Is Korean BBQ in Seoul Expensive? Here’s What to Expect
If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, one question comes up again and again: Is Korean BBQ in Seoul expensive?
The honest answer? It depends on where you go, what you order, and how you order. Korean BBQ can be surprisingly affordable — or it can turn into a premium dining experience that rivals fine steak restaurants in New York or Tokyo.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what Korean BBQ in Seoul costs, what affects the price, how locals eat to control their budget, and what tourists should realistically expect. If you’re researching before your trip, this will help you avoid overpaying and still enjoy an authentic experience.
Average Price of Korean BBQ in Seoul
Let’s get straight to numbers.
In Seoul, the average price per person for Korean BBQ falls into these categories:
Budget Korean BBQ (₩15,000–₩25,000 per person)
Pork cuts like samgyeopsal (pork belly)
Set menus with basic side dishes
All-you-can-eat options
Often located in university areas or non-touristy neighborhoods
Mid-Range Korean BBQ (₩25,000–₩40,000 per person)
Better quality pork
Some beef options included
Charcoal grills
Cleaner interiors, more service
Premium Korean BBQ (₩45,000–₩100,000+ per person)
Hanwoo (Korean premium beef)
Aged beef cuts
Private rooms
Upscale Gangnam or Apgujeong locations
So is Korean BBQ in Seoul expensive? Not necessarily.
Compared to Western steakhouses, it’s often cheaper. Compared to casual Korean meals like bibimbap or kimchi jjigae, yes — it costs more.
You’re paying for:
Raw meat quality
Table grilling experience
Unlimited side dishes (banchan)
Social dining atmosphere
Why Korean BBQ Feels Expensive to Some Tourists
Many travelers compare Korean BBQ to everyday Korean meals.
A bowl of noodles? ₩8,000–₩12,000.
Korean BBQ? ₩25,000–₩40,000 per person.
That’s a big jump.
But Korean BBQ isn’t everyday food. In Korea, it’s considered:
A group meal
A celebration meal
A social drinking meal
Locals don’t eat Korean BBQ alone on a random Tuesday afternoon. It’s more of a weekend, date night, or team dinner type of experience.
➣ Read also : Korean BBQ vs Western BBQ: What’s the Real Difference?
➣ Read also : What to Expect on Your First Korean BBQ in Seoul
Pork vs Beef: The Biggest Price Factor
The type of meat you choose makes the biggest difference.
Pork BBQ (Most Affordable Option)
Common pork cuts:
Samgyeopsal (pork belly)
Pork neck/collar
Pork jowl
Typical price per serving (150–200g): ₩14,000–₩20,000
Pork BBQ is the standard in Seoul. It’s flavorful, filling, and much more affordable than beef.
Beef BBQ (Mid to Premium)
Common beef cuts:
Beef short plate
Ribeye
Galbi (short ribs)
Price per serving: ₩20,000–₩45,000+
Hanwoo (Premium Korean Beef)
Hanwoo is Korea’s top-grade beef, comparable to Wagyu.
Price per serving: ₩40,000–₩70,000+
This is where Korean BBQ becomes “expensive.” If you order Hanwoo without checking prices, your bill can double quickly.
All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ: Is It Worth It?
All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ (AYCE) typically costs:
₩17,900–₩29,900 per person
It sounds cheap — and it is, compared to premium restaurants.
But here’s what you need to know:
Meat quality is usually mid-range.
Time limits apply (90–120 minutes).
Food waste penalties may apply.
Beef options are often thin-sliced.
AYCE is great for:
Students
Big groups
Budget travelers
Heavy eaters
It’s not ideal if you want premium cuts or slow dining.
Does Location Affect Korean BBQ Prices?
Yes. A lot.
Tourist Areas (Myeongdong, Hongdae, Seongsu)
Slightly higher prices
English menus available
More staff assistance
Clean interiors
Local Neighborhood Areas
Cheaper
Fewer English menus
More casual vibe
However, being in a tourist area does NOT automatically mean overpriced. It depends on the restaurant’s positioning.
➣ Read also : The Ultimate Guide to Korean BBQ in Seoul
What’s Included in the Price?
Many visitors forget something important.
