Samgyeopsal pork belly on a Korean BBQ grill

Photo: Clint Bustrillos · Unsplash License (Unsplash)

KVIBE IDOLS › Food guides › Korean dishes explained › 삼겹살 (samgyeopsal)

🍜 Korean dishes explained

What Is Samgyeopsal?삼겹살 · samgyeopsal

What is it?

Thick slices of unmarinated pork belly grilled at your table, cut with scissors and eaten wrapped in lettuce with garlic, kimchi and ssamjang. It is Korea's most popular BBQ, almost always with soju.

How to eat it

  1. Most places require at least 2 servings (2인분) to start.
  2. Wrap: lettuce + meat + ssamjang + garlic — one bite.
  3. Staff often cut the meat; side dishes are refillable for free.
Typical price
₩15,000–20,000 per serving
How to order · Say it in Korean삼겹살 2인분이랑 소주 한 병 주세요.Samgyeopsal i-inbunirang soju han byeong juseyo.Pork belly for two and a bottle of soju, please.

Where to try it

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FAQ

Can I eat Korean BBQ alone?

Many shops require 2 servings, but you can order 2 servings alone, or look for "honbap" (solo dining) BBQ places.

What is the difference from galbi?

Samgyeopsal is plain pork belly; galbi is marinated ribs (pork or beef).

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