Jongno Korean BBQ restaurant with unlimited sides: Tapgol Gongwon

There must be lots of you who want to enjoy some meat outdoors when the weather is this nice, right? I visited Tapgol Gongwon Jongno 3-ga Branch, a great spot for frozen pork belly in Jongno 3-ga where you can really soak up that outdoor dining vibe and enjoy a generous spread of delicious meat :)

An outdoor dining atmosphere near Jongno 3-ga Station

Restaurant exterior

It was so easy to find because it is close to Jongno 3-ga Station, haha. The Tapgol Gongwon sign immediately caught my eye. It looks like an ordinary barbecue restaurant in the daytime, but at night the lights are pretty and really create that outdoor-dining atmosphere. I came by with a friend after work, and I was already excited :)

Setting and atmosphere

There was no separate indoor area to go into, but the backdrop was a charming stone path. It was arranged like a little garden, so it felt like a healing break in the middle of the city. Since it is an outdoor dining spot that can accommodate groups, it also seemed like a good place for a company dinner.

Meat menu and self-serve bar

Menu and prices

Looking at the menu, there were so many different meat options. The Tapgol Set especially caught my eye first. It included Grade 1 gop samgyeopsal (rich pork belly), gop moksal (rich pork neck), gop duck roast, and even beef brisket! There was plenty of variety to enjoy. I also liked that there were side dishes such as fried rice and stews. Everything was perfect for a drink.

Basic side dishes and the unlimited self-serve bar

The basic side dishes came neatly arranged in a basket. There was a good variety of sauces, and the ssam greens (wrap vegetables) were fresh. And the amazing part was that there was a self-serve bar!

I could enjoy unlimited refills of all kinds of sides, including ssam greens, jeotgal (salted seafood), and wasabi ㅠㅠ Personally, I absolutely love places with a self-serve bar, haha. Being able to take as much as I wanted was seriously satisfying. It would be total heaven! I piled my plate high without having to worry about anyone watching.

How was the frozen pork belly on a stone plate?

Finally, the frozen pork belly we ordered arrived. It looked fresh just from its color. Frozen pork belly grilled on a stone plate is truly something to love. Since it was sliced thinly, it cooked quickly and had such a wonderfully nutty flavor. Honestly, I did not go in with high expectations, but I fell for it at the first bite ㅠㅠ

I feel like I can still hear the sizzling sound of the meat cooking. Frozen pork belly really tastes best grilled with kimchi! As the meat turned golden brown, I could feel myself swallow. Grilling meat outdoors in the cool breeze was simply the best.

A piece of nicely cooked pork belly with all kinds of ssam greens, jeotgal, and wasabi was a dream combination. There were so many ways to eat it that I never got tired of it and just kept going back for more. This combination was so delicious that I naturally started taking photos :)

A piece of meat over warm rice, plus crisp kimchi! When I took a big bite, the juices burst in my mouth. There was no better rice thief. I thought it would be delicious even if I came for lunch.

I loaded fresh ssam greens with plenty of meat and all sorts of sides, then wrapped it up into one big ssam. That mouthful of happiness was just the best. Ahh, I want to eat it again even now ㅠㅠ

Finishing with soju and kimchi stew

A cold glass of soju is essential for that outdoor dining mood! My friend and I clinked glasses and let all our stress melt away. Drinking outdoors in the cool weather was truly the best. I was intoxicated by the atmosphere and the flavor—it was such a happy time, haha.

While eating the meat, I started craving a refreshing broth, so we ordered kimchi stew too. Its spicy, deep flavor went so well with the meat. With rice, it was filling and perfect for finishing the meal. I am writing this at home and my mouth is watering... ㅠㅠ

• On a nice-weather day, reserving an outdoor table would be even better!
• Be sure to use the unlimited self-serve bar for ssam greens, jeotgal, wasabi, and more.
• It is conveniently close to Jongno 3-ga Station, and would be great for a date, a gathering with friends, or a company dinner.