[Seoul Local Food] Authentic K-BBQ Lunch Set at Yukjeupdang, Gwanghwamun (Pork Belly & Aging Quality Review)

Basic Information: Yukjeupdang Gwanghwamun Branch

• Address: 2F, 10-1 Saemunan-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 새문안로5길 10-1, 2층)
• Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TeDqKA6XirAJCLnD7
• Naver map: https://naver.me/F0z2RE0t
• Phone: 02-738-1821
• Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Break Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM)
• Parking: Dedicated parking is not available.

※ Information based on Naver Map and the official Instagram account of Yukjeupdang.

💡 Roger’s Sightseeing Route Tip:
Because it is situated right by Gwanghwamun Station, it is within easy walking distance of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun Square, and the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. If you want to experience authentic Korean pork barbecue without traveling far from major historical attractions, this makes a perfect itinerary stop.

Exterior & Interior Ambiance

The restaurant exterior catches your eye immediately as you walk along the street.

Opening the door, you are greeted right away by a grand, eye-catching chandelier! Heading up the stairs leads you straight to the main entrance.

Inside, the restaurant displays and sells a curated selection of wines. The pairing of wine and Korean grilled pork works surprisingly well, so if you are a wine enthusiast, ordering a bottle alongside your meal is well worth considering.

Visiting during lunchtime meant the dining area wasn’t overly crowded—it was cool, spacious, and relaxed, allowing for a quiet and comfortable meal.

⚠️ One essential tip when entering:
When we first arrived, we mentioned we were here “just for a meal,” and the staff guided us to a standard dining table. It turns out that tables with built-in grills are separated from regular dining tables.
If you plan to order the lunch sets that involve grilling meat at the table, make sure to let the staff know right away: “We’re having the grilled meat set!”

We initially sat at a non-grill table, but once we ordered the barbecue lunch set, we were kindly asked to move to a grill table.

Menu & Orders

The lunch specials at Yukjeupdang are divided into meat-grilling sets and non-grilling meal sets. Wanting to start the afternoon energised, I went straight for the meat option.

Lunch Barbecue Sets Available:

• Aged 1++ Hanwoo Sirloin Set: 34,900 KRW
• Aged Handon Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal) Set: 16,900 KRW ★ (Roger’s Pick!)
• Aged Handon Pork Shoulder (Moksal) Set: 16,900 KRW

A generous spread of side dishes arrived, followed by a bowl of rice and bubbling soft tofu stew (Sundubu-jjigae), making the table hearty and full.

The Meat & Table Service

Then came the meat!

One of the greatest advantages—especially for international visitors or anyone unfamiliar with K-BBQ—is the complimentary staff grilling service. Professional staff monitor the grill temperature, cut the pork into perfect bite-sized pieces, and flip them with expert timing. You don’t have to worry about burning the meat; simply relax and enjoy your conversation until it’s ready.

Once cooked, the pork is gathered neatly onto a rest rack on the grill.

The meat quality was top-notch. My dining companion is quite discerning when it comes to pork belly quality, but they noted it easily rivals some of the best high-end barbecue joints in the area.

Curious after our lunch, we later tried reserving a table for dinner, but the venue was completely booked out. While lunch is calm and leisurely, evenings tend to be much more bustling and energetic.
(Note: During dinner hours, ordering meat à la carte starts at around 18,000 KRW per serving without the stew and rice, making the lunch set a significantly better value!)

They also run an event where you can receive Yukjeon (pan-fried battered beef) by writing a review, so consider taking advantage of that for an even richer spread.

How to Eat Like a Local (Roger’s Pairing Guide)

1. First Bite with Pure Salt: Dip the meat lightly in coarse sea salt to appreciate the rich, unadulterated flavor and tenderness of the aged pork.
2. Wasabi + Pickled Perilla Leaves (Myeonginamul): A dab of fresh wasabi paired with sweet and tangy pickled greens cuts right through the rich fat of the pork belly.
3. Meljeot (Boiled Anchovy Sauce): Dip the meat into the savory sauce simmering directly on the grill for deep, authentic umami.
4. Classic Lettuce Wrap (Ssam): Place a slice of pork on fresh lettuce, top with grilled garlic and a touch of savory ssamjang paste, and enjoy in one generous bite.

Summary of Practical Tips

1. Lunch Sets Don’t Usually Require Reservations: Seats are relatively available during weekday lunch, so walk-ins should be fine. For 16,900 KRW, you receive aged pork (pork belly or shoulder), side dishes, stew, and rice.
2. Reservations Recommended for Dinner: Evenings are very popular with local office workers and often fully booked. Book in advance if visiting after 6:00 PM.
3. Specify Your Table Preference at the Door: Because grilling tables are distinct from regular dining tables during lunch, inform the host immediately whether you intend to grill meat.
4. Drink Pairings: Beyond the classic Korean “Somaek” (beer + soju mix), don’t hesitate to explore their wine selection—aged pork belly and a medium-bodied red wine make a surprisingly elegant match.

If you are looking for exceptional, high-quality Korean pork barbecue with unbeatable lunchtime value near Gwanghwamun, I warmly recommend the lunch set at Yukjeupdang.

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