Namyeongdon
If you’re in Yongsan-gu and craving delicious pork BBQ, Namyeongdon is the place to be. Often hailed as one of Seoul’s top three pork BBQ spots, this restaurant has been a long-standing favorite among locals and visitors alike. Recently, it gained even more popularity after being featured on singer Sung Si-kyung’s YouTube series, “Mokultendae.”
Address: 17, Hangang-daero 80-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Namyeong-dong 52-2)
Hours:
Weekdays: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Weekends: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Phone: +82-2-793-3598
Please refer to the Google Map above for the exact location.
The Waiting Experience
Namyeongdon is known for its crowds, so be prepared to wait. I arrived slightly late for the weekend opening (at 12:09 PM) and received queue number 39! The waiting time was over two hours, but the system is well-organized. Once your turn approaches, they’ll call you, so you can spend the time exploring nearby cafes and shops.
Namyeongdon is located in a charming alley with lots of cafes and other eateries, making it a vibrant area to stroll around while waiting for your table.
The Menu
Here’s a quick look at the menu:
Crunchy Pork Jowl (Hangjeongsal): 180g for ₩20,000
Chewy Pork Neck (Gabrisal): 180g for ₩18,000
Juicy Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal): 200g for ₩17,000
Tender Pork Shoulder (Moksal): 220g for ₩18,000
We ordered the pork belly, pork jowl, and pork neck, all of which were phenomenal. At Namyeongdon, the staff grills the meat for you over high-quality charcoal. The use of domestic oak charcoal ensures that the meat is perfectly cooked, locking in its natural juices for maximum flavor.
The staff grills each cut of meat to perfection and serves it at just the right time for you to enjoy the ideal texture and taste. Make sure to eat the meat promptly after it’s served, as letting it sit for too long may cause it to lose its tenderness.
Tasting the Flavor
Each bite of the pork is an explosion of flavor, thanks to the juicy tenderness of the meat. The pork belly, in particular, is outstanding. I found it best enjoyed with a simple dip in salt, but it’s also delicious topped with fermented clams (jogaejeot) and a touch of wasabi.
Namyeongdon also excels in side dishes. The spicy-sweet squid salad is tangy and refreshing, while the complimentary kimchi stew is a hearty and flavorful addition that pairs beautifully with the meat. However, the steamed egg could have been softer; it was slightly dense for my taste.
Parking Information
One downside of Namyeongdon is the lack of a dedicated parking lot. The surrounding area mainly consists of resident-only parking zones. We parked at Wooree Building Parking Lot, located near Crown Haitai in Namyeong-dong, about a 3–5 minute walk from the restaurant. It’s one of the more affordable options nearby, costing ₩3,000 per hour or ₩12,000 for all-day parking. (Pro tip: they gave us a discount, so we paid just ₩10,000!)
Wooree Building Parking Lot Address: 252, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Final Thoughts
Namyeongdon’s combination of expertly grilled pork, high-quality charcoal, and flavorful side dishes makes it a standout dining experience. While the long wait and limited parking options may be challenging, the food is well worth the effort. If you’re a fan of Korean BBQ, don’t miss this gem in Yongsan-gu!