Yongsan shabu-shabu: 3 dipping sauces and booking tip, Shabu in Seoul

It's been getting chilly lately and I really wanted to eat something delicious in a properly nice atmosphere, so after digging through Instagram and blogs, I finally made it out. This is Shabu in Seoul Yongsan Main Branch, the premium shabu-shabu spot famous as a Yongni-dan-gil hotspot!

If you walk in expecting a regular shabu-shabu place, you're in for a shock... I genuinely thought I'd walked into a hotel buffet or fine dining. For anyone curious, I'll cover everything — business hours, broth recommendations, prices, and waiting tips. Keep your eyes peeled and follow along 👀💕

Where is Shabu in Seoul Yongsan Main Branch, and what are its hours?

Shabu in Seoul Yongsan Main Branch is at 61 Hangang-daero 62-gil, 1F, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, tucked into Yongni-dan-gil near Sinyongsan Station. Hours are Monday to Thursday 11:00–22:00 (break time 15:00–17:00), Friday 11:00–23:00 (break time 15:00–17:00), and Saturday to Sunday 11:00–23:00 — no break time on weekends!

• Address: 61 Hangang-daero 62-gil, 1F, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea (inside Yongni-dan-gil, near Sinyongsan Station)
• Mon–Thu: 11:00–22:00 (break time 15:00–17:00)
• Fri: 11:00–23:00 (break time 15:00–17:00)
• Sat–Sun: 11:00–23:00 (no break time)
• Other: group seating, takeout, reservations (Naver/Catchtable), Wi-Fi, separate men's/women's restrooms

The National Museum of Korea is nearby, too!!! Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good restaurant near the National Museum.

Inside Shabu in Seoul: the room and the vibe

Shabu in Seoul Yongsan Main Branch practically shouts "I'm fancy" from the outside. It sits up a hillside alley in Yongni-dan-gil, between Sinyongsan Station and Samgakji. Walk inside and the lighting is dim, calm, and sleek — you're in a good mood the moment you enter 🥰

The tables are spaced generously apart and feel almost partitioned off, so it's genuinely great for chatting without worrying about people around you.

How long is the wait, and how do you book?

This place is such a hotspot that walking in without a plan can end badly. Especially on weekends or during evening peak hours, the wait can be brutal, so I'd recommend booking ahead through Naver Reservations or Catchtable!

There were plenty of people on dates, blind dates, and even wedding invitation gatherings. It's also perfect for anniversaries or birthdays — the vibe is unbeatable.

Here's the menu. You can add more items too!! Kind of gives off Haidilao vibes?

Which broth should you pick? Why the clear mushroom broth wins 🍄

The biggest feature of Shabu in Seoul is that you get to choose your own broth! There are actually 4 broths to pick from, which makes deciding half the fun. The lineup: clear mushroom broth, spicy mushroom broth, doenjang (soybean paste) broth, and sukiyaki broth.

We like clean, light flavors, so we went with the clear mushroom broth! It was honestly a genius move — the fresh farm-direct vegetables and mushrooms released their natural aroma into the clear broth, and the soup got richer and richer the longer it simmered ㅠㅠ

Your finishing meal depends on the broth you chose

The final course dish changes depending on which broth you chose! With the clear mushroom broth, a savory egg porridge comes included as part of the course — and it's the kind of magic-level delicious that keeps going down even when you're already full... The finish was truly perfect 😭

Is the black pork shabu set worth the price? 🥩

The price is on the higher side, so is it actually worth it? I know that's what everyone wants to know first! Bottom line: I didn't feel like a single won was wasted — total value satisfaction.

Beyond beef (1++ Korean hanwoo, Black Nine wagyu, and more), they also have a distinctive 'Grade 1 black pork neck shabu set,' so pork lovers can enjoy it their way too! We were curious about the pork neck so we tried it alongside — zero gamey smell, super tender, honestly impressive... And if you run low on meat, you can add more by cut, so you can eat as heartily as you want.

The three dipping sauces — and why the far-right one is the real deal

There are also personal sauces on the side, and a suggested combo written out.

The sauce on the far right is genuinely insanely good. I want to go back to Shabu in Seoul just to eat this sauce again. Best sauce in Samgakji. My friend agreed too........

From vegetables and rice-paper wraps to the omija tea finish

Unlimited fresh vegetables and mushrooms (the heart of shabu-shabu 🌿). Rice paper is also served so you can make spring rolls too..

Once you've scooped out all the meat and vegetables, the relay finishing meal I mentioned earlier (porridge/kalguksu noodles, etc.) comes out, followed by a refreshing dessert to wrap up the course perfectly — by the end your stomach is completely full 🐷

Dessert is omija (schisandra berry) tea ~~

They even have mouthwash in the restroom. Highly recommend this as a Samgakji Station restaurant. Great for lunch too..

Final verdict: who will love Shabu in Seoul 💌

I recommend Shabu in Seoul Yongsan Main Branch to anyone who wants a can't-go-wrong, delicious shabu-shabu in a great atmosphere, or is looking for a spot for anniversaries, dates, or wedding invitation gatherings 💯

I'd definitely go back! Next time I want to try a different broth (spicy or sukiyaki). How about a warm shabu-shabu dinner tonight at Shabu in Seoul in Yongni-dan-gil? +_+