It’s Hwan’s Table on KoreaWise, your guide to great food in Korea. Today, we’re diving into Myeongdong, Seoul, for a famous Myeongdong BBQ spot: Wangbijib Myeongdong Main Branch (왕비집 명동본점). This is a perfect spot for a truly authentic Korean BBQ experience. This restaurant even snagged a 2024 Blue Ribbon Guide mention – a recognition often called Korea’s Michelin Guide – which proves their commitment to fresh ingredients and excellent galbi.
Finding Your Way to Wangbijib Myeongdong Main Branch
Heading to Myeongdong for some Myeongdong BBQ? You’ll want to aim for Wangbijib Myeongdong Main Branch. While Myeongdong has a few Wangbijib locations, we’re focusing on the main spot. The Wangbijib brand is known for its consistent quality, so you can expect a great meal at any of its branches.
Getting here is very easy. Just hop on Subway Line 4 to Myeongdong Station and take Exit 9. It’s about a 2-minute walk from there. Walk straight from the exit until you see the famous “Hadongkwan” [Full Review Here] restaurant. Wangbijib Myeongdong is on the second floor of the building directly across from Hadongkwan. Public transport is the most convenient way to get here.
Wangbijib Myeongdong: A Blend of Korean Aesthetics and Comfort
When you step into Wangbijib Myeongdong, a clean and upscale interior greets you. The entrance pathway is narrow and steep, so be careful as you go up. Celebrity autographs and photos cover the walls of the staircase, which shows the restaurant’s popularity.
The interior itself is cozy and comfortable, with a combination of traditional Korean aesthetics and modern cleanliness. The design features traditional Korean elements, such as roof tiles (giwa) and wooden accents. This style appeals to both international visitors and Koreans.
The restaurant has about 80 spacious seats. Tables have ample space between them, which makes for a comfortable dining experience. This setup is suitable for a date, family dinner, business meeting, or a group outing. A great benefit is the excellent smoke management. You won’t walk out smelling like a grill, which is always a plus.
Klook.comWangbijib Myeongdong’s Menu: Charcoal Grilling Specialties
Wangbijib Myeongdong Main Branch is a charcoal-grilled meat restaurant. Its menu offers a wide range of options to fit different tastes and budgets. They have a good system for foreign visitors looking for a great Myeongdong BBQ experience, with clear menus and helpful staff.
Main Grilling Dishes
For the main grilling dishes, you can choose from Nonghyup Ansim Hanwoo Sirloin (₩45,000), Tenderloin Steak (₩54,000), and Marinated King Ribs (₩44,000). For pork, they have Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal, ₩19,000), Iberico Pork Neck (₩21,000), and their most popular item, the Handmade Pork Ribs (Suje Dwaeji Galbi, ₩23,000).
Other Korean Classics & Lunch Specials
Lunchtime is also a great deal with specials like the Pork Ribs Set Meal (₩15,000), Beef Brisket Set Meal (₩17,000), and LA Galbi Set Meal (₩24,000), all offering a hearty meal at a great price. Beyond the grill, they also offer other Korean classics like Yukhoe Bibimbap Bansang (₩20,000), Kimchi Jjigae (₩13,000), and Sundubu Jjigae (₩12,000). You can also get Bibim Naengmyeon (cold spicy noodles, ₩8,000) or Janchi Guksu (banquet noodles, ₩8,000).
Tip: The restaurant serves Doenjang Jjigae (soybean paste stew) and a stone pot rice for free with your main grill order. This makes the meal even better.
The Best of Wangbijib Myeongdong: Handmade Pork Ribs
The highlight of any visit to Wangbijib Myeongdong is the Handmade Pork Ribs (Suje Dwaeji Galbi). This is one of their most popular items for a good reason – its taste is incredible.
The Secret to the Flavor
The restaurant slowly grills these handmade pork ribs over charcoal. This achieves a great level of tenderness and flavor. The meat itself is thick and substantial, with just the right amount of fat and a texture that’s incredibly tender. When you take a bite, you’ll find yourself thinking, “This is so soft and delicious!” The secret is the homemade sauce. They skip the artificial stuff, creating a sauce that enhances the meat’s natural flavor, all infused with that smoky charcoal aroma. The taste is excellent.
Staff-Grilled Service
Another great benefit for guests is the staff-grilled service. Experienced servers handle all the grilling. They judge the meat’s thickness and the charcoal’s heat to ensure every piece is cooked properly. They even adjust the smoke so your meat doesn’t get burnt.
This professional service is not just convenient; it maximizes flavor and makes your Myeongdong BBQ dining experience incredibly relaxed and enjoyable.
Side Dishes & Value
The pork ribs are great on their own, but they are even better when paired with the basic side dishes. Wangbijib’s banchan (side dishes) are not overly numerous, but each one is clean-tasting and good. The green onion salad topped with an egg yolk (pa-muchim) is a highlight.
The tangy, spicy, and sweet green onions mixed with the egg yolk enhance the pork ribs’ richness. You’ll be asking for refills, no doubt. Plus, you get various pickled vegetables, cabbage salad, kimchi, and pumpkin salad to complete the meal.
Why do I recommend the Handmade Pork Ribs so highly? Value. The premium Hanwoo cuts are in the mid-40,000 to late-50,000 won range. In contrast, the Handmade Pork Ribs come in at a very reasonable ₩23,000. You get excellent taste and service without spending too much. And if you go for lunch, the ₩15,000 Pork Ribs Set Meal with stone pot rice and doenjang jjigae is a fantastic deal. This offers great value for the price. Wangbijib aims to provide high-quality food and service while catering to various budgets. The handmade pork ribs are a great choice for a fulfilling meal.
Convenience and Courtesy: Wangbijib’s Service and Hospitality
Beyond the food, Wangbijib Myeongdong Main Branch receives high ratings for its convenient and friendly service. You can make reservations to skip the wait, which is very useful, especially during peak hours.
Ordering is simple. The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. For foreign guests who might not be fluent in Korean, some staff members can communicate in English. Everyone makes an effort to understand your requests and ensure you have a great time. This service shows they prioritize making global customers feel welcome and comfortable.
Payment is straightforward with card and cash options. Also, if you order any grill menu item before 7 PM, you get a special offer: complimentary Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles) or a mushroom platter.
Wangbijib Myeongdong Main Branch: Insider Tips & Info
Before you go, here are a few more details to make your visit even better:
Operating Hours & Break Time
Wangbijib Myeongdong is generally open from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays. There is a weekday break time from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, so plan accordingly. The last order is at 9:20 PM. While weekend hours aren’t explicitly stated, they often follow similar schedules. However, there is conflicting information about Sunday closures, so it’s always best to double-check before you go, especially on a Sunday.
Consistency of Wangbijib Myeongdong Compared to Other Locations
While we’re talking about the Myeongdong Main Branch, the high quality and service you experience here are consistent across other Wangbijib locations in Myeongdong. This shows the brand’s commitment to quality.
The Verdict: Wangbijib Myeongdong – A Great Dining Experience
Wangbijib Myeongdong is a top recommendation for an authentic Myeongdong BBQ experience. It offers delicious Handmade Pork Ribs, great value, and excellent service in a convenient Myeongdong location.
More Great Eats in the Myeongdong Area
Hadongkwan – Legendary Beef Soup Restaurant Since 1939
Andong Jjimdak Myeongdong Review – Top Dish & Prices
Isaac Toast Myeongdong – Menu Highlights, Prices & Ordering Tips
Myeongdong Kyoja Menu Guide: Every Dish with Real Tips
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