How to Eat Korean BBQ for the First Time: A Pig Company Guide to Pork BBQ, Fried Chicken, and Cauldron Lid Grilling
Trying Korean BBQ for the first time can feel exciting, but also slightly confusing. You sit down at a table with a grill in the center, raw meat arrives, side dishes cover the table, sauces are everywhere, and suddenly you are expected to cook your own meal. For first-time visitors to Korea, it can be hard to know where to start.
That is exactly why we created this guide.
At Pig Company, we serve all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ in Seoul with branches in Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeongdong. Our restaurant focuses on affordable pork BBQ, crispy fried chicken, cauldron lid-style grilling, Korean side dishes, soybean stew, ramen, and a casual dining experience that works well for first-timers, groups, travelers, students, and locals.
If you are searching for how to eat Korean BBQ for the first time, Korean BBQ for beginners, all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ in Seoul, or pork BBQ in Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeongdong, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before visiting Pig Company.
Korean BBQ is not supposed to feel complicated. Once you understand the basics, it becomes one of the easiest and most enjoyable meals in Korea: grill the meat, dip it in sauce, wrap it with vegetables, enjoy side dishes, and eat at your own pace.
What Makes Korean BBQ Different?
Korean BBQ is different from many other restaurant meals because the cooking happens at your table. Instead of receiving a finished dish from the kitchen, guests grill meat directly on the table grill. This makes the meal interactive, social, and customizable.
At Pig Company, guests enjoy Korean BBQ with a cauldron lid-style grill, which gives the meal a casual and hearty Korean feeling. The wide grill surface works especially well with pork because the meat can cook alongside kimchi, garlic, vegetables, and other side ingredients.
Korean BBQ is also meant to be shared. It is a good meal for friends, families, coworkers, classmates, tourists, and group dinners because everyone gathers around the same grill. People cook, cut, wrap, dip, and eat together. That is part of the experience.
For first-time visitors, the most important thing to know is this: there is no single perfect way to eat Korean BBQ. Some people like their meat with sesame oil and salt. Some prefer ssamjang. Some make lettuce wraps. Some eat grilled pork with kimchi. At Pig Company, you can try different combinations until you find what you like.
Why Pig Company Is Good for First-Time Korean BBQ
Pig Company is a good place to try Korean BBQ for the first time because the concept is easy to understand. We focus on affordable all-you-can-eat pork BBQ, fried chicken, side dishes, and simple table grilling.
Many first-time visitors are unsure which meat to order or how much food they need. At an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant, that pressure is reduced. Instead of choosing only one or two portions from a complicated menu, guests can try different cuts and enjoy the meal at their own pace.
Pig Company is also casual. You do not need to know every Korean BBQ rule before visiting. The point is to enjoy the food, try different meats, and experience Korean table grilling in a relaxed setting.
Another reason first-timers enjoy Pig Company is that we offer more than just grilled pork. Fried chicken, ramen, soybean stew, rice, sauces, and side dishes help make the meal more familiar and more filling. If someone in your group is new to Korean BBQ, the fried chicken and ramen make the meal easier to approach while still giving them a real Korean BBQ experience.
Pig Company Locations in Seoul
Pig Company has three branches in Seoul: Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeongdong. Each location has a different atmosphere, but the core idea is the same: affordable all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with pork BBQ, fried chicken, and casual dining.
Pig Company Gangnam
Pig Company Gangnam is the first branch of the brand. Gangnam is one of Seoul’s busiest areas, known for offices, shopping, nightlife, beauty clinics, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment. It is a popular area for after-work dinners, group meals, and casual nights out.
If you are looking for affordable Korean BBQ in Gangnam, Pig Company is a practical option. Korean BBQ in Gangnam can become expensive, especially when ordering meat by separate portions. Pig Company gives guests a more budget-friendly all-you-can-eat option in one of Seoul’s most active districts.
The Gangnam branch is especially good for office workers, students, locals, and visitors who want a full pork BBQ meal without choosing a premium beef BBQ restaurant.
Pig Company Hongdae
Pig Company Hongdae is the second branch and fits Hongdae’s youthful, casual, and social energy. Hongdae is known for street performances, nightlife, fashion, cafés, clubs, restaurants, student culture, and creative shops. It is one of the best areas in Seoul for friend groups.
