Pork Neck (Moksal) Korean BBQ Guide | Pig Company Meat Cuts Series #2
If pork belly is the cut everyone knows, pork neck (collar) is the cut that locals quietly love.
It doesn’t have the “wow, look at all that fat” visual of samgyeopsal. It’s not as instantly famous on social media either. But when someone says they want a cut that’s meatier, cleaner, and still juicy, pork neck is almost always the answer.
At Pig Company, pork neck is one of those cuts we recommend when guests want something that feels a little more balanced — especially if they’re eating Korean BBQ for the first time and don’t want something too rich. It’s also the cut that converts people who think all pork BBQ tastes the same.
This is the second post in our Pig Company Meat Cuts Series, where we explain every cut on our grill in a practical, easy-to-understand way — so you know what you’re ordering before you order it.
What Is Pork Neck (Collar) in Korean BBQ?
Pork neck is called moksal (목살) in Korean. It comes from the upper neck and shoulder area of the pig. Unlike pork belly, which is layered fat, pork neck is more of a marbled steak-style cut.
That marbling is the key. It’s what makes pork neck feel satisfying without being heavy.
In Korean BBQ, pork neck is usually served:
unseasoned (salt + dip style)
or lightly seasoned, but not heavily marinated
This lets the pork flavor stay front and center.
What Does Pork Neck Taste Like?
A good pork neck bite should taste:
meaty and savory
slightly sweet (natural pork flavor, not sugar)
juicy but not greasy
soft with a little chew, like a proper grilled cut should be
Compared to pork belly:
pork belly is richer and crispier
pork neck is cleaner and “more like meat”
If pork neck is cooked correctly, it’s the type of cut where you keep eating because it feels light — and then you suddenly realize you ordered a second round.
Why Pork Neck Is a Must-Order at Korean BBQ
Pork neck is one of the best pork cuts for Korean BBQ because it does something that’s harder than it looks:
1) It Stays Juicy Without Being Fatty
Pork neck has enough marbling to stay tender, but not so much that it turns greasy on the grill.
For people who love the idea of Korean BBQ but don’t want a heavy feeling, pork neck is usually the safest win.
2) It Has a Better “Meat Bite”
Some guests want a cut that feels closer to a steak texture.
Pork neck gives you:
firm structure
real chew (in a good way)
a satisfying bite that doesn’t collapse
It’s not melt-in-your-mouth like jowl. It’s not crispy-fatty like belly. It sits perfectly in the middle.
3) It’s Extremely Versatile
Pork neck works with almost everything:
salt + sesame oil
ssamjang
kimchi
pickled onion
spicy sauces
wraps
It doesn’t overpower flavors, and it doesn’t get bullied by strong Korean BBQ sides.
Pork Neck vs Pork Belly: Which Is Better?
This is one of the most searched questions online, and the real answer is:
It depends on your preference.
Choose Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal) if you want:
crisp edges
rich, fatty flavor
the classic Korean BBQ experience
the best “ssam” bite
Choose Pork Neck (Moksal) if you want:
a meatier bite
less oil/grease
a cleaner finish
something easier to eat in larger amounts
At Pig Company, if you’re eating with a group, the best move is:
start with pork belly, then switch to pork neck.
That order makes the meal feel exciting, but still balanced.
How to Grill Pork Neck Properly (So It Stays Tender)
Pork neck is forgiving, but it has one weakness:
It dries out if you treat it like pork belly.
Pork belly can survive longer on the grill because fat protects it. Pork neck needs smarter timing.
Step 1: Use High Heat for the First Sear
You want the outside to brown quickly. That locks in juices and gives the best flavor.
If you start too low, pork neck becomes dull and dry.
Step 2: Flip When the Edges Start to Look Cooked
Don’t wait until it looks “fully done” on one side.
The moment you see browning and slight shrinking at the edges, flip.
Step 3: Don’t Overcook It “Just to Be Safe”
A lot of people overcook pork because they’re nervous.
