Korean BBQ in Gangnam with no 5pm weekday wait: Sansol Sinnonhyeon

It had been a while since I met up with a friend near Sinnonhyeon. While figuring out dinner, I got a craving for meat and went looking for a good BBQ spot where the staff grill it for you — that's how I ended up at Sansol Sinnonhyeon, known for its classy atmosphere and gorgeous-looking meat. The meat was delicious and the vibe was great, so let me introduce it to you~~

Where Sansol Sinnonhyeon is and when it opens

Mon–Sun 11:30–23:00 / Break time 15:00–16:00

Since it's open late, it also seems like a good spot for a work dinner or a second-round get-together! Using Catch Table or Naver Reservations lets you skip the wait comfortably. I'd recommend booking ahead before you visit~~~

The sign is big and easy to spot, so it's easy to find!! Once you walk into the building, the Sansol storefront appears haha

Is there a wait at 5pm on a weekday?

There are waiting chairs set up for people in line haha (does that mean it's a place that always has a wait?? haha) I went in at 5pm on a weekday so there was no wait for me, but it seems like weekends and Friday nights get pretty busy?? Looks like people register on Catch Table and wait their turn.

Inside Sansol Sinnonhyeon: space and atmosphere

The overall tone-down, upscale interior with calm, cozy lighting meant none of that usual chaotic BBQ-joint feel. Tables were spaced generously too, which made for easy conversation. This place feels like it'd work just as well for a date with a partner as for a wedding-invite gathering or a more formal dinner!! The props and atmosphere also have a strong Korean feel, so it seems like a great spot to bring foreign friends too haha

Downdraft grills that keep smoke smell off your clothes

One thing I really loved — at BBQ places you always worry about smoke getting into your clothes, but Sansol Sinnonhyeon uses downdraft ventilation that pulls the grilling smoke downward, so the smell doesn't cling to your clothes?? Maybe that's why there wasn't a trace of smoke in the restaurant either — it was so nice being able to eat meat in such a pleasant space.

What's on the menu at Sansol Sinnonhyeon

Starting with their signature aged pork belly, there's also pork collar, pork skirt, samgaksal (triangle cut), giwatsal, and more, plus a beef line with yukhoe chadolssam (beef tartare with brisket wrap) and hanwoo chadolbaksal jinkkotgalbisal haha. On the side there's doenjang jjigae, kimchi jjigae, diced radish kimchi fried rice, ramyeon, and more. There's plenty of choice for mixing and matching combos, which I really liked haha. I went with the aged pork platter for 2–3 and doenjang jjigae.

From barley tea served in the classic Del Monte glass bottle, Sansol Sinnonhyeon really shows it has its fundamentals down hahaha. I love it when restaurants put care even into the everyday drinking water, serving barley tea like this haha

Banchan side dishes and sauces to pair with the pork

So many side dishes were laid out that I thought, huh, what's all this? — but conveniently, there was a tablet right there explaining the whole spread??? Dipping the meat into the various sauces and mixing combos meant I never got tired of it or felt too greasy, and I ate really well haha. The pa-yukjang (scallion soy sauce) with wasabi combo was great, and topping the meat with yuzu radish salad now and then was also delicious?? haha

How the aged pork platter for 2–3 tasted

Here's the aged pork platter for 2–3 that we ordered. It comes with aged pork belly, aged pork collar, and aged pork skirt.

Another thing that made it so easy — the staff grilled every piece for us??? No matter your own grilling skills, having a trained staff member grill it means you get the meat at its absolute best condition. (Above all, it's just so convenient haha)

• Pork belly: pre-seared on the surface so it comes out holding just the right amount of juice — the more you chew, the more savory the juices burst out!!
• Pork collar: thick, cube-cut style with a good chew, moist and clean-tasting
• Pork skirt: chewy and springy in the best way?? A totally different feel from the usual pork belly, and really tasty.

Doenjang jjigae and final thoughts on Sansol Sinnonhyeon

We also ordered the doenjang jjigae, and the tofu in it — hahaha I've never seen a place put in tofu this big before ㅠㅠ The stew had a nice spicy kick too, perfect alongside the meat, and the seasoning was just right and delicious haha

It had been a while since I had such a good time somewhere with great food and a great atmosphere haha. Sansol Sinnonhyeon is a place I'd recommend when you want to enjoy delicious pork in a stylish, sophisticated space!! If you're looking for a good-vibe BBQ restaurant near Sinnonhyeon, I definitely recommend giving it a visit!