Yoo's Barbecue Lab

The 38 Best Restaurants in Seoul, South Korea - Eater

"Many people dream of quitting their jobs to chase their cooking dreams, but Yoo Yong-wook actually did it. Yoo’s weekend barbecue parties on his family farm became the most coveted social dining experience in town thanks to social media; even celebrities were reaching out for a seat at the table. So finally, after six years of serving friends, in 2020 he decided to leave his corporate job and open a restaurant. Inside a moody 120-year-old arcade building, Yooyongwook Barbecue Lab serves a nine-course meal centered on barbecue techniques. As the name implies, Yoo (who goes by lab director rather than chef) strives to develop new recipes using wood fire and smoke, like his signature beef rib inspired by Korean soy sauce-based seasoning. You’ll need a reservation a few months out and some luck to dine." - Matty Kim