)
- Opening Hours: Every day 11:30 AM ~ 11:00 PM (Last order at 10:15 PM)
- Phone Number: 0507-1307-8750
- Parking: No private parking (Using nearby public transportation or the Yaksu Station Public Parking Lot is highly recommended)
📝 Waiting Tips for the Golden Pig
Because of its Michelin status and global fame from K-pop stars, the waiting line here is no joke!
- How to Wait: You can register your number on the tablet kiosk at the entrance. Recently, they have also started accepting remote waiting via the 'CatchTable' (캐치테이블) app, which is a lifesaver!
- 💡 Hidden Tip: If you don't want to wait 2-3 hours for dinner, try visiting during off-peak hours (like 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM on a weekday) or utilize the CatchTable app exactly when they open their remote queuing.
🥩 Signature Menu & Prices (Subject to change)
- Bon Samgyeop (Bone-in Pork Belly - 150g): 19,000 KRW (Minimum 2 servings required to get the bone-in cut)
- Snow Moksal (Pork Neck - 150g): 19,000 KRW
- Pork Skin (Kkeopdegi - 150g): 14,000 KRW
- Whole Kimchi Jjigae (Pork Kimchi Stew): 8,000 KRW
- Fresh Basil: 5,000 KRW
🍽️ The Honest Taste Review!
1. The Star of the Show: 'Bon Samgyeop' (Bone-in Pork Belly) Geum Dwaeji Sikdang uses a special premium breed of pig (a crossbreed of Yorkshire, Berkshire, and Duroc) to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness. The Bon Samgyeop is their signature—thick, incredibly juicy, and grilled over charcoal briquettes to give it a crispy exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth interior.
The staff cooks everything perfectly for you. When you dip the first piece in their British Maldon salt, the explosion of savory pork juices is simply mind-blowing!
2. A Unique Twist: Wrap It in Fresh Basil 🌿 Instead of the traditional lettuce, you MUST order a side of fresh basil. The staff will lightly grill the basil leaves for a few seconds. Wrapping the rich, fatty pork belly in a warm, fragrant basil leaf completely transforms the K-BBQ experience. It adds a sophisticated, herbaceous flavor that cuts right through the grease.
3. Snow Moksal (Pork Neck) If you prefer something meatier and less fatty than pork belly, the Snow Moksal is your best bet. It’s remarkably tender and has a deep, almost beef-like savory flavor. It pairs beautifully with their special soy sauce mixed with chopped green onions.
4. Two-Hour Simmered 'Kimchi Jjigae' Do not leave without trying their Kimchi Jjigae! Unlike regular stews, they simmer the pork and kimchi together for over two hours. The result is a deeply rich, intensely flavorful broth with pork that is so tender it falls apart with a spoon. You will definitely need a bowl of rice for this one.
💎 Hidden Gem Seoul’s Final Verdict
- Taste: ★★★★★ (The absolute peak of premium pork BBQ in Seoul)
- Atmosphere: ★★★★☆ (Clean, lively, and energetic, though slightly crowded)
- Waiting Difficulty: Hard ⏳ (Make sure to use the CatchTable app!)
One-Line Summary: "A Michelin-worthy pork belly experience made even better with a touch of grilled basil!"
Whether you are a K-pop fan following in the footsteps of BTS or just a dedicated foodie looking for the best K-BBQ in town, Geum Dwaeji Sikdang will not disappoint.
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