Myeongdong Street Food vs. Mongvely Korean BBQ? : Where to eat in Myeongdong?
Myeongdong Street is one of the liveliest places in Seoul—a neon-lit hub of shopping, beauty, and food. Visitors from around the world come here not just to pick up the latest K-beauty trends or fashion pieces, but also to snack on the famous street food that lines every corner.
But once the shopping bags start piling up and the street snacks no longer quite fill you, the question usually comes up: Where should we sit down for a proper meal?
That’s where Korean BBQ comes in. And if you’re considering BBQ in Myeongdong, there are plenty of options—including Mongvely, a spot that many travelers say rounds out their Myeongdong day perfectly.
Why People Love Myeongdong Street Food
Street food is one of the biggest reasons people come to Myeongdong. Vendors set up their carts in the evening, filling the air with sizzling sounds and mouth-watering aromas.
Some favorites include:
Egg bread (gyeran-bbang), warm and comforting.
Tteokbokki, chewy rice cakes in a spicy sauce.
Hotteok, sweet pancakes with sugar and cinnamon.
Dalgona, a classic sweet treat that appeared in the famous Netflix show, Squid Game.
Trying these snacks is part of the fun, you can grab a bite while moving from shop to shop, and the variety is endless. For many visitors, sampling street food is their first introduction to Korean flavors!
However that said, street food is more about the experience than the portion size. You might spend 10,000 to 20,000 KRW hopping between stalls and still feel like you haven’t had a complete meal. Seating is limited, and after hours of walking and shopping, standing around with food in your hands can get tiring.
That’s when many visitors start looking for something more substantial: a sit-down meal that lets you rest, share dishes with friends, and still feel immersed in Korean food culture.
Why Our All-You-can-Eat Korean BBQ Fits the Bill
Our all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ is one of those meals that balances comfort and excitement. You sit down, but you’re not passive—there’s grilling, dipping, wrapping, and sharing. It’s a social dining style that feels lively, even when you’re exhausted from a day of exploring Myeongdong.
The best part? You can eat as much or as little as you like. Want to just share a few plates of pork belly? That works. Hungry enough to eat until you’re stuffed? That works too.
Why Choose Mongvely?
Myeongdong is full of BBQ restaurants, but Mongvely tends to stand out for a few reasons. If you’re considering where to go, here’s why some travelers (and locals) find themselves at Mongvely:
Affordable All-You-Can-Eat
For a flat price, Mongvely offers unlimited premium pork and beef—including favorites like pork belly (samgyeopsal), beef brisket (chadolbaegi), and intestines (gopchang). It means you don’t have to calculate costs plate by plate—you just sit down and enjoy.Huge variety of seasonings and sauces
One detail people remember is Mongvely’s variety of seasonings and sauces. Beyond the usual sesame oil and ssamjang, you’ll find curry powder, cheese powder, spicy teriyaki, cumin, wasabi, and even green tea salt. It makes the meal more playful and you can try a new flavor combination with every bite.Tourist-friendly but still a local favorite
Menus are available in multiple languages, and the staff is used to helping first-time visitors navigate the BBQ process. Even if you’ve never grilled meat at a table before, you won’t feel lost. We might be tourist-friendly but Mongvely is still frequented by locals from all around the country!Convenient Location
Because Mongvely is right in Myeongdong, it’s more than just convenient. You can finish your shopping on Myeongdong Street, then walk over for Korean BBQ without leaving the neighborhood.
How to Combine Street Food and BBQ
Many visitors find that the best way to experience Myeongdong is to enjoy both:
Late Afternoon: Shop for K-beauty at Olive Young, browse through various clothing stores such as Aland, Supy and Blue Elephant, and maybe grab an egg bread or potato twist as a snack while you’re at it.
Evening: Head to Mongvely for all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ. Take your time grilling pork belly, beef brisket, dipping into sauces, and pairing with rice wine, soju, or any drink of choice!
After Dinner: Walk the neon streets at night, maybe stopping for dessert like hotteok or bingsu.
This way, you don’t miss out on the street food atmosphere, but you also get a proper sit-down meal.
Final Thoughts
Myeongdong Street is one of Seoul’s most iconic destinations for a reason. The energy, the food, the shopping—it’s all part of the experience. Street food is fun for sampling, but when you want to slow down and enjoy a meal, Korean BBQ is a natural choice.
Mongvely happens to be one of the restaurants in the area where you can do just that. With unlimited BBQ, a wide range of sauces, and a tourist-friendly setup, it gives you a chance to relax after exploring Myeongdong Street.
We’re not saying Mongvely is the only place you should eat in Myeongdong. But if you’re already here, and you want a spot that balances flavor, value, and convenience, it might be the restaurant you’re glad you tried.
