The cooking happens at your table, so your first Korean BBQ meal is as much about the order of a few simple steps as it is about choosing the meat. At DonByeoRak in Jangan-dong, start by choosing a pork cut and asking how to use the hourglass. Then take your time with the pork, kimchi and a side dish.
A grill shared by pork and kimchi
At DonByeoRak in Jangan-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Korean pork belly and aged kimchi cook together on the same tabletop grill. The restaurant has been serving guests in this neighborhood since 2008. If you are new to kimchi samgyeopsal, start with the pork-and-kimchi combination and explore the sides from there.
Samgyeopsal means pork belly. Here, the kimchi is part of the main grilling experience. Try a piece of cooked pork with grilled kimchi to taste their richness and tang together.
Three cuts to choose from
For a first order, kimchi samgyeopsal is a straightforward starting point. You can decide on noodles or fried rice after seeing how much you want to eat. Keep the menu open while ordering so you can compare the Korean dish names with the English explanations.
- Kimchi samgyeopsal · pork belly · 180 g · KRW 18,000
- Kimchi moksal · pork neck · 180 g · KRW 18,000
- Kimchi hangjeongsal · pork jowl · 160 g · KRW 21,000
For a price example, two portions of kimchi samgyeopsal plus one flying fish roe fried rice cost KRW 41,000 before drinks or extras. These are separately ordered dishes, not a set menu. The example does not specify how much your group must order.
Prices are per portion. Prices and weights checked on 16 October 2026. See the menu page for current details.
Look for the hourglass on your table
Each table has an hourglass to help you follow the grilling stages. Ask the staff how to use it when you arrive. Follow the table guide and the staff’s instructions as you cook the pork and kimchi. If you are unsure about the grill or when to turn the meat, ask for help.
- Preheat the grill with the hourglass. The website gives about 3 minutes as a reference.
- Place the pork on the grill and turn the hourglass. The first side takes about 3 minutes as a reference.
- Turn the pork and kimchi and turn the hourglass again. Allow about 3 minutes as a reference for this stage.
- Cut the pork and kimchi into bite-size pieces and lower the heat to level 1 as directed at the table.
These are approximate stages, not a guarantee that the pork is cooked. Thickness and heat change the timing. Follow the table hourglass and ask the staff to check the meat if you are unsure.
Try a wrap and choose your finish
Place a piece of cooked pork and some grilled kimchi in a lettuce leaf for a ssam, or Korean lettuce wrap. You can also taste the meat and kimchi on their own before combining them.
Cold noodles or fried rice for the final course
Cold somyeon are thin wheat noodles in chilled broth, listed at KRW 7,000. Bibim somyeon, also KRW 7,000, offer a spicy mixed-noodle alternative. These are somyeon, rather than the buckwheat noodles often associated with naengmyeon.
Flying fish roe fried rice is KRW 5,000. The rice, seaweed and roe bring a different texture after the pork and kimchi. The photograph shows the standard roe-topped dish; extras should be checked on the menu.
Plan your visit to Jangan-dong
Find DonByeoRak at 서울특별시 동대문구 장한로26길 24 1층. Use the restaurant’s Google Maps link for the exact destination in Jangan-dong. Dongdaemun-gu is the district name; do not use Dongdaemun Station or DDP as the restaurant’s destination.
Published opening hours are daily from 15:00 to 00:50 the following day, with last orders at 00:20. The restaurant closes on Lunar New Year and Chuseok and the day before each holiday. Check the current menu and visit information before traveling.
Show this Korean address to your driver
서울특별시 동대문구 장한로26길 24 1층
1F, 24 Janghan-ro 26-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
Open directions in Google Maps
A short look inside the restaurant
Before your first visit
Where in Seoul is DonByeoRak?
In Jangan-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, at 1F, 24 Janghan-ro 26-gil. Use the exact restaurant address when planning your route.
What should I try on a first visit?
Kimchi samgyeopsal is the signature combination of pork belly and aged kimchi cooked on the same grill. Choose extra dishes to suit your group.
Is Korean BBQ here always spicy?
Kimchi and spicy mixed noodles contain chili seasoning. Tell the staff if you are sensitive to spice and ask about each dish before ordering.
How much is kimchi samgyeopsal?
The current menu lists one 180 g portion at KRW 18,000. Two portions plus one KRW 5,000 fried rice total KRW 41,000 before drinks or extras. This is a price example, not a set menu or minimum order.
Do I need to know how to grill Korean BBQ?
The table hourglass helps you follow the stages. Ask the staff to explain it when you sit down, and ask for help if you are unsure about turning or checking the pork.
Can I visit for lunch?
Regular opening time is 15:00. Published closing time is 00:50 the next day and last orders are at 00:20. Check the store page for holiday changes before traveling.