Ggupdang Sinsa

Waited an hour in the Catch Table queue. Food was great but I've had better Korean BBQ experience at non-Michelin restaurants. Service was lacking, staff just cooked the food without any explanation of the meat and left. No lettuce leaves.

Well worth the lines. The pork shoulder and belly were incredible! The experience and service great too. Highly recommend (a must do on your Seoul itinerary).

The food was a 10/10. To be honest, the overall experience was a bit intense. They move quickly and are VERY efficient. Once we got into it we loved the atmosphere. I would highly recommend that you take a look at the menu and know your order before you even enter the building (including drinks). We arrived early and were able to be seated immediately. When we left there was already a long line. The table turn quickly, so likely not a long wait. You can order basically the second you are seated and someone arrives immediately with the drinks and meat to begin cooking. If I had the time, I would come back here multiple times in one trip to Seoul. The pork shoulder and belly were incredible. Great experience.

Famous pork neck place near Sinsa station. Revisited after a long time of opening. Still has great pork neck (moksal) and galmaegisal. Strongly recommend trying their (seasoned) rice with pork. As finishing touch please have jjapageti with truffle. Suitable place to experience K-bbq.

So we chose this as our first place to eat in Korea because of the Michelin Bib Gourmand designation and it kick started our Korean food journey perfectly! You have a dedicated meat griller and ours was amazing. He recommended in this order 1) pork shoulder/neck, 2) pork cheek and 3) pork belly 4) pork shank. I ended up getting some of each type of meat but I would actually recommend that you get multiple orders of the higher rated items because they are so good you will want more. Pork belly was okay, I wished we had just stuck with the pork shoulder and cheek but it was good to try the others so we knew. The griller recommended that we try the different bits of meat with different accompaniments, wasabi and ginger or marinated perilla leaves with a thin layer of radish and dipped in salt and ssamjam. Both were eye opening combos so make sure you try them. One major thing to note: THE NOODLES ARE A MUST. Seriously the best thing there. We ended up ordering extra once we were already full. The freshly shaved truffle and poached eggs on the perfectly chewy noodles was a standout. And it was $7. All I have to say. Thought about these noodles for the rest of our trip. Service was super efficient probably because there was a long line once we left but we showed up right before 6pm and our party of 5 was seated right away. We were in and out in about 45 minutes which is great when you have impatient kids. Also, don’t forget to put your jacket and bags inside the seats to avoid the smoke.

I almost gave up before even arriving — I got a little lost trying to find this place, but I insisted because a friend had recommended it to me, and I knew it had a Michelin star. Since arriving in Korea, I’ve mostly been eating at “normal” local spots — everything is just good here — and because my brother-in-law is Korean (and used to live here), he’s taken us to so many little hidden gems that most tourists would probably miss. Today, I was spending the day alone and realized I wasn’t far from Kkubdang. I knew they usually require a minimum of two people, but I made my way there anyway. I arrived just past 3 PM when they had just opened, and there was no waiting list yet. When they asked how many, I said “one,” and they immediately reminded me of the two-person minimum. I asked if they could make an exception — they said no — and I decided to stay regardless. I ordered for two, thinking it would be way too much food. It wasn’t. Even though I’m tiny and usually don’t eat much in one sitting, I finished everything — so for a regular appetite, I definitely think the portions would not be enough for two people. They guide you on how to eat the meat for the best experience, and honestly, the Michelin star is completely deserved. My favorite combination was the pork mixed with their amazing smoked brown rice, a touch of wasabi, and the ginger — damn, what a combination! I didn’t even like wasabi that much before this, but this meal changed my mind completely. They also pair the pork with fresh green leaves, and that bite was just as perfect — smoky, fresh, and flavorful. Overall, this ended up being the cheapest Michelin-star experience I’ve ever had! And worth trying, for sure.

We went to eat there because we were walking around and got hungry and it had Michelin awards outside. It was good but not sure if it was Michelin awards outside good?? The service was great as the guy helping us spoke English and explained to us all the things on the table. Mind you, we all have had experience with Korean food and love it but we all agreed it was OK…wanted to love it.

If you're heading to Ggupdang Sinsa, one thing is certain: you will wait. Sometimes for hours. But here's the thing—it's absolutely worth it. This place has built a reputation for a reason. The moment you finally step inside, the anticipation pays off in full. From the quality of the pork to the flawless grilling techniques, Ggupdang sets a new standard for Korean Pork BBQ. The cuts are melt-in-your-mouth tender, seasoned to perfection, and grilled by staff who know exactly what they're doing. Every bite is unforgettable. The banchan (side dishes) are thoughtfully curated, and the attention to detail in both service and presentation makes it clear: this isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Yes, the wait is long, and no, they don’t take reservations. But grab a coffee nearby or explore the Sinsa area while you wait, and trust that you’re about to enjoy one of the best meals Seoul has to offer. Pro tip: Get there early, or go with good company and a lot of patience. Once you're seated, you'll understand why people keep coming back.