If you are searching for all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ in Hongdae, Pig Company is a good choice before or after exploring the area. The all-you-can-eat format works well for groups because everyone can eat according to their own appetite.
The Hongdae branch is known to be open until around midnight, making it useful for dinner and late evening meals.
Pig Company Myeongdong
Pig Company Myeongdong is the third branch and is especially convenient for tourists. Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s most visited areas, famous for shopping, cosmetics, skincare stores, hotels, cafés, street food, and easy access to nearby areas like Euljiro, Namdaemun, and Namsan.
If you are looking for Korean BBQ in Myeongdong, cheap all-you-can-eat BBQ near Myeongdong, or late-night Korean BBQ in central Seoul, Pig Company Myeongdong is a strong option.
The Myeongdong branch is open until 2 AM, making it useful for visitors who want a proper late-night meal after shopping, sightseeing, or arriving in Seoul. Instead of settling for a quick snack, guests can sit down for pork BBQ, fried chicken, ramen, soybean stew, and side dishes.
Step 1: Choose Your Korean BBQ Course
Before you start grilling, choose the course that fits your appetite and budget.
Pig Company is known for affordable all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, with prices starting from 17,900 KRW. There may also be higher course options, such as 23,900 KRW, depending on the branch and menu. Higher courses may include more variety and additional items.
If you are visiting for the first time, the basic course is a good way to understand Pig Company’s pork BBQ concept. If you want more variety, check the higher course options and choose based on your group’s preference.
Because menu details can vary by branch and time, we recommend checking the current branch menu before ordering. The main idea is simple: Pig Company gives guests an affordable way to enjoy all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ in Seoul.
Step 2: Start With the Pork BBQ
Pig Company focuses mainly on pork BBQ. Pork is one of the most important meats in Korean BBQ culture because it is rich, flavorful, and pairs well with kimchi, garlic, ssamjang, lettuce wraps, and side dishes.
If it is your first time, start with the classic cuts.
Pork Belly
Pork belly is one of the most famous Korean BBQ cuts. It has layers of meat and fat, which makes it juicy and satisfying when grilled properly. Cook it until both sides become golden and slightly crispy. Then dip it in sesame oil salt or ssamjang.
Pork belly is also excellent in lettuce wraps with garlic, kimchi, and sauce.
Pork Neck
Pork neck is meatier than pork belly and has a deeper savory flavor. It is a good choice for guests who want pork BBQ with less fat but still want a satisfying bite.
Thin-Sliced Pork Belly
Thin-sliced pork belly cooks quickly and is easy to eat. It works well with sauces and lettuce wraps because the texture is light and easy to combine with banchan.
Pork Jowl and Pork Skirt
Pork jowl and pork skirt offer stronger textures and richer flavors. These cuts are good after you have tried pork belly and pork neck and want to explore more variety.
Honeycomb Pork Skin
Honeycomb pork skin is for guests who enjoy chewy textures. It is different from regular meat and gives the meal a more local Korean BBQ feeling.
Marinated Pork Bulgogi
Marinated pork bulgogi is sweeter and more seasoned than plain pork cuts. It is a good option for first-timers who want a more familiar, flavorful taste.
Step 3: Use the Cauldron Lid Grill Properly
Pig Company’s cauldron lid-style grill is one of the restaurant’s signature points. This type of grill gives pork BBQ a hearty, casual feeling.
Place the meat on the hot surface and allow it to cook properly before flipping. Do not move the meat too often. Let the surface brown so the flavor develops. Once the meat is cooked, cut it into bite-sized pieces if needed.
The cauldron lid grill is also great for cooking kimchi, garlic, and vegetables alongside the pork. The pork fat adds flavor to the side ingredients, making them even better with the meat.
For first-time visitors, the main rule is simple: cook the meat fully, avoid burning it, and eat it while it is hot.
Step 4: Try the Sauces and Side Dishes
Korean BBQ is not complete without sauces and banchan. Banchan refers to Korean side dishes served with the meal. These side dishes help balance the richness of grilled pork.
