Yongsan Korean BBQ counter seats and fermented pork: Jeokto

Looking for a date-course spot around Sinyongsan? Jeokto Balhyo Gui Yongsan Branch is a place where you can watch the staff grill right in front of you at the counter-style seats, so it seemed good not only for dates but also for small get-togethers such as wedding-invitation gatherings.

Location and parking at Jeokto Balhyo Gui Yongsan Branch

How far is it from Sinyongsan Station?

It is a five- to eight-minute walk from Sinyongsan Station. It is right next to HYBE Entertainment's headquarters, so it was not difficult to find. A large rhinoceros silhouette is painted on the building exterior, making it noticeable even from afar. The sign is fairly large too, so I did not feel likely to get lost even on a first visit.

Free parking is available at the nearby Yongsan Tax Office. I was told it can be used after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.

Menu and prices

• Jeot samgyeop 260g (1 plate), ₩28,000: pork belly fermented with salted seafood and a house sauce in earthenware jars made with red clay. It has a tangy taste and funky aroma, with 9mm listed as the ideal thickness.
• Fermented pork neck 180g (1 serving), ₩18,000: minimum order of 2 servings.
• Fermented pork belly 180g (1 serving), ₩18,000.

• Jeot bap (fried rice to finish), ₩7,000.
• Tojang-jjigae (soybean-paste stew), ₩9,000.
• Fresh mul memil (buckwheat noodles in broth), ₩8,000.
• Fresh bibim memil (spicy mixed buckwheat noodles), ₩8,000.
• Steamed rice, ₩1,000.

Watching staff grill at the counter seats

The seating is arranged counter-style, so I could watch the meat being grilled right in front of me.

Through the full-height glass, I could see flames leap up from the charcoal, which was fun to watch. It was impressive to see the staff wearing masks and gloves by the fire and personally doing the initial sear.

There were not a huge number of side dishes, but the selection—kimchi, white kimchi, freshly dressed greens, mustard-seed sauce, and more—was neatly put together. Each came in a small ceramic bowl, so the table felt tidy rather than cluttered.

There was even straw? laid beneath the plate holding the meat, so it was clear they had put thought into the presentation too. Overall, the atmosphere was calm and orderly, comfortable both for a date and for several people getting together to chat.

Jeokto fermented pork, 260g

Jeokto fermented pork, 260g, ₩28,000.

Because it was pork belly fermented in earthenware, it came out with a deep color. The seasoning was not overpowering but gently infused, which felt like it softened the distinctive aroma of fermented meat that could otherwise become too intense. The staff even did the initial sear right in front of us at the counter, so the charcoal flavor had soaked in evenly. Each bite left a subtle savory finish that naturally made me want a glass of soju.

With the garlic, shiitake mushrooms, and shishito peppers that came alongside it, everything went down cleanly without feeling greasy.

Pork belly, 180g

Pork belly, 180g, ₩18,000.

It was less seasoned than the fermented pork, so I could focus more on the meat's natural flavor. Alternating between the two kept it from becoming repetitive, and I kept reaching for more.

Free-corkage gathering information

They operate unlimited free corkage. The notice said wine glasses, a chilling basket, and an opener are provided. It also noted that whiskey can be enjoyed on the rocks. On weekends and public holidays, unlimited draft beer is available too. Worth keeping in mind if your group plans to bring drinks.