If you’re visiting Seoul and looking for the ultimate Korean BBQ experience, Geumdwaeji Sikdang (금돼지식당)—translated as “Gold Pig Restaurant”—should be at the top of your list. Loved by locals and foreign visitors alike, this place is famous for serving premium Korean pork cuts, grilled to perfection over charcoal. It’s so popular, in fact, that you can’t make reservations online or by phone. You have to show up in person and register with your phone number to join the waitlist.
This guide will walk you through how to get there, how the waitlist system works, and what to expect when dining at this Michelin-recommended spot in the heart of Seoul.
Where is Geumdwaeji Sikdang located?
Geumdwaeji Sikdang is located near Yaksu Station (약수역), which is in central Seoul. The restaurant is in the Jung-gu district, one subway stop away from Dongguk University and just a few stops from major neighborhoods like Myeongdong and Itaewon.
Address (for navigation apps):
서울 중구 다산로 149 (149 Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul)
You can also search “Geumdwaeji Sikdang” on Naver Map or Kakao Map for the most accurate route.
How to get to Yaksu Station from popular areas
Yaksu Station is on Subway Line 3 (orange) and Line 6 (brown), making it accessible from many major districts.
Here’s how long it typically takes from key tourist locations:
Myeongdong Station:
Take Line 4 → Transfer at Chungmuro → Line 3 to Yaksu (approx. 12 mins)Itaewon Station:
Take Line 6 directly to Yaksu (approx. 9 mins)Hongdae (Hongik Univ. Station):
Line 2 → Transfer to Line 6 at Hapjeong → Yaksu (approx. 25 mins)Dongdaemun History & Culture Park:
Line 2 → Transfer to Line 6 at Sindang → Yaksu (approx. 10 mins)
When you arrive at Yaksu Station, take Exit 2, walk straight about 3–4 minutes along Dasan-ro, and the restaurant will be on your right-hand side. Look out for the wooden façade and often a small crowd in front—it’s a sign you’re in the right place.
How the waitlist system works at Geumdwaeji Sikdang
This restaurant is first-come, first-served, and there are no reservations. That includes phone calls or online booking apps. Here’s how the process works:
Go to the restaurant in person
The only way to join the list is by being physically at the location. The system doesn’t accept remote registration.Enter your name and phone number using the kiosk at the entrance
You’ll find a touchscreen tablet outside the restaurant. It will ask for:Your name (can be in English)
A local Korean phone number
Unfortunately, international phone numbers won’t work, so if you don’t have a Korean SIM card, you’ll need to:
Ask a local friend to register for you
Or speak to the staff, who may help input a temporary number or give you an approximate wait time manually
Wait for the text message or your number to be called
If you use a Korean number, you’ll receive a message when your table is ready. Otherwise, stay nearby and monitor the list on the kiosk screen or listen for your name.Maximum party size
Groups of 2–4 are easiest to accommodate. Larger groups may need to split tables or wait longer.Estimated wait times
Weekday lunch: 15–30 minutes
Weekday dinner: 45–90 minutes
Weekend evenings: 1.5–2.5 hours (go early if possible)
The best strategy? Visit early (before 5:30 PM), especially on weekends.
What to expect from the dining experience
Geumdwaeji Sikdang isn’t just another BBQ restaurant. It’s a highly curated pork dining experience. They are known for using premium Korean pork belly (samgyeopsal) and other cuts that are aged, trimmed, and grilled by skilled servers right at your table.
Why it’s special:
Charcoal grill with staff cooking for you: You don’t need to worry about overcooking—each piece is grilled to perfection by the team.
Various pork cuts: From jowl meat to pork shoulder and belly, with different marbling and texture profiles.
Side dishes and sauces: Including aged kimchi, pickled vegetables, ssamjang, wasabi, and more
Soups and rice: Be sure to try the pork bone soup or cold noodles (naengmyeon) to finish the meal.
Average price:
Expect to pay around 20,000–30,000 KRW per person, depending on how much you order. Drinks are available, including Korean soju and beer.
What to bring and prepare
Since there’s no reservation and a local phone number is needed, here are a few tips for international tourists:
Bring a Korean SIM card or eSIM
If you plan to dine here or use other services that require local verification, a Korean SIM will make things easier.Arrive early, especially on weekends
The earlier you go, the shorter the wait. Weekdays before 6 PM are best.Wear clothes that can absorb BBQ smell
The scent of grilled pork will stay on your clothes, so avoid wearing delicate fabrics or jackets you plan to reuse that day.Bring cash or card
Most international cards are accepted, but it’s always good to have some Korean won on hand.
Geumdwaeji Sikdang is a must-visit for Korean BBQ lovers
If you’re visiting Seoul and want to experience authentic, expertly grilled Korean pork at a spot loved by locals and featured in multiple food guides, Geumdwaeji Sikdang near Yaksu Station is the place to go. Yes, it requires some effort—showing up early, entering your number, and waiting your turn—but the taste, service, and atmosphere more than make up for it.
Combine it with a stroll through the nearby Yaksu market or head to Dongdaemun after dinner for shopping and late-night views. Just make sure to plan your timing and have a Korean number ready to fully enjoy the experience without hassle.