Common Korean BBQ side dishes include kimchi, lettuce, pickled vegetables, garlic, sauces, and other small dishes depending on the restaurant and branch menu.
At Pig Company, use side dishes to create different flavor combinations. Pork belly with kimchi tastes rich and sharp. Pork neck with ssamjang tastes savory. Thin-sliced pork belly with lettuce and garlic tastes fresh and balanced.
Do not eat only meat. The side dishes are part of the Korean BBQ experience.
Step 5: Make a Lettuce Wrap
One of the best ways to eat Korean BBQ is to make a lettuce wrap, known as ssam.
Take a lettuce leaf, add grilled pork, ssamjang, garlic, kimchi, or other side dishes, then fold it into one bite. The key is not to make the wrap too big. A good Korean BBQ wrap should be small enough to eat comfortably.
For first-timers, try this combination:
Lettuce, pork belly, ssamjang, garlic, and kimchi.
Then try another version with pork neck, pickled vegetables, and sauce. The fun of Korean BBQ is finding your own favorite combination.
Step 6: Add Fried Chicken to the Meal
One thing that makes Pig Company different from many Korean BBQ restaurants is fried chicken. Korean fried chicken is one of Korea’s most popular comfort foods, and Pig Company brings it together with pork BBQ.
This is especially good for groups because it gives the table more variety. Some people may want grilled pork, while others want something crispy. Fried chicken adds a different texture and makes the meal feel more generous.
For first-time visitors to Korea, this combination is also useful because Korean fried chicken may feel more familiar than table-grilled BBQ. You can enjoy both in one meal.
Step 7: Enjoy Soybean Stew, Ramen, and Rice
Pig Company is not only about grilled meat. Depending on the course and branch menu, guests may also enjoy soybean stew, ramen, rice, and other sides.
Soybean stew is a classic Korean BBQ pairing. It is warm, savory, and comforting. It works well with rice and grilled pork, especially when the meat feels rich.
Ramen is another popular part of the Pig Company experience. Hangang-style ramen may be available depending on the course or as an additional option. Ramen adds a casual and fun element to the meal, especially for tourists who want to try Korean instant noodles with BBQ.
Rice is also useful if you want a more filling meal. Grilled pork, kimchi, rice, and soybean stew are a classic Korean combination.
Step 8: Eat at Your Own Pace
All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ is best when you eat slowly and pace yourself. Do not put too much meat on the grill at once. Cook a few pieces, eat them while hot, then add more.
This keeps the meat from becoming overcooked and helps the meal feel more relaxed. Korean BBQ is meant to be enjoyed over conversation, not rushed.
If you are eating with friends, take turns watching the grill. One person should not be responsible for cooking everything the whole night. Korean BBQ is more enjoyable when everyone participates.
Why Pig Company Is Good for Groups
Pig Company is a strong choice for groups because the all-you-can-eat format is simple. Everyone can enjoy pork BBQ, fried chicken, side dishes, ramen, and stew according to their own preference.
This is helpful for friend groups, travel groups, students, office workers, and families. Some guests may prefer pork belly, some may want fried chicken, and others may want ramen or soybean stew. Pig Company gives everyone options without making the meal complicated.
The three Seoul locations also make group planning easier. Choose Gangnam for after-work dinners or nights out in the south of Seoul. Choose Hongdae for casual meals before or after exploring cafés, busking streets, or nightlife. Choose Myeongdong for shopping, sightseeing, hotels, and late-night dining.
Why Pig Company Is Good for Tourists
Pig Company is tourist-friendly because the concept is easy to understand. Many visitors want to try Korean BBQ in Seoul, but they are unsure how to order or what to do at the table.
At Pig Company, the all-you-can-eat format makes the meal more approachable. You can try different pork cuts, enjoy fried chicken, add ramen or stew, and experience Korean BBQ without overthinking every order.
Myeongdong is especially convenient for tourists because many travelers already stay or shop nearby. Gangnam and Hongdae are also major Seoul areas that tourists often visit, making Pig Company easy to include in a Seoul itinerary.
Which Pig Company Branch Should You Visit?
