Quick Info
- Location: Meoksoejip (먹쇠집)
- Area: Jongno, Dongdaemun, Seoul
- Food Type: Korean Pork Galbi BBQ (돼지갈비)
- Signature Menu: Marinated Pork Galbi
- Recommended Combo: Pork Galbi + Somaek (Soju + Beer)
- Side Dishes: Seasoned Soy Crab, Kimchi, Pickled Radish, Fresh Vegetables
- Banchan Style: Many Side Dishes Included
- Group Dining: Good For 2+ People
- Nearest Subway Station: Dongdaemun Station (Line 1 & 4)
- Distance: About 33m from Exit 1 (1 min walk)
- Nearby Subway Station: Dongmyoap Station (Line 1 & 6)
- Distance: About 10 min walk from Exit 6
- Price Range: ₩17,000–₩40,000 (≈ $12–$29)
- Atmosphere: Old Local Korean BBQ Restaurant
- Waiting: Usually possible during dinner hours
- Best For: Local Korean BBQ experience, pork lovers, soju & beer night
✔ Google Maps Location:
👉 View Meoksoejip Location & Walking Directions on Google Maps
Introduction – 종로 먹쇠집 (돼지갈비)
( Inside, you can choose between old-style Korean floor seating rooms or regular table seating with chairs. )
If you are looking for an old-school Korean BBQ restaurant near Dongdaemun in Jongno, Meoksoejip (먹쇠집) is one of those places locals continue visiting for years.
The restaurant has a nostalgic Korean BBQ atmosphere with old tables, charcoal grills, and a simple retro interior that feels more authentic than modern franchise-style restaurants.
The main menu here is definitely the 돼지갈비 (Pork Galbi).
The pork is marinated lightly, so the flavor is balanced instead of being too sweet. Once cooked over charcoal, the smoky aroma fills the restaurant immediately.
One thing many locals love about this restaurant is the side dishes.
Unlike many BBQ restaurants, the banchan here feels generous and homemade.
Especially the 양념게장 (seasoned spicy crab) surprises many first-time visitors because it tastes much better than people expect from a side dish restaurant setup.
Why People Like This Place
- Old local Korean BBQ atmosphere near Dongdaemun
- Pork galbi is soft, juicy, and smoky
- Charcoal grilling gives deeper flavor
- Side dishes are generous and delicious
- Famous seasoned crab side dish
- Perfect place for somaek (soju + beer)
- Very close to Dongdaemun Station Exit 1
- Friendly owner and warm local atmosphere
Main Menu
- Pork Galbi (돼지갈비) – ₩17,000 (≈ $12)
- Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) – ₩17,000 (≈ $12)
- Bulgogi (불고기) – ₩17,000 (≈ $12)
- Galbitang (갈비탕) – ₩12,000 (≈ $8.50)
- Yukgaejang (육개장) – ₩12,000 (≈ $8.50)
- Naengmyeon (냉면) – ₩5,000 (≈ $3.50)
- Rice (공기밥) – ₩1,000 (≈ $0.70)
- Beer / Soju – ₩4,000 (≈ $3)
- Soft Drinks – ₩2,000 (≈ $1.50)
How to Enjoy the Pork Galbi Properly
The marinated pork galbi cooks quickly over charcoal, so you should flip it often to prevent the sauce from burning.
Once the meat is partially cooked, use scissors to cut it into bite-sized pieces.
When the pork starts developing a glossy surface from the marinade and fat, that is usually the best moment to eat it.
The flavor becomes even better when wrapped with fresh lettuce and green onion salad (pa-chae).
Instead of adding rice inside the wrap, try eating only the meat inside the lettuce first.
That way you can fully taste the smoky charcoal flavor and sweet-savory marinade together.
And honestly, pork galbi with a cold glass of somaek is incredibly satisfying.
But even without alcohol, the pork itself is delicious enough to enjoy on its own.
One important thing — do not make the wrap too large.
Korean BBQ ssam tastes best when you can eat it in one bite.
The moment you eat the entire wrap at once, you immediately understand why Korean locals love this style of eating.
You might feel like your mouth becomes huge for a second, but do not worry about that.
Just enjoy the flavor.
Surprisingly Good Side Dishes
One of the hidden strengths of Meoksoejip is the side dishes.
The seasoned spicy crab served as banchan is especially popular with regular customers.
The restaurant also serves kimchi, pickled onions, vegetables, sauces, and cold side dishes that pair perfectly with grilled pork.
Even though this is mainly a pork galbi restaurant, many visitors remember the side dishes just as much as the meat itself.
Old Local Restaurant Atmosphere
Meoksoejip feels like a true old Korean local restaurant that has stayed in the same place for many years.
The interior is simple, retro, and nostalgic rather than trendy or modern.
You can immediately feel that this is a restaurant loved by local customers for a long time.
Another memorable part of the experience is the owner’s friendly attitude.
Even during busy dinner hours, the atmosphere feels welcoming instead of rushed.
That warm old-school Korean BBQ atmosphere is one reason people keep coming back.
Restroom Information
For an older local Korean BBQ restaurant, the restroom is relatively clean compared to many similar old-style BBQ places in Seoul.
It may not feel modern or luxurious, but it is maintained better than expected for a long-running neighborhood restaurant.
Easy Ordering Guide for Foreign Visitors
When ordering at Meoksoejip, the easiest way is to order pork galbi based on the number of people.
Most locals usually start with one serving per person.
Basic Ordering Examples
- “Pork galbi 2 servings please.”
