Is Korean BBQ Really Expensive?
You’ve seen the K-Dramas: the sizzling samgyeopsal (pork belly), the shared soju shots, the endless stream of colourful banchan (side dishes). Korean Barbecue (Gogi-jip, 고깃집) is undeniably one of Korea’s greatest cultural exports, and it’s a must-do for any visitor.
But the moment you sit down at that metal table and see a Korean menu, one question bubbles up: How much is this going to cost me?
The truth is, Korean BBQ is a spectrum. It can range from a budget-friendly, late-night indulgence to a premium, splurge-worthy experience. As a local, I’m here to break down the cost tiers and tell you exactly how to enjoy a delicious K-BBQ feast without accidentally maxing out your credit card!
The Three Tiers of K-BBQ Pricing
The cost of your meal largely depends on the cut of meat and the type of restaurant you choose.
1. The Budget Warrior: Pork (Samgyeopsal and Moksal)
Pork is the everyday hero of the Korean BBQ scene and is significantly cheaper than beef. This is the authentic, social, and wallet-friendly way to enjoy K-BBQ.
The Cost: Expect to pay around ₩13,000 to ₩18,000 KRW (approx. $9.50 – $13.50 USD) per serving (usually 150g – 200g) of Samgyeopsal (pork belly) or Moksal (pork neck).
The Vibe: Casual, often smoky, loud, and perfect for groups. Look for simple local restaurants near markets or university areas.
The Hack: Many places offer All-You-Can-Eat (무한리필, Muhan Refil) options for pork, usually priced between ₩18,000 and ₩25,000 KRW per person. This is the ultimate budget solution, but the quality might be slightly lower.
2. The Mid-Range Delight: Beef (Korean Sogogi)
Once you move to beef, the price jumps, but the taste sensation is worth it. This is where you might bring a date or celebrate a special occasion.
The Cost: Cuts like Chadolbaegi (thin-sliced brisket) or Galbi (marinated short ribs) typically start at ₩28,000 to ₩40,000 KRW (approx. $20 – $30 USD) per serving.
The Vibe: Cleaner, more modern interior, often with staff who handle more of the grilling for you.
The Splurge: If you encounter Hanwoo (한우), the prized Korean native beef (similar to Wagyu), you are entering luxury territory. A single serving can easily cost ₩50,000+ KRW. Save this for a truly special treat!
3. The Hidden Costs (The Things They Don’t Tell You)
K-BBQ prices are per-serving, but there are a few extra costs to factor in:
You Must Order Two Servings (Minimum): Almost all BBQ restaurants have a minimum order of two servings (2인분, i-in-bun) of the same cut of meat for the first order. Plan to spend at least ₩30,000 KRW just on the initial meat order.
Drinks: Soju (소주) and Maekju (맥주, beer) are cheap, usually ₩4,000 to ₩6,000 KRW per bottle/can, but they add up quickly!
Post-Meal Carbs: You cannot finish a K-BBQ meal without carbs! Ordering a dish like Naengmyeon (냉면, cold noodles) or Doenjang Jjigae (된장찌개, soybean paste stew) is essential and costs about ₩7,000 to ₩9,000 KRW extra.
Final Verdict: Is K-BBQ Expensive?
No, not inherently.
K-BBQ is an excellent value compared to Western steakhouses, especially when you factor in the free, unlimited banchan (side dishes like kimchi, salads, and marinated vegetables) that come with your meal. Those sides alone would cost a fortune elsewhere!
Average Cost Per Person (for a satisfying meal with drinks):
Pork (The Standard Experience): ₩25,000 – ₩35,000 KRW (approx. $18 – $25 USD)
Mixed Beef/Pork: ₩40,000 – ₩55,000 KRW (approx. $30 – $40 USD)
Focus on the pork, order strategically, and you can enjoy one of the most fun and filling meals Korea has to offer without breaking your travel budget. Enjoy the sizzle!