Gangnam Korean BBQ with pork specials and naengmyeon: Jabdam

On a weekday evening when I was craving meat, I went for pork belly at Jabdam (잡담), near Hak-dong Station, haha. We tried Dwitgolmok Gogi, a special cut, along with the signature naengsam gimbap packed with meat, naengsam fried rice, and mul naengmyeon. There was even a guide inside the restaurant for combining the various sauces and sides, so we enjoyed every last bite in a different way!

Jabdam near Hak-dong Station: location and atmosphere

Jabdam, a great pork belly spot in Gangnam, is a nine-minute walk from Exit 8 of Hak-dong Station, so it was easy to find.

The softly glowing sign in its atmospheric colors made me excited the moment I arrived, haha. There is parking space in front of the restaurant, so it is convenient even if you drive.

Inside, the spacious, comfortable seating arrangement caught my eye, and the soft multicolored lighting set the mood beautifully, haha. For group reservations of 20 or more, a private space can be used without a rental fee, so it looked like a good choice for a Gangnam pork belly work dinner or gathering.

Jabdam’s menu and complimentary side dishes

Looking over the menu, I found a solid selection of 100% Korean pork cuts and Jabdam’s distinctive meal dishes.

The complimentary sides were wonderfully varied, including gim (roasted seaweed), sausage stir-fry, and corn salad, so I could tell they had put thought into them! After pondering what to order, we went with chewy-textured Dwitgolmok Gogi, Jabdam’s signature naengsam gimbap, naengsam fried rice, and mul naengmyeon, haha.

Chewy Dwitgolmok Gogi

The Dwitgolmok Gogi we ordered is a chewy special-cut dish that reinterprets 100% Korean pork in Jabdam’s style. The fresh meat’s bright red grain stood out, and a savory meaty aroma gently spread as soon as it hit the grill, haha.

Once I tasted the nicely browned Dwitgolmok Gogi, its lively, chewy texture really came through—a texture fitting for a special cut. Grilling kimchi in the pork fat alongside it made it even better!!

A can’t-miss combination guide on the wall showed ways to pair the meat with gim, kkosiraegi (crisp seaweed), green onion kimchi, garlic sauce, and more, so I followed it as I ate.

Following the guide, the pork’s rich juices and savory flavor filled my mouth. My favorite was definitely the second-lesson combination with crunchy kkosiraegi!

Jabdam’s signature naengsam gimbap

Next came Jabdam’s signature naengsam gimbap, a featured meal dish generously filled with 100% Korean pork belly. The gimbap (seaweed rice roll) was packed with Korean pork belly and assorted ingredients, and just looking at it made me feel satisfied.

Dipped in the sauce served with it, one bite brought together the savory flavor of the well-stir-fried meat and nicely seasoned rice so well, haha. It offered a different flavor from eating meat alone, making it a satisfying extra to enjoy alongside the barbecue!

A spicy finish with naengsam fried rice

The naengsam fried rice we had after finishing the meat came with savory oil and spicy seasoning thoroughly absorbed into every grain. The crisp, nutty bite of the gim sprinkled on top worked wonderfully with the spiciness of the seasoned rice.

Pieces of pork belly throughout added texture, letting me properly experience the appeal of barbecue-restaurant fried rice. It was a filling way to finish the meal and fit right into a Gangnam pork belly dining course.

Highly recommended icy mul naengmyeon

Lastly, the mul naengmyeon (cold noodle soup) arrived with icy slush floating in its chilled broth and crisp toppings. The chewy noodles and cool, tangy broth came together to clear away the richness in my mouth, haha. It was great alongside the meat or fried rice, and let us end the meal feeling clean and refreshed. Personally, it seemed to have an extra special touch compared with the mul naengmyeon I usually have at barbecue restaurants—it was so delicious that I highly recommend it!!

My overall verdict on Jabdam near Hak-dong Station

Jabdam near Hak-dong Station was a place where I could enjoy chewy 100% Korean pork special cuts and generously filled naengsam gimbap together, haha. Thanks to the excellent quality of the fresh meat and the pairing guide, the meal was even more fun and delicious. If you want proper Korean pork and distinctive meal dishes near Hak-dong Station, I recommend giving Jabdam a visit!