- “Pork galbi 4 servings please.”
You can also try saying it in Korean pronunciation style:
- “Dwaeji-galbi ee-inbun juseyo.”
(돼지갈비 2인분 주세요) - “Dwaeji-galbi sa-inbun juseyo.”
(돼지갈비 4인분 주세요)
If you want additional meat later:
- “Dwaeji-galbi il-inbun deo juseyo.”
(돼지갈비 1인분 더 주세요)
Meaning: “One more serving of pork galbi please.”
The side dishes are included automatically, and if you need more banchan, you can politely ask for refills.
If you want rice:
- “Gonggibap hana juseyo.”
(공기밥 하나 주세요)
Meaning: “One bowl of rice please.”
Or:
- “Gonggibap dugae juseyo.”
(공기밥 두개 주세요)
Meaning: “Two bowls of rice please.”
Ordering Drinks
For alcohol orders:
- “Sajangnim, soju han-byeong maekju han-byeong juseyo.”
(사장님 소주 한병 맥주 한병 주세요)
Meaning: “One bottle of soju and one bottle of beer please.”
This is the most common way locals order somaek ingredients.
If you also want cola:
- “Kolla du-gae juseyo.”
(콜라 두개 주세요)
Meaning: “Two colas please.”
How to Ask for the Bill
When you are ready to pay, you can say:
- “Yeogi eolmayeyo? Gyesan juseyo.”
(여기 얼마예요? 계산해 주세요)
Meaning:
“How much is it?” / “Please calculate the bill.”
Even if the pronunciation is not perfect, most Korean restaurant owners will understand easily.
Final Thoughts
If you want to experience a more local-style Korean pork galbi restaurant near Dongdaemun, Meoksoejip is one of the most satisfying choices in Jongno.
The pork galbi is smoky, juicy, and flavorful without being overly sweet, while the generous side dishes make the meal feel complete.
The old local atmosphere, charcoal grills, somaek combination, and friendly owner create the kind of Korean BBQ experience many travelers hope to find in Seoul.
More Places to Eat in Jongno
1️⃣ Visit Meongseokjip in Ikseon-dong
Retro Korean BBQ restaurant famous for emotional old-school atmosphere, grilled pork belly, and outdoor tent-style seating in Jongno.
Best Korean BBQ in Jongno – 3 Must-Try Pork Belly Spots in Ikseon-dong Near Gyeongbokgung Palace
2️⃣ Visit Unlimited Pork Galbi & Samgyeopsal BBQ in Jongno
Affordable Korean BBQ spot where you can enjoy unlimited pork galbi and samgyeopsal with friends and drinks.
$15 Korean BBQ Buffet in Jongno Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – All-You-Can-Eat
3️⃣ Visit Hando Samgyeopsal in Jongno
Popular frozen pork belly restaurant loved for its nostalgic Korean BBQ style and old Seoul atmosphere.
Best BBQ Restaurant in Jongno – Must-Try Korean Pork Belly in Seoul
4️⃣ Visit Stone Plate Samgyeopsal in Ikseon-dong
Local Korean BBQ restaurant known for sizzling pork belly cooked on a hot stone plate.
Best Korean BBQ in Jongno – Crispy Pork Belly with Kimchi in Ikseon-dong
5️⃣ Visit Jangin Dakgalbi in Jongno
Famous Korean spicy stir-fried chicken restaurant with strong local flavors and generous portions.
10 Best Restaurants in Jongno, Seoul: Must-Try Dakgalbi & Korean Food Near Gyeongbokgung Palace
6️⃣ Visit Jinokhwa Halmae Dakhanmari in Dongdaemun
One of Seoul’s most famous Korean chicken hot pot restaurants loved by both locals and travelers.
Best Dakhanmari in Jongno – 3 Must-Try Korean Chicken Soup Spots
Nearby Attractions in Jongno
1️⃣ Visit Jongno Pojangmacha Street in Seoul
Famous for late-night Korean street food tents, local drinking culture, smoky grilled dishes, and nostalgic outdoor vibes near the restaurant.
3 Must-Try Pocha Street Spots in Jongno 3-ga – Food, Drinks & Nightlife
2️⃣ Visit Changdeokgung in Jongno
Famous for the beautiful Secret Garden (Huwon), peaceful palace paths, and relaxing time surrounded by nature and traditional Korean architecture.
Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden Walk – Best Hidden Thing to Do in Jongno, Seoul
3️⃣ Visit Gwangjang Market in Jongno
One of Seoul’s most famous traditional markets for Korean street food and local snacks.
Best Food in Gwangjang Market – 5 Must-Try Spots in Jongno
4️⃣ Visit Jongno 1 Day Walking Course in Seoul
A walking route connecting Ikseon-dong, Gwangjang Market, Cheonggyecheon, and Dongdaemun with local food and hidden Seoul atmosphere.
Jongno 1 Day Walking Itinerary (2026 Guide) – Palaces, Street Food & Hidden Local Spots
5️⃣ Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace 1 Day Travel Route
A popular Seoul travel course combining Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong, and local Korean restaurants.
Best Things to Do Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – Hidden Spots, Local Food & 1 Day Itinerary
Practical Information
✔ Google Maps Location:
👉 View Meoksoejip Location & Walking Directions on Google Maps
✔ Address
297-3 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
✔ Operating Hours
- Tuesday–Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Closed Every Monday
✔ Nearest Subway Station
- Dongdaemun Station Exit 1 (about 33m)
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