We’re Open on Seollal: Where to Eat Korean BBQ in Myeongdong During Lunar New Year

At Mongvely Korean BBQ, one of the most common questions we receive every year is simple but urgent:
“Are you open during Seollal?”

The answer is yes—and this guide exists to explain why that matters, what you can expect, and how to plan your Seollal meal properly, especially if you’re visiting Seoul as a traveler.

If you’re skimming, here’s the key takeaway upfront:

Mongvely is open during Seollal, serving all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ in Myeongdong for travelers and locals who need a reliable place to eat during Lunar New Year.

Now let’s break it down properly.

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What Is Seollal — and Why Eating Out Is Complicated

Seollal (Lunar New Year) is one of Korea’s most important holidays. For Koreans, it’s a time for:

• Family gatherings

• Traditional meals

• Ancestral rites

• Traveling to hometowns

Because of this, many restaurants close, sometimes for multiple days. Streets that are normally busy can feel unusually quiet, and visitors often struggle to find places to eat—especially full meals.

For travelers, Seollal can be confusing:

• Opening hours are unpredictable

• Google Maps information is often outdated

• Smaller local restaurants close without notice

That’s exactly why being open matters.

Why Mongvely Chooses to Stay Open on Seollal

We’re located in Myeongdong, one of Seoul’s busiest areas for international visitors. During Seollal, while many neighborhoods slow down, Myeongdong remains active with:

• Tourists

• Hotel guests

• Visitors who don’t celebrate the holiday locally

We stay open because:

• Travelers still need proper meals

• Korean BBQ is best enjoyed in groups, even during holidays

• A holiday shouldn’t mean settling for convenience food

Our goal is simple: to be a dependable place to eat when options are limited.

What “Open on Seollal” Actually Means at Mongvely

Being open doesn’t mean a reduced or compromised experience.

During Seollal, we operate with:

• Our regular all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ menu

• The same beef and pork options

• Full access to side dishes and sauces

• Staff ready to guide first-time diners

There’s no “holiday-only” shortcut menu. We believe if you’re making the effort to dine out during Seollal, the meal should still feel complete.

(Internal link opportunity: Menu – All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ)

Why Korean BBQ Is a Good Choice During Seollal

Seollal meals are traditionally eaten at home with family. But if you’re traveling, Korean BBQ offers something similar in spirit:

• Shared plates

• A slow, social pace

• Food cooked and enjoyed together

Unlike fast food or cafés, BBQ feels like a proper meal, which matters more on holidays.

For visitors who might feel disconnected from local traditions, sitting around a grill restores a sense of occasion—even if you’re far from home.

Myeongdong During Seollal: What to Expect

Myeongdong during Seollal feels different from a regular day.

You’ll notice:

• Fewer office workers

• Less weekday rush

• A calmer, more relaxed atmosphere

But hotels, shopping streets, and major restaurants remain active—especially those catering to international guests.

This makes Seollal a surprisingly good time to enjoy Korean BBQ without extreme crowds, as long as you know where to go.

A Reliable Meal When Other Places Are Closed

Every year, we meet guests who tell us the same story:

• “Everything else was closed.”

• “We walked around for an hour.”

• “We weren’t sure what would be open.”

That uncertainty is stressful—especially when traveling.

By staying open during Seollal, Mongvely removes that guesswork. You don’t need to gamble on opening hours or rely on last-minute searches. You can plan your meal confidently.

(Internal link opportunity: Location & How to Get to Mongvely)

All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Works Well on Holidays

One reason all-you-can-eat BBQ works particularly well during Seollal is flexibility.

Different people eat differently on holidays:

• Some want a full, indulgent meal

• Others want to pace themselves

• Some arrive hungry after sightseeing

• Others just want a relaxed place to sit and eat

Our format allows everyone at the table to eat comfortably, without pressure to finish fixed set menus.

For First-Time Visitors to Korea During Seollal

If this is your first time experiencing Seollal in Korea, here’s what to keep in mind:

• Many small local restaurants close

• Convenience stores stay open, but meals are limited

• Cafés may have reduced hours

• Tourist areas are your safest option

Choosing a restaurant that is open, prepared, and experienced with international guests makes your day much easier.

That’s exactly the role we play during major holidays.

How to Eat Korean BBQ the Right Way (Especially on Seollal)

If you’re dining with us during Seollal and it’s your first time eating Korean BBQ, here’s a simple flow we recommend:

1. Start with lightly seasoned meats

2. Use fresh vegetables and sauces to balance richness

3. Grill gradually—no rush

4. Share plates and pace the meal

5. Finish clean, not heavy

Korean BBQ isn’t about speed. It’s about time at the table, which feels especially appropriate on a holiday.

(Internal link opportunity: How to Eat Korean BBQ Like a Local)

Ending the Meal: Why Many Guests Choose Naengmyeon

After BBQ, many Koreans traditionally eat naengmyeon (cold noodles). This is especially popular during heavier meals or celebrations.

Naengmyeon:

• Refreshes the palate

• Balances grilled meat

• Leaves you comfortable, not overly full

For Seollal visitors unfamiliar with Korean food customs, this small detail helps complete the experience.

(Internal link opportunity: What Is Naengmyeon?)

Dining as a Group During Seollal

Seollal is about togetherness—even for travelers.

Whether you’re:

• Traveling with family

• Exploring Seoul with friends

• Meeting other travelers

Korean BBQ naturally supports group dining. Everyone cooks, eats, and shares at the same pace.

Our tables and layout are designed to support this style of dining without crowding or pressure.

Opening Hours and Holiday Planning

While many restaurants adjust hours unpredictably during Seollal, we keep our schedule clear and consistent so guests can plan ahead.

We always recommend:

• Checking our website before visiting

• Arriving a bit earlier during peak dinner hours

• Planning BBQ as a main meal, not a rushed stop

(Internal link opportunity: Opening Hours & Contact)

Why Travelers Remember Their Seollal Meal

For many visitors, Seollal becomes a memorable part of their Korea trip—not because of ceremonies, but because of contrast:

• Quiet streets

• A slower pace

• A meaningful meal when options felt limited

We’ve seen guests remember their holiday meal long after they forget specific attractions. Food anchors experiences, especially on culturally significant days.

Our Perspective as a Myeongdong Restaurant

We don’t position ourselves as “traditional Seollal food.”
We position ourselves as a reliable place to eat well when it matters.

Being open during Seollal is not about convenience alone—it’s about hospitality. If you’re in Seoul during Lunar New Year, you deserve more than guessing which doors are open.

Final Words: If You’re in Seoul During Seollal

If you’re spending Seollal in Seoul and wondering where to eat:

• Choose a location that’s accessible

• Choose a restaurant that understands tourists

• Choose a meal that feels complete

At Mongvely, we stay open so your holiday doesn’t revolve around uncertainty. Whether you’re celebrating, sightseeing, or simply passing through, we’re here to make sure your Seollal includes a proper Korean meal.