Gold Pig Restaurant | Yaksu Pork K-BBQ Restaurant Review
Once you've had a bite of the pork K-BBQ at Gold Pig Restaurant, you'll understand the 2-hour wait.
Tourists are always on the lookout for the best eats in Seoul that even the locals line up for. Gold Pig Restaurant is no exception and has up to 2 to 3-hour long wait times full of hungry locals AND tourists. Gold Pig Restaurant, mostly known as 금돼지식당 (Geum-dwae-ji-sik-dang), is one of those popular restaurants where you leave thinking, "Yeah, the wait was totally worth it." Its reputation is so solid that even global superstars like BTS make it a point to visit when craving authentic Korean barbecue. Before you decide to include this hot spot in your itinerary, dive into our comprehensive review to discover why the wait at Gold Pig Restaurant is absolutely worth it!
Gold Pig Restaurant
Information
Address: 149, Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울 중구 다산로 149
Hours: 11:30 to 23:00 (Last order at 22:15)
How to Get There: Seoul Subway Line 3, Line 6 Yaksu Station Exit 2
In recent years, 'Gold Pig Restaurant,' a celebrated Korean barbecue eatery, has become the talk of the town. Its remarkable achievement of earning a Michelin star for five consecutive years is a testament to its culinary excellence. The restaurant's popularity is evident, as customers form long queues outside its doors even before it opens at noon on weekdays. This buzz and acclaim have piqued my curiosity, and also I was afraid of the long wait times, I was eager to discover for myself if the Gold Pig Restaurant truly lives up to its reputation.
You'll be able to spot the restaurant easily, as it's white ceramic tiles and the golden sign are eye-catching compared to the buildings that surround it. When you arrive at the door, make your way through the crowd waiting for their tables, and enter your phone number or email in the 'Catch Table' tablet. If you don't have a phone number, remember to get a Korean SIM card with a phone number, or ask the staff for assistance.
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NAVER: hg_7033
Seoul's 'Gold Pig Restaurant' isn't just a crowd favorite; it's a celebrity hotspot too. Stars like BTS's J-Hope, Jimin, V, EXO's Suho, and Girls' Generation's Yuri have all been spotted there. It's not just about savoring the mouthwatering cuisine; it's a thrilling experience where fans might catch a glimpse of their favorite idols. Imagine enjoying a fantastic meal and suddenly seeing a K-pop superstar at the next table.
The restaurant has a total of two floors, but only the first floor is open for dining during lunchtime, so it is still recommended to come early to avoid waiting for a long time.
Need tips on how to wait for long lines in Korea? Read our blog below.
Korean Restaurant Waiting Tips
While the menu at the restaurant is exclusively in Korean, the helpful pictures make ordering a breeze, so there's no need to fret. The main food selection features four types of pork cuts: Bone Pork Belly, two varieties of Pork Shoulder, and Pork Skin. For sides, the highlight is the Kimchi Stew, and there are additional add-ons listed on the back page to elevate your meal. They also boast an extensive drink menu, ideal for complementing the rich flavors of the pork and refreshing your palate.
2 portions of Bone Pork Belly (본삼겹) 38,000 KRW (38000) / 300g
Your choice of pork cut at Gold Pig Restaurant depends on personal preference. For those who enjoy fatty, flavorful meat, Bone Pork Belly is a great pick. If you prefer a leaner option, opt for Pork Shoulder. The restaurant offers two types of Pork Shoulder: one is a general thick slab (listed third on the menu), and the other is scored on the surface for more even cooking. While Pork Skin might be an unusual choice for tourists from countries where it's less common, it's a popular add-on in Korea, cherished for its chewy texture.
The decision is yours, but many patrons recommend trying at least two portions of Bone Pork Belly, a signature dish of the restaurant. When you order more than two portions of Pork Belly, it's served attached to the bone, hence the name "Bone Pork Belly." Connoisseurs know that meat cooked on the bone is often more flavorful.
During the barbecue experience, the staff are on hand to assist with grilling, ensuring you don't need to worry if you're unfamiliar with the process. They also offer guidance on how to pair and enjoy the various sauces, demonstrating their commitment to providing a thoughtful and enjoyable dining experience.
Once perfectly grilled, the crispy yet chewy roasted pork belly at Gold Pig Restaurant simply melts in your mouth. When dipped in their exclusive scallion sauce, crafted from a special recipe, the flavors come alive. The sauce's sweet and subtly acidic taste perfectly complements the pork, cutting through the richness. It's no surprise that this restaurant always has long queues. Each of the side dishes combined with the main pork dishes equal to a harmonic symphony of flavors in your mouth.
As you enjoy your pork pieces, you'll finally lay your eyes onto the mystery item wrapped in tin foil and find that a king oyster mushroom has been quietly cooking in a hot tinfoil sauna. The staff will cut it up into pieces which you can enjoy alone or with the pork.
Kimchi JJigae (Stew) with Pork (김치찌개) 8,000 KRW (8000)
Kimchi Jjigae is finally gaining global recognition, and those seeking the best version of this spicy, rich stew should look no further than K-BBQ joints. As a local, I can attest that some of the most exceptional Kimchi Jjigaes are served as side dishes at these restaurants. Most K-BBQ places handle their own meat, resulting in leftover scraps that are then used in their Kimchi Jjigae.
A source of fat, such as pork fat or tuna oil, is crucial for creating the best stew. So, imagine the depth of flavor achieved with an abundance of these savory scraps. The Kimchi Jjigae at Gold Pig Restaurant is particularly noteworthy, owing to their meticulous 2-hour preparation process that ensures a truly satisfying experience.
In conclusion, Gold Pig Restaurant is more than just a dining destination; it's an immersive cultural experience. Whether you're a fan of K-pop, a connoisseur of authentic Korean barbecue, or simply someone in search of a unique culinary adventure, this restaurant ticks all the boxes. The blend of celebrity sightings, expertly prepared dishes, and the vibrant atmosphere makes it a must-visit spot in Seoul. My visit to Gold Pig Restaurant was not only a delightful exploration of flavors but also a memorable journey into the heart of Korean cuisine and culture.
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Restaurant Reservation Service
*Please note that Gold Pig Restaurant does not accept reservations, so the Creatrip Restaurant Reservation Service cannot make reservations for Gold Pig Restaurant.
We hope that you can enjoy a delicious meal of K-BBQ at Gold Pig Restaurant! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!