Black pork vs Angus shabu-shabu sets compared: Shabu in Seoul Seongsu

Looking for somewhere to eat in Seongsu, I went for shabu-shabu this time — a hearty bowl of hot broth loaded with meat and vegetables — at Shabu in Seoul Seongsu.

There's no shortage of good restaurants around Seongsu Station, but this time I wanted somewhere with good atmosphere that would also fill me up properly, and shabu-shabu was exactly what came to mind.

53 Seongsuil-ro 6-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea, 1st floor, Yuwon Jisik Sanup Center / 11:00–22:30

The atmosphere and private rooms at Shabu in Seoul Seongsu

The interior was modern and clean overall. It's less casual and more calm, so it suits a date or a meal with friends just as well.

One reason this is a good pick among Seongsu restaurants for group visits is the separate private rooms. The regular tables were comfortable too, but the rooms let you talk quietly.

(Check the menu photos above for reference!)

Black pork belly shabu set vs prime Angus chuck flap shabu set

I wanted to compare two different meats this time, so I ordered both: the grade-1 black pork belly shabu set and the prime Angus chuck flap shabu set.

Prices at Shabu in Seoul Seongsu vary by meat type, and ordering both together made the differences between them stand out even more.

First, the grade-1 black pork belly had a nice nuttiness from just the right amount of fat. Cooking the thin slices briefly in the broth and eating them with vegetables kept it from feeling heavy, while still delivering that classic pork belly flavor.

The prime Angus chuck flap was noticeably more tender — definitely the standout. Cooked just briefly rather than for long, it stayed moist with a rich, nutty flavor.

When you're having shabu-shabu in Seongsu, I'd recommend ordering more than one meat and sharing, like this, rather than sticking to just one!

How many broths can you choose from?

People who like a clear broth and people who prefer a spicy one often disagree, but here you get a wide range with 5 broths to choose from.

If you like clean and light, go for the clear mushroom broth; if you like something with a kick, the spicy mushroom broth is the way to go. There are also more unusual options like blue crab doenjang, sukiyaki, and beef tomato — I already want to come back and try a different broth next time.

The vegetables that come as a base were varied and pretty generous in portion, pairing well with the meat. Whenever the broth ran low, they refilled it right away, so it stayed plentiful all the way through.

By the time I'd worked through the meat, the vegetables, and the closing meal, I was surprisingly full. Perfect moment for a beer — cheers!

Birthday and wedding invitation gatherings, and the corkage-free event

Oh, and if you're looking for a place to gather among Seongsu Station restaurants, it's worth checking their current events too. If you're planning a special occasion like a birthday or a wedding invitation gathering, mentioning it when you book can get you some perks.

Personally, the corkage-free event caught my eye the most. If you have a favorite wine or some liquor you're keeping around, you can bring it along and enjoy it there — a great option for anyone who likes pairing food with wine.

Overall thoughts

Getting to eat plenty of vegetables and meat right through to the end of the meal made for an overall satisfying visit. With prices ranging by meat type, it works well for anything from a casual lunch to a special meal — a good restaurant to know in Seongsu.

If you're planning a birthday, a wedding invitation gathering, or a wine night, definitely make use of the events! If you're looking for a clean, well-kept spot for shabu-shabu in Seongsu, this one's worth a visit.