Gangnam Korean BBQ restaurant for charcoal ribs: Yeontan Gongjang

I visited this Apgujeong Korean BBQ spot and immediately thought how nice it would be to eat meat somewhere like this after work. An outdoor drinking spot right in the middle of Apgujeong? There’s a retro-style outdoor space tucked between buildings. Grilling king-size ribs and pork belly over charcoal at tables without a roof, I got to properly enjoy that bustling outdoor BBQ-restaurant feeling for the first time in ages.

Yeontan Gongjang hours and outdoor atmosphere

Hours: Daily 16:00–24:00 / No parking

I’ve hung out around Apgujeong Rodeo so often, but this was the first time I realized there was a Korean BBQ place with this kind of outdoor atmosphere. It didn’t feel like retro was deliberately staged; it felt comfortable and warmly familiar, shaped naturally over time. Definitely a different vibe from the neatly styled, modern BBQ restaurants you see these days!

A real outdoor dining vibe between buildings

Since the outdoor space sits between buildings, this kind of outdoor atmosphere suits cool weather like we’ve been having perfectly. There were so many people that day, with every table full—the sound of people chatting and meat sizzling over charcoal made the whole place feel incredibly lively. It had been such a long time since I’d felt this kind of bustling BBQ-restaurant energy.

Yeontan Gongjang’s signature dishes: king-size ribs and pork belly

Yeontan Gongjang’s signature dishes are king-size ribs and pork belly. Looking around at nearby tables, I saw so many people ordering the ribs. I ordered two portions of pork belly, two portions of king-size ribs, and naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) too.

Beer and drinks are self-service, so you can comfortably take as much as you need.

Apgujeong pork belly grilled over charcoal

I started with the pork belly, and it came partially grilled! I was hungry, so I loved being able to eat sooner because of that, haha.

Once the meat hit the charcoal, that amazing aroma came right up—meat really does taste best grilled over charcoal, haha. The pork belly cuts were nice and thick, with a good balance of lean meat and fat too.

The outside cooked up crisp while the inside stayed juicy, and the charcoal smokiness made it taste even better.

The king-size ribs seem like a must-order

I also tried the king-size ribs that so many people were ordering. Once I tasted them, I understood why.

The meat itself was large and thick, so it had a really satisfying chew, yet it was tender and juicy too. The deep flavor unique to ribs, plus that charcoal smokiness, was just so good.

If you’re looking for great ribs in Apgujeong, definitely try the king-size ribs. Of everything I ate that day, they were especially satisfying. Totally earned its reputation as an Apgujeong rib spot!!

Meat and naengmyeon, too

You can’t leave out naengmyeon when you’re eating meat! Haha. A bite of meat followed by a mouthful of cold noodles made it feel like a proper Friday-night treat, and I was so happy.

It was delicious as served, without having to add mustard or vinegar, and perfect for a refreshing bite alongside the meat. Finishing with naengmyeon after the pork belly and king-size ribs made it feel like a truly complete dinner.

A retro outdoor Korean BBQ spot in Apgujeong

Even though I’ve spent so much time in Apgujeong, I had no idea a Korean BBQ restaurant with this retro outdoor-drinking vibe was right in the middle of it. Especially when the evenings are cool like they are now, it’s exactly the kind of place that comes to mind when you want to grill meat outside after work.

Pork belly and king-size ribs grilled right over charcoal, outdoor seating between buildings, and a noisy, bustling crowd. It had a genuinely old-school outdoor-dining atmosphere that felt different from places decorated in whatever style is trendy these days.

Above all, I was happy with the meat overall, and the owner was funny too, so it was a great place to eat and laugh with friends.

Recommended for

• Anyone looking for a Korean BBQ restaurant with an outdoor vibe in Apgujeong
• Anyone who loves charcoal-grilled pork belly and ribs
• Anyone who enjoys a retro atmosphere
• Anyone who wants to eat meat outdoors in cool weather
• Anyone who wants a drink in a lively, bustling setting