When you order Korean BBQ in Seoul, you’re not just paying for meat.
You also get:
Unlimited side dishes (kimchi, pickles, vegetables)
Lettuce and perilla leaves for ssam
Sauces and dips
Garlic, onions, chili
Sometimes soybean stew or egg soup
Charcoal grill setup
Staff grilling service (in many restaurants)
If you tried to order all these separately elsewhere, your bill would climb fast.
This is why Korean BBQ feels expensive at first glance — but when you break it down, the value makes more sense.
Drinks Add Up Fast
If your bill feels high, check the drinks.
Common drink prices:
Soju: ₩4,000–₩7,000
Beer: ₩5,000–₩8,000
Soft drinks: ₩2,000–₩4,000
Two rounds of drinks can easily add ₩10,000–₩20,000 per person.
In Korea, BBQ and alcohol go together. That’s part of the culture.
➣ Read also : Korean BBQ and Soju: How to Drink Soju With BBQ (Etiquette + Best Pairings)
Is Korean BBQ Cheaper Than Western Steakhouses?
Yes. In most cases.
Let’s compare:
Western steakhouse:
₩50,000–₩120,000 per steak
Korean BBQ pork dinner:
₩25,000–₩35,000 per person
Even beef BBQ is often cheaper than imported Western steak.
The difference is:
Smaller meat portions per serving
Shared cooking
No plating theatrics
More casual service
Korean BBQ focuses on experience, not presentation.
How Locals Save Money on Korean BBQ
Here’s what Koreans actually do:
Order pork instead of beef.
Share multiple cuts instead of ordering premium cuts.
Skip extra side orders.
Avoid excessive drinks.
Go in groups of 3–4 people.
Korean BBQ is optimized for group dining. The more people, the more affordable it feels per person.
When Korean BBQ Becomes Expensive
Let’s be realistic.
Your bill will jump if you:
Order Hanwoo
Add premium marinated cuts
Drink heavily
Choose private room dining
Eat in ultra-luxury Gangnam venues
At that point, Korean BBQ becomes a luxury dining experience — and that’s intentional.
But that’s not the standard everyday BBQ experience in Seoul.
What Tourists Should Expect
If you’re visiting Seoul and planning one Korean BBQ dinner, expect:
Mid-range restaurant:
₩30,000–₩40,000 per person (including drinks)
Budget pork BBQ:
₩20,000–₩30,000 per person
Premium beef:
₩50,000+
That’s realistic.
If your bill is under ₩25,000 and you’re full, you found good value.
So… Is Korean BBQ in Seoul Expensive?
Compared to casual Korean meals? Yes.
Compared to Western steak dinners? No.
Compared to the experience, service, unlimited side dishes, and quality? Often fair.
Korean BBQ in Seoul offers a wide price range. You can spend modestly or you can go high-end. It’s your choice.
The key is knowing what you’re ordering.
Where Mongvely Fits In
If you’re looking for a mid-range Korean BBQ experience in central Seoul without premium Hanwoo pricing, Mongvely sits in that balanced category — quality beef and pork, charcoal grill, tourist-friendly setup, but not positioned as a luxury Gangnam steakhouse.
It’s not all-you-can-eat. It’s not ultra-premium fine dining. It’s the middle ground most travelers are actually looking for.
If you're exploring Korean BBQ in Myeongdong, you can learn more here:
➣ Everything We Serve at Mongvely: What an All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ Meal in Myeongdong Really Looks Like
➣ What Is Banchan? The Complete Guide to Korean Side Dishes at Mongvely
Final Thought
Korean BBQ in Seoul is not cheap street food — but it’s also not overpriced luxury by default.
It’s flexible.
Know your meat, know your location, control your drinks — and you’ll enjoy one of Seoul’s best dining experiences without feeling like you overpaid.
If you're planning your food list in Seoul, Korean BBQ deserves a spot. Just go in knowing what to expect — and order smart.
Visit Us Now!
Mongvely Main Branch
Address: Myeongdong 8na-gil 9 3rd Floor
Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Mongvely 2nd Branch
Address: Myeongdong 3-gil 44 2nd Floor
Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Plan your visit → Book a Table
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