Today, I had the chance to visit Jamsugyojip (Seongsu, Seoul), the chain famous for popularizing Naengsam (frozen pork belly). This Korean barbecue spot is well-known for its unique offerings and always seems to draw a crowd.

Surprisingly, when we arrived at 5:00 pm, there was no line at all, a rare sight, considering the usual lengthy wait here. If you’re planning to visit, keep in mind that reservations are only accepted for parties of four or more. Also, same-day reservations aren't allowed if more than seven teams are waiting, and dining time is limited to two hours when there's an onsite queue.

Menu

The restaurant exudes a nostalgic charm, with its old-fashioned wall clock and calendar reminding me of my grandmother’s home. After settling in, we placed our order: Naengsam (frozen pork belly), Moksal (frozen pork neck), and a comforting bowl of Cheonggukjang (extra-strong fermented soybean stew).

Banchan (side dish)

Before long, a chilled bottle of barley tea arrived at our table, along with a silver platter loaded with Banchan (side dishes). These side dishes are one of the reasons Jamsugyojip has become so beloved. Each one pairs perfectly with the grilled pork, enhancing every bite.

One standout banchan was the Pajeori (seasoned green onion salad). Its tangy, slightly spicy flavor complements the pork belly beautifully. Another highlight was the raw egg topped with green onion and crushed red pepper. After stirring it, you dip the grilled pork belly in it for an extra layer of richness and flavor.

Naengsam

Frozen Samgyeopsal (left) and Frozen Moksal (right)

The star of the show, of course, was the pork itself, thinly sliced Naengsam and Moksal. The staff expertly grilled the meat alongside kimchi, garlic, green onions, and even egg rolls. Watching everything sizzle on the grill made the experience even more enjoyable.

While the pork belly wasn’t the absolute highlight for me, the banchan more than made up for it. Every side dish was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced the savory pork.

Cheonggukjang (strong fermented soybean paste stew) 9,000 won

And then there was the Cheonggukjang. Oh my goodness, it was incredible! For the first time in what felt like forever, I found myself truly enjoying Cheonggukjang. The flavors were rich without being overly salty, and the smell, often a deterrent for some, was pleasantly mild.

Unfortunately, we were too full to try the fried rice, which I hear is a must-have. I’ll definitely be coming back for another visit, this time with a drink in hand to pair with the grilled pork and fried rice!

After today’s meal, I can fully understand why Jamsugyojip remains such a popular destination. If you’re in the Seongsu-dong area and craving some Korean barbecue, this place is worth the visit.

Address : 137 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-507-1326-0434

Operation Hours : Monday-Sunday : 11:30 - 05:00 (Last order 03:30)

Instagram : Click for more images

Source : https://blog.naver.com/thief318/222999708147

Writer : thief318

Special thanks to thief318

jamsugyo-jip samgyeopsal barbecue seoul seongsu-dong