Located in the heart of Jongno’s famous Galmaegisal Alley, Mi Galmaegisal (Ikseon, Seoul) is a long-standing favorite among BBQ lovers. Known for its Galmaegisal (pork skirt meat), this restaurant seamlessly combines high-quality meat with a bustling, lively atmosphere.

We visited on a Saturday night, and as expected, the place was packed. Despite the crowd, we only waited 15 minutes before being seated, a stroke of luck on such a busy evening.

The restaurant operates two locations side by side, and while we missed out on dining in the original store, we enjoyed the unique charm of dining outdoors.

Korea's signature speed was evident from the start, with side dishes and a glowing charcoal fire already waiting for us at the table. The outdoor seating added a relaxed, convivial vibe to the experience.

Perilla seed powder and soybean powder were served as dipping sauces, perfectly complementing the pork’s savory flavor.

Fresh veggies for making Ssam (Korean BBQ wraps) rounded out the meal beautifully.

The Kimchi bean sprout soup stood out immediately, it was incredibly flavorful and comforting.

Gaburisal (Pork kaburi)  19,000 won / Hangjungsal (Pork Jowl)  19,000 won

​​We ordered a variety of cuts, including Hangjungsal (pork neck), and Gaburisal (a marbled pork cut). While the restaurant was busy and the meat was slightly delayed, the quality and taste more than made up for the wait.

Both cuts were delicious and paired perfectly with the provided dips and ssam. The addition of mushrooms, grilled alongside the meat, was a thoughtful touch.

Galmaegisal (Pork skirt cut)  17,000 won

This cut was the highlight of the meal. Despite being served in large chunks, the meat was incredibly tender, flavorful, and free of any musty odor, a common issue with this cut. The chewy yet juicy texture paired with the smoky briquette-grilled flavor was absolutely delightful.
We loved it so much that we ordered two more servings!

The steamed eggs were a pleasant surprise. Soft and fluffy, they were a nice palate cleanser between bites of the rich, grilled pork.

The staff was impressively attentive despite the restaurant being packed, ensuring that our dining experience was smooth and enjoyable. Grilling the meat ourselves over the briquette fire added to the fun, and the golden-brown pork sizzling on the grill made the meal even more satisfying.

Sipping soju under the open sky, surrounded by the lively energy of Jongno’s youth, was a perfect pairing for the meal.

Mi Galmaegisal lives up to its reputation as a top BBQ spot in Jongno’s Galmaegisal Alley. The combination of high-quality meat, thoughtful side dishes, and the unique outdoor dining experience makes it a standout.

Address : 7 Donhwamun-ro 11ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Jung-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-3672-0081

Operation Hours : Monday-Sunday : 15:00 - 22:30 (1st&3rd Sunday closed)

Instagram : Click for images

Source : https://blog.naver.com/eeebbb118/223234665182

Writer : eeebbb118

Special thanks to eeebbb118

mi galmaegisal ikseondong seoul korean barbecue