Korean BBQ in Magok-naru, Seoul: aged pork belly at Ganeung Sikdang

Ganeung Sikdang: a 4-minute walk from Magok-naru Station

Ganeung Sikdang (가능식당) is a Korean BBQ restaurant close to Magok-naru Station, inside the Doosan The Land Park building. Our office moved recently, and for a Friday night out with my husband, I picked a place just a 4-minute walk from work: Ganeung Sikdang.

This was my 4th or 5th visit — I'm that much of a fan, so I really want to recommend it.

Why Ganeung Sikdang suits a Magok office dinner

It's close to Magok-naru Station, and the spacious interior makes it a great choice for group dinners too. Whenever I visit this Magok-naru restaurant, the owner's kindness always puts me in a good mood. Even if the food is great, unfriendly service makes you not want to come back, right? That's never an issue here.

Is Ganeung Sikdang good for lunch too?

There are so many offices in this area, including ours, so it's also a great lunch option. I usually pack my own lunch, but on days I don't, I make sure to come here for what I think is the best doenjang jjigae and bibimbap in Magok.

They also have tonkatsu and spicy stir-fried pork, so it's a satisfying way to spend a precious lunch break — highly recommend. If you take the escalator shown in the back of the photo, you'll see the entrance to Ganeung Sikdang right on the left.

Inside Ganeung Sikdang: seating around the open kitchen

Inside, there's an open kitchen at the center with seats wrapping all the way around it. It's an unusual, distinctive layout that I really like.

Tables also aren't crammed together, so even if the people across from you are chatting, it doesn't feel too loud — which makes it a solid choice for group dinners too.

What to order at Ganeung Sikdang

We have our go-to order whenever we come here. It's usually this:

• 3 servings of meat
• 1 bowl of rice
• Steamed egg
• Spicy mixed noodles
• 1 bottle soju + 2 bottles beer

This time we chose pork belly for the meat. First, the basic side dishes come out. If you need more, you can request it via the kiosk — the owner is generous and gives you plenty even if you ask for just a little.

The drinks came out first, so we started with those.

Steamed egg (gyeran-jjim)

Next was the steamed egg (gyeranjjim). I love this dish, so I order it every time I visit. It has sesame oil in it, which makes it even more savory.

Aged pork belly, sliced and grilled by the staff

The highlight is the meat. The owner is truly dedicated to aging the meat, and you'll be amazed the first time you try it. My husband and I were both impressed. This is how it arrives:

When the lid comes off, unsliced meat and a rush of smoke greet you, and that's when the anticipation really builds.

After that, the staff slice the meat piece by piece for us, so we never have to cut anything ourselves. That's such a convenient touch.

They also top the grill with bean sprouts and kimchi, so we got to enjoy the meat in different combinations — this really is one of the best Korean BBQ spots in Magok-naru.

After that, all you have to do is keep chatting and enjoying the meal. The quality of the meat at Ganeung Sikdang is always reliable, so that's one thing you never have to worry about at this Magok-naru restaurant.

Bibim-guksu: spicy mixed noodles that aren't too tangy

When we're about halfway through the meat, we always order the spicy mixed noodles (bibim guksu) too. My husband loves this dish. Ganeung Sikdang's version isn't tangy, which is exactly why he enjoys it.

Enjoying spicy-sweet mixed noodles alongside grilled meat is just so good, isn't it?

A Magok local's verdict on Ganeung Sikdang

Everything grilled for you so it's easy, aged meat that's genuinely delicious, close to Magok-naru Station, and a spacious layout perfect for group dinners — definitely visit Ganeung Sikdang. As a Magok resident, I highly recommend it.