Wangbijip Myeongdong Main store — Restaurant in Seoul

We stayed in Seoul for a week and came here the second night. And let me say one thing first. If you want great meat with nice hosts, choose a place called "Myeongdong Jungil Hoegwan" which is not far away.

This place here is more or less in the middle of the action of Myeongdong. It's on a 2nd floor with no english sign downstairs. Once upstairs you'll see the english sign.

It is not a bad place, but there are a bunch of issues. The biggest one was the unfriendly welcome. There was a big line....but we managed to get in after about 25mins. While waiting we studied the menu. Looked good and the prices similar to other grills. Since we weren't sure about the meat quality we ordered two items first. And the lady in charge quite rudely repeated how little we wanted to order and that we should really get more. We said we'll order more after the first plates. Only to find out that this will be the last order and it's not possible to order more (place closed about in 1 hour, around 9.30pm). She had quite an attitude....so we didn't order more. Almost walked away, but it got late so we sat down at our table. 2 servings of meat, two beer and Soju. All the usual sides dishes like Kimchi came with. All for about 70$ (premium cut of beef around 40$ a piece) Meat was pretty good I have to say and the friendly waiter at our table made us forget a little about the rude welcome. We even thought about coming back, since we enjoyed the meat (on real coal) here.

But only to find the restaurant "Myeongdong Jungil Hoegwan" two nights later, where we dined two times. Meat quality was superior....and really friendly staff. No rush ... no push. We enjoyed that place a lot and happily spent more than double the money we spent here (we ordered quite a lot of meat).

Ok, this here is not a bad place. But it's not the best in town for sure and closes quite early. If you got time on your hands you should try my other...

Atmosphere Wangbijb has a vibrant and inviting atmosphere, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. The decor blends traditional Korean elements with a modern twist, creating a warm and welcoming space.

Service The staff were attentive and friendly, quickly accommodating our group. They were knowledgeable about the menu and offered great recommendations, which enhanced our dining experience.

Food The highlight of our meal was undoubtedly the BBQ. We ordered a variety of meats, including marinated beef and pork belly. Each cut was fresh and beautifully marbled, grilling up to perfection right at our table. The flavors were rich and authentic, complemented by a selection of traditional dipping sauces.

The side dishes (banchan) were equally impressive, featuring a variety of pickled vegetables and kimchi that added a delightful crunch and tang to the meal. The rice served alongside was fluffy and perfect for balancing the rich flavors of the BBQ. Value Prices at Wangbijb are quite reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food and the generous portion sizes. It’s a great spot for those looking to enjoy high-quality Korean BBQ without breaking the bank.

Overall Wangbijb is a must-visit for anyone in Myeongdong craving authentic Korean BBQ. With its great atmosphere, attentive service, and delicious food, it’s a place I would definitely return to on my next trip. Highly...

2025.04.01 We wanted galbi for dinner so we went to Wangbijip 왕비집 (王妃家), a well-known name when it comes to Korean BBQ, especially for its galbi (grilled beef short ribs). With eight branches scattered around the area, we chose to dine at the main store, conveniently located near our accommodation.

The service was good, and we noticed that many staff members were from China, so Mandarin speakers will feel comfortable ordering and asking questions. The staff grills the meat for you right at the table, ensuring it's cooked perfectly, so there was less stress for tourists new to Korean cuisine.

We tried a mix of premium cuts and flavours: Premium Korean Beef Sirloin (한우 등심); Premium Korean Handmade Pork Galbi (수제돼지갈비); and Premium Korean Pork Belly (숯불삼겹살). The meats were sweet and savoury - delicious and satisfying. Best to wash it down with makgeolli (rice wine).

We also added a refreshing side of Spicy Buckwheat Cold Noodles (Bibim Nengmeyon 비빔냉면), stirred with our choices of Korean chilli paste, Mustard etc) - a perfect contrast to the rich grilled meats.

Good galbi restaurants are usually quite expensive because of the quality meat they used, and Wangbijib was definitely on the touristy side. It is worth visiting for a reliable and quality BBQ experience, especially those new to Korean cuisine or want something worry-free in the heart...