Seocho Korean BBQ for family meals: Sodangkkae O-gyeopjip

When you are out and about with kids, finding somewhere you can sit down and eat comfortably is not as easy as it sounds. This weekend, we planned our outing around Seocho-dong, so I naturally started searching for good places to eat near Gyodae Station.

There are so many Korean BBQ restaurants near Gyodae Station that I spent ages deciding where to go. Among them, one place with especially great reviews caught my eye: Sodangkkae O-gyeopjip Gyodae Main Branch.

Comfortable separated seating on the second floor, even with kids

Because we booked ahead, the table was neatly set up when we arrived, which gave us a good first impression. The restaurant is on the second floor, and the seating is divided up just enough that we could eat comfortably without worrying about neighboring tables. That was especially nice for a family visit.

We arrived a little early, so the dining room had plenty of space and getting the kids settled was easy. The warm orange lighting also made it feel surprisingly cozy. It would be a good place for a late work dinner near Gyodae Station, but it was just as good for a relaxed family meal.

Thick pork belly and pork neck grilled by the staff

For the main course, we chose the Sodangkkae mixed set. It came with o-gyeopsal (five-layer pork belly), pork neck, pork jowl, and yukhoe (seasoned raw beef), and even the thickness of the meat was impressive.

Since the cuts were so thick, I worried they might end up undercooked or dry if we missed the timing. But the staff stayed beside us, turning and grilling everything, so there was no need to worry. The pork belly was crisp outside and juicy within, while the pork neck was cooked to a tender chew.

Wrapping a big bite with lettuce, fresh kimchi salad, and seasoned shredded scallions really brought out the juices. I usually eat pork with just salt sauce, but this time I asked for fresh wasabi and had it now and then. It cut through the richness of the meat so cleanly—it was a really good match.

The yukhoe in the set was better than expected

Since the set included yukhoe, I honestly did not expect too much. Side dishes in sets like this can often be a little disappointing in either portion or quality.

But contrary to expectations, the yukhoe had a vivid color and looked fresh. Mixed with sesame oil and vegetables, its soft, tender texture really stood out.

Cracking the egg yolk and mixing it in made it even nuttier. It would work nicely as a side while waiting for the grilled meat, or as something to have with drinks.

Doenjang-jjigae that paired well with the meat

With the set, you can choose either doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew) or kimchi jjigae. We chose the doenjang-jjigae because we wanted to try its spicy, savory flavor.

It was generously filled with tofu and vegetables, and one spoonful of broth immediately tasted deep and full. Whenever the meat started to feel rich, a sip of broth refreshed my palate and kept me reaching for more.

I had heard that nearby office workers also come here for lunch near Gyodae Station, and after tasting this stew, I could see why.

Steamed egg the kids happily finished

We ordered gyeran-jjim (steamed egg) separately for the kids that day. It arrived beautifully fluffy, with soft steam rising every time we scooped into it. It was mild and not salty, so the kids ate it happily without any fuss, which was a relief.

Even at a table full of meat, having a side dish that also suits kids felt like a quietly big advantage. Seeing them finish their steamed egg so heartily made me think I could comfortably bring them back next time too.

A Gyodae Station Korean BBQ spot for family gatherings and work dinners

With its room-like separated seating, this place seems well suited not only to family gatherings but also to work dinners near Gyodae Station or Gangnam.

At the time of our visit, they were also running an event where writing a review earned you either a drink or one seasoned honeycomb pork skin, so it may be worth checking before you go.

Located on Seocho-daero 50-gil, it is easy to reach whether you are looking for restaurants in Seocho-dong or a Korean BBQ restaurant in Gangnam.

This visit definitely added one more place to my Gyodae Station restaurant list. From the thick pork belly and pork neck to the satisfying yukhoe, savory doenjang-jjigae, and fried rice that finished the meal perfectly, there was not a single dish I found lacking.

It was great for a family outing because there were easy options like steamed egg for kids, while the divided seating also made it a perfectly suitable spot for a work dinner or group gathering near Gyodae Station.

If you are looking for pork belly or a Korean BBQ restaurant near Gyodae Station, or searching for restaurants in Seocho or Gangnam, I think Sodangkkae O-gyeopjip Gyodae Main Branch is worth putting on your list. If I have a lunch appointment near Gyodae Station next time, I think I will come back here.