Saturday night beef shoulder set and short ribs, Gogigupneunsaramdeul

Today I went back to Gogigupneunsaramdeul (고기굽는사람들), the Korean BBQ near Seoul National University Station in Sharosu-gil that I first visited about three years ago as a self-funded all-you-can-eat pork spot — and it's also known for its beef shoulder cuts.

When I first visited three years ago it was mostly an all-you-can-eat place near Seoul National University Station with a limited menu, but these days it apparently sells a lot more beef and various premium cuts, and it seems to be shifting its whole identity.

₩7,500 lunch special, and ₩2,500 daytime drinks

If you're looking for lunch near Seoul National University Station, this Sharosu-gil spot has a lunch special for just ₩7,500. There's even a charcoal-grilled meat + naengmyeon set that feels like yuksam naengmyeon, so if you're after that combo near the station, this is worth a try. And apparently until 5pm, soju and beer are just ₩2,500 — highballs are cheap too.

It started out famous for its three-way all-you-can-eat of salt-grilled, seasoned, and gochujang pork, but it's increasingly becoming known as a Korean BBQ spot near Seoul National University Station selling a whole range of cuts.

Parking, and the Saturday 9pm scene

There are about 3-4 parking spots right in front of Gogigupneunsaramdeul, so it's easy to come by car.

I visited around 9pm on a Saturday, and even at that late hour, the place was packed — I couldn't find an empty seat.

Staff change the grill plate for you, and simple items are easy to grab yourself from the self-serve bar.

A variety of side dishes come as standard. Up to this point, the sides are the same for both the all-you-can-eat and regular a la carte menus. Order a premium a la carte item and you get even more extra sides.

What we ordered and how much it cost

Three years ago I ate the all-you-can-eat here, but today I wanted something a bit different. After going back and forth between the signature beef shoulder set and the two-plus Hanwoo assorted set, I ended up ordering the following.

• Beef shoulder set ₩51,500
• Chamisul soju ₩4,500
• Cheongyu mul naengmyeon ₩6,500
• Beef short ribs, 1 serving ₩16,500
• Rice (gonggi-bap) ₩1,000
• Total ₩80,000

First they set up the charcoal like this.

Sauces and extra sides that only come with a la carte orders

They set out breadcrumb sauce, yuzu mustard sauce and extra side dishes that you only get when you order a la carte. These aren't included with the all-you-can-eat menu, so if you want a wider variety of dishes with premium cuts, keep that in mind and order a la carte.

How was the beef shoulder set and the diced cuts?

I first ordered the beef shoulder set. Let's grill up the hearty, diced shoulder cut, cut into cube shapes like kkakdugi.

By the time the meat was sizzling nicely on the charcoal, a kimchi jjigae loaded with meat and a steamed egg dish also arrived.

Eating the juicy diced shoulder cut, I understood why the place is so busy. I used to think of it simply as a great-value all-you-can-eat spot, but the good cuts really do have their own distinct flavor.

I ordered a bottle of soju to wash away the day's fatigue.

Wrapped up with green onion shreds like this, one bite bursts with meat juices — so good.

Cold noodles and finishing with short ribs

As things started to feel a bit heavy, I ordered the mul naengmyeon (cold noodle soup) too. Alternating between meat and cold noodles cuts the richness perfectly and tastes amazing.

And at the end, I added a serving of beef short ribs.

Grilled golden-brown over the charcoal, the short ribs were a fantastic, nutty-tasting way to finish the meal.

They even give you a yogurt drink after the meal, so I can see why Gogigupneunsaramdeul draws such a mix of people — college students, office workers, blind dates, company dinners, you name it.

Once again, a really satisfying meal. I first came here three years ago as a self-funded all-you-can-eat charcoal BBQ spot near Seoul National University Station, and coming back now, I found myself wondering why it took me three years to return — it was that good haha. I'll definitely be back again soon.