Hongdae Korean BBQ the Enthusiasm — Restaurant in Seoul

Visiting The Enthusiasm in Hongdae was quite the surprise. From start to finish, the experience felt welcoming, fun, and incredibly tasty.

The staff went above and beyond! They cooked everything for us right at the table, so we could just relax and enjoy the food. Communication was easy since they spoke English, and if there was ever a hiccup, another employee quickly stepped in to help. That extra effort made the whole meal feel smooth and comfortable for non-Korean speakers. (Im not sure if they cook for every guest though)

What stood out most was how interactive the cooking was: the cook not only prepared the meat perfectly but also showed us how to enjoy it with the different banchan combinations. It felt like a mini food lesson and really elevated the experience.

Pork quality was excellent! It was juicy, tender, and full of flavor!

The banchan (side dishes) were fresh and plentiful, and thanks to the staff’s suggestions, we discovered pairings we wouldn’t have tried ourselves.

Having the option of self-service for sides and drinks made it feel flexible and casual, but never at the cost of attentive service

The restaurant fits right into Hongdae’s lively vibe: friendly, approachable, and buzzing with energy. It’s great for groups, travelers, or anyone who wants a guided but relaxed BBQ experience.

Overall, the Enthusiasm lives up to its name! It’s not just about great food, but about creating an enthusiastic, interactive dining experience. If you’re in Hongdae and want high-quality Korean BBQ with staff who make you feel at home (and teach you how to eat like a local), this...

The moment I walked into Yeoljeong Jeongyuk Sikdang in Hongdae, I was overwhelmed by the crackle of sizzling meat, the pulse of K-pop, and the boundless energy of the staff —and even the owner—racing between tables. It was a little after 7 p.m.; after a brief wait I was shown to a generous grill station, and fat slabs of pork belly and neck began browning right before my eyes. The servers shouted “Flip now!” like announcers calling a play, then trimmed and arranged the meat with show-time flair.

The sides never missed a beat either. I kick-started my palate with a spoonful of bubbling kimchi stew, while a playlist that mixed NewJeans with early BIGBANG kept the vibe soaring. At about ₩18,000 for the basic set per person, the quality of the pork, the mountain of banchan, and the limitless refills felt almost too good to be true. When I finally stepped back into Hongdae’s neon-washed night, my jacket was steeped in the smoky perfume of charcoal and molten fat. Yeoljeong Jeongyuk Sikdang delivered an unforgettable evening that showed me exactly what fire-kissed flavor, crowd interaction, and pure “passion”...

Some of the best pork I've ever had in my life. As a korean american I've been eating pork belly my whole life and this has definitely changed me. She sources her pork from a special farm outside of seoul and the quality and flavor definitely shows. You don't really see aged pork belly on the menu in most kbbq spots. Incredible flavor.

What was really surprising was the jjampong. The owner used to make chinese food and she continues to make a few items in her restaurant. The jjampong was actually some of the best I've ever had and ill think about it forever. It had such great wok hei.

This place has a lot of self service items so keep that in mind if you're looking for a full...