A Family Vacation to Seoul Isn’t Complete Without Korean BBQ

A very happy girl

When we decided to step away from our lives and go on vacation for a year—our Family Fun Year—we knew we had to make every destination count. As we started making our lists of must-visit places, our daughter Lila’s top two entries stood out: 1) Visit Japan and 2) Eat Korean BBQ in Korea. With such a clear priority, during our family vacation to Seoul, we made sure to make this dream happen.

Living in Southern California, we’ve had our fair share of Korean BBQ. The sizzling meat, the endless side dishes, and the fun of grilling right at the table have always been a favorite family meal. But we wanted to experience it at the source. So, during our family trip to Seoul, we made it a mission to find some of the best Korean BBQ the city had to offer—and we were not disappointed.

The options were overwhelming. Our hotel staff gave us recommendations, explaining that some restaurants specialized in beef, others in pork, and some offered both. We decided to go for a place that had both, ensuring we got the full experience. The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by the unmistakable aroma of sizzling meat and charcoal grills.

Over the course of our time in Seoul, we had Korean BBQ several times, and every experience was unique. Some places had staff who grilled everything for us, ensuring each bite was perfectly cooked, while others handed us the tongs and let us take charge. This made Cooper especially happy as he loved to cook. The quality of the cuts varied from place to place, as did the cost, but every meal was a delicious adventure. The level of English spoken in each restaurant also differed, but with some pointing, smiles, and a willingness to try, we never had any trouble getting what we wanted.

And of course, one thing remained consistent—walking out of the restaurant smelling like BBQ. No matter how much we loved the meal, our hair and clothes carried the delicious reminder of our dinner for the rest of the night. But that was a small price to pay for such an incredible experience.

Eating Korean BBQ in Korea wasn’t just about the food—it was about the atmosphere, the tradition, and the joy of sharing a meal together. It was every bit as much a favorite in Korea as it is at home, and it was absolutely worth the trip. For any family visiting Seoul, this is one dining experience that should be at the top of your list.