Choose Pig Company Gangnam If…
You are in Gangnam for work, shopping, nightlife, cafés, or dinner with friends. It is a good choice for people who want affordable Korean BBQ in one of Seoul’s busiest districts.
Choose Pig Company Hongdae If…
You are visiting Hongdae for street performances, fashion, cafés, student culture, nightlife, or casual group dining. It is a good choice for younger groups and travelers who want a fun evening meal.
Choose Pig Company Myeongdong If…
You are shopping, sightseeing, staying in a nearby hotel, or looking for late-night Korean BBQ. The Myeongdong branch is open until 2 AM, making it especially useful after a long day in Seoul.
Common Mistakes First-Timers Make
First, do not overfill the grill. Too much meat makes it harder to cook properly.
Second, do not flip the meat constantly. Let it brown before turning.
Third, do not ignore the side dishes. Banchan and sauces are part of the meal.
Fourth, do not make lettuce wraps too big. One-bite wraps are easier to eat.
Fifth, do not eat only one cut. Try pork belly, pork neck, marinated pork, fried chicken, and other options if available.
Finally, do not rush. Korean BBQ is meant to be social and relaxed.
Final Thoughts
If you are eating Korean BBQ for the first time, Pig Company is a practical place to start. The restaurant offers affordable all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ in Seoul, with pork BBQ, fried chicken, cauldron lid grilling, soybean stew, ramen, side dishes, and branches in Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeongdong.
Korean BBQ may seem confusing at first, but the basic idea is simple: grill the meat, dip it in sauce, wrap it with vegetables, enjoy the side dishes, and eat at your own pace.
Whether you visit Pig Company Gangnam, Pig Company Hongdae, or Pig Company Myeongdong, you can enjoy a casual and filling Korean BBQ meal without overcomplicating the experience.
For first-time visitors, groups, students, tourists, and anyone looking for affordable Korean BBQ in Seoul, Pig Company is an easy place to learn how to eat Korean BBQ and enjoy it properly.
FAQ: How to Eat Korean BBQ for the First Time at Pig Company
Is Pig Company good for first-time Korean BBQ?
Yes. Pig Company is good for first-time Korean BBQ because the all-you-can-eat format is easy to understand, and guests can try different pork cuts, fried chicken, side dishes, ramen, and soybean stew.
Where is Pig Company located?
Pig Company has branches in Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeongdong.
Is Pig Company all-you-can-eat?
Yes. Pig Company is an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant brand in Seoul, focused mainly on pork BBQ.
How much is Pig Company?
Pig Company’s all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ starts from 17,900 KRW. Higher course options, such as 23,900 KRW, may be available depending on the branch and menu.
What meat should I try first?
Start with pork belly and pork neck. These are classic Korean BBQ cuts and easy for first-timers to enjoy.
What is cauldron lid grilling?
Cauldron lid grilling uses a wide metal grill surface that works well for pork BBQ, kimchi, garlic, and vegetables. It gives the meal a casual Korean BBQ feeling.
How do I make a Korean BBQ lettuce wrap?
Take a lettuce leaf, add grilled pork, ssamjang, garlic, kimchi, or other side dishes, then fold it into one bite.
How should beginners eat Korean BBQ?
Beginners should start with pork belly, cook it properly, dip it in sauce, try it with kimchi, then make a lettuce wrap with ssamjang and garlic.
What makes Pig Company different?
Pig Company combines affordable all-you-can-eat pork BBQ, fried chicken, cauldron lid grilling, ramen, soybean stew, and three convenient Seoul locations.
Why choose Pig Company for Korean BBQ?
Choose Pig Company if you want a casual, affordable, beginner-friendly Korean BBQ experience in Gangnam, Hongdae, or Myeongdong.
find us here!
Gangnam Location
Address : 2nd Floor, Gangnam-daero 98-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours : 11:30AM to 11:30PM daily
Contact : (+82)2-2-561-8891
Hongdae Location
Address : 28, Hongik-ro 5-an gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours : 11:30AM to 12:00AM daily
Contact : (+82)2-322-8891
Myeongdong Location
Address : 3rd Floor, Myeongdong 3-gil 44, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours : 11:30AM to 2:00AM daily
Contact : (+82)2-318-2990
