Solo-Friendly Korean BBQ in Seoul – Hidden Gem near Hongdae

🍴 Gyeongju Restaurant –

A Cozy Spot for Korean Meat Sets Near Hongdae

Korean pork belly barbecue is super popular, right? But if you’re traveling solo, it’s not the easiest thing to enjoy. Most BBQ restaurants in Korea require at least two people to order, so my foreign friends often told me how tricky it was to have Korean BBQ alone.

That’s why I want to recommend a place where you can still enjoy a satisfying Korean meat meal, even on your own. It’s not the full-on table BBQ experience, but at this spot, you get a full Korean-style set with grilled meat, doenjang stew, dipping sauces, and fresh veggies. The portions are just right, the meat quality is great, and the vibe is cozy.

📍 Restaurant name: Gyeongju Sikdang (경주식당)

Located near Sangsu Station, and just a short walk from the famous Hongdae area. The restaurant is inside a traditional Korean hanok-style house, which makes the whole experience even more special. In the middle of a busy neighborhood, it feels unique to step into such a charming old building.

* Address: 1F, 49-7 Wausan-ro 13-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (No parking available)
* Hours: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM (Break time: 3:30 – 5:30 PM)

🍽 What We Ordered

I went with a friend, and we tried the Pork Neck Set Menu (Moksal Jeongsik) and the Pork Neck Curry Rice (Moksal Curry Deopbap).

While waiting, I noticed a lot of students dining solo—it really is the perfect place if you want to enjoy some meat and side dishes by yourself without the hassle of BBQ.

When the food arrived, each dish came nicely plated as an individual tray. I loved how neat and organized it was—no sharing required, which makes it especially convenient for solo diners or travelers wanting to try a Korean-style “hansang” (a meal with rice, soup, meat, and various side dishes served together).

- Pork Neck Set (목살정식): Served with fresh veggie sides, seasoned perilla leaves, and a light spinach doenjang soup. The rice was turmeric rice (bright yellow and healthy!). The pork came in thick slices, juicy and chewy—super satisfying.

- Pork Neck Curry Rice (목살카레덮밥): A big bowl filled with turmeric rice, curry, and chunks of grilled pork, topped with fried garlic flakes and green onions. Flavorful but not too salty, and the pork added such a nice smoky taste.

🌿 Atmosphere

The restaurant is small but warm and welcoming, with wood-toned furniture and a clean, homey feel. Since it’s in a renovated traditional house, you can still see traces of its past life as a home—open rooms and a cozy layout that now serve as dining spaces. At night, it even has a pub-like vibe, which makes it feel atmospheric and charming.

👍 Why I Recommend It

• Perfect if you want to enjoy Korean BBQ-style meat alone or casually
• A chance to try the kind of lunch that young Koreans often eat
• Experience a full Korean “hansang” (meal set with rice, soup, side dishes, and meat) at a good price
• Not just meat—there are plenty of other popular Korean dishes on the menu

Personally, I recommend the Pork Neck Set, but if you get the chance, try some of their other dishes too. It’s a great spot to get a taste of Korean home-style dining without the fuss of BBQ grills.