In Korean BBQ, pork is meant to be cooked through — but that doesn’t mean it should be grilled until stiff.
Perfect pork neck is:
cooked through
still springy and juicy
Overcooked pork neck becomes tight and chewy.
Step 4: Rest It for 10 Seconds Before Eating
This sounds small, but it matters.
Right off the grill, juices are still moving. A short rest makes the bite more tender and consistent.
The Best Ways to Eat Pork Neck at Korean BBQ
Pork neck is one of the easiest cuts to pair with different styles of Korean BBQ eating. If you want to enjoy it fully, try these combinations:
1) Salt + Sesame Oil Dip (Most “Meat Lover” Style)
If you want to taste the cut itself, this is the move.
It brings out:
clean pork flavor
grilled sweetness
the marbling
This is also the best way to judge pork quality.
2) Pork Neck Ssam (Balanced and Classic)
Wrap this in:
lettuce or perilla leaf
pork neck
garlic
a small amount of ssamjang
It’s rich enough to be satisfying, but not heavy.
3) Pork Neck + Kimchi (Most Korean BBQ Vibe)
Grill kimchi next to the pork.
Then eat them together.
This bite hits the perfect combination:
savory pork
tangy, warm kimchi
smoky grilled edges
If someone says “this tastes like Korea,” it’s usually this.
4) Pork Neck + Pickled Onion (Cleanest Bite)
Pickled onion adds acidity, which makes pork neck feel even lighter.
If you’re planning to eat a lot of meat, this is a good pairing.
Who Should Get Pork Neck?
Pork neck is the best cut for certain types of diners.
Pork neck is perfect for:
first-time Korean BBQ eaters
people who don’t like greasy foods
guests who want a meatier texture
anyone who wants a “clean” grilled pork flavor
Pork neck may not be your favorite if:
you only like very fatty cuts
you want the crisp edge texture of samgyeopsal
you prefer melt-in-your-mouth bites (jowl might fit better)
But even then — pork neck is one of the most reliable “second cuts” after pork belly.
Why Pork Neck Is Underrated (And Why That’s a Good Thing)
Some cuts become famous because they’re dramatic.
Pork neck becomes a favorite because it’s consistent.
It’s the kind of cut that:
makes the meal feel balanced
doesn’t overwhelm your palate
keeps you wanting another bite
And honestly, it’s a cut that reveals whether a restaurant knows how to serve pork properly — because pork neck can’t hide behind fat or marinade. If it’s dry, you’ll know immediately. If it’s fresh and cooked right, it feels premium.
Pork Neck at Pig Company: What We Focus On
At Pig Company, pork neck is treated like a serious cut, not a “backup choice.”
What we focus on:
clean trimming so the bite stays smooth
proper thickness so it grills evenly
serving it in a way that matches Korean BBQ table pacing
Because pork neck is supposed to be easy to eat — and easy to love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is pork neck the same as pork shoulder?
Not exactly. Pork neck (collar) comes from the upper neck/shoulder area, but it’s usually cut differently and has a different texture than standard shoulder meat.
Is pork neck fatty?
It’s marbled, not fatty like pork belly. You’ll get juiciness without feeling oily.
Why is my pork neck chewy?
Usually because it was:
overcooked
grilled too low and too long
cut too thick without enough heat
Sear first, then cook just until done.
Is pork neck good for ssam?
Yes. It’s one of the easiest ssam meats because it’s flavorful but not overpowering.
Final Thoughts: The Best “Balanced” Pork Cut for Korean BBQ
If pork belly is the king of Korean BBQ, pork neck is the cut that keeps the meal going.
It’s meaty, clean, and easy to eat in large amounts. It pairs with everything. It gives you that grilled flavor without turning the table into an oil festival.
For anyone who wants Korean BBQ that feels satisfying but not heavy, pork neck (moksal) is the smartest choice.
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
