Restaurant
Mingles
Chef Mingoo Kang's tasting-menu restaurant in Gangnam, holder of three Michelin stars, which reworks Korean fermented sauces and seasonal produce with modern technique.
Mongtan
A Yongsan barbecue restaurant famous for beef short ribs smoked over straw before grilling, and for queues that are part of the experience.
At a glance
- Type
- Korean barbecue, straw-smoked beef short ribs
- Area
- Yongsan (Samgakji), Seoul, South Korea
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- mongtan.co.kr
Good to know
- No reservations
- Waitlist from 11:00
- Good for groups
Why we recommend it
Mongtan is one of the most talked-about Korean barbecue restaurants in Seoul, and its queues have become almost as famous as its food. The restaurant is in the Samgakji area of Yongsan, close to the War Memorial of Korea, and it draws a mix of locals and visitors willing to wait for a table. Its signature is beef short rib smoked over burning straw before it reaches the table grill, which gives the meat a distinctive smoky aroma.
The short ribs are the dish to order. They arrive thick and bone-in, are cooked at the table by staff, and are cut into pieces to be wrapped in thin slices of marinated radish and dipped in a herby perilla leaf sauce, a combination that cuts through the richness of the beef. Side dishes and stews round out the meal. Save room for the fried rice at the end, when staff mix rice with the meat drippings, onion and corn and press it on to the grill until it forms a crisp crust.
Mongtan suits groups of friends, families with older children, birthday dinners and anyone who wants to experience Korean barbecue at a high level. The atmosphere is lively and smoky, so do not wear your best clothes, and expect to leave smelling of the grill. Portions are generous, and prices are at the upper end for barbecue, reflecting the quality and cut of the meat.
Mongtan does not take reservations. Instead, a waiting list opens at 11:00, and arriving then is the best way to avoid a wait of several hours; at peak times people queue well before. Once you are on the list, you may be able to explore nearby while you wait, so ask staff how the system works on the day. Weekday visits are easier than weekends. Because staff cook the meat, it is a good choice for visitors who are unsure how to grill Korean barbecue themselves.
The restaurant is a short walk from Samgakji Station, served by Lines 4 and 6. While you wait, visit the War Memorial of Korea or walk to Yongsan's quieter streets, where new cafés and bars have opened in converted older buildings. Itaewon and Haebangchon are a short taxi ride away for drinks after dinner.
Mongtan FAQs
What is Mongtan known for?
Beef short ribs smoked over straw before grilling, served with marinated radish and a perilla leaf sauce.
Can you book a table?
No. Mongtan does not take reservations; a waiting list opens at 11:00.
How long is the wait?
It can be several hours at peak times, so join the list when it opens at 11:00 and visit on a weekday if you can.
Do staff cook the meat?
Yes. Staff grill the short ribs at the table and cut them for you.
What should you order at the end?
The fried rice, mixed with the meat drippings and pressed on the grill until crisp.
Is it expensive?
Prices are at the upper end for Korean barbecue.
Is it good for groups?
Yes. It is popular for groups and celebrations.
How do you get there?
Walk from Samgakji Station on Lines 4 and 6.