Korean BBQ Buffet (24-hour) — Review by Mikey Chen

The Dishes

This all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue buffet offers an impressive array of meat selections at breakfast time. Mike ordered both pork and beef options, finding multiple cuts of each protein including thin crispy pork belly, pork jaw, thick pork belly cuts, beef brisket, and various other premium selections. The grill setup features a sloped surface where vegetables like kimchi, sprouts, mushrooms, garlic, and scallions are placed at the bottom to absorb all the rendered fat and meat drippings while the meat cooks above. The soybean paste soup served as an accompaniment was hot and satisfying. The standout experience came from wrapping cooked meat in lettuce leaves with kimchi, mushrooms, and garlic, which Mike describes as superior to expensive hotel buffets. He also prepared fried rice at the end using plain rice that soaked up all the bacon fat from cooking, creating what he calls toasty bacon rice.

The Experience

Arriving at approximately 7am, Mike was surprised to find the massive establishment already operational and busy despite the early hour. The restaurant is clean and brightly lit, with an impressive layout that reveals numerous sections of fresh ingredients. The staff members are described as incredibly friendly and helpful, even as Mike navigates the Korean barbecue cooking etiquette. The setup is genius in its design, with all grease flowing down into a collection tray below the sloped grill. The interactive nature of cooking your own meat at the table adds to the overall experience, making it engaging rather than passive dining.

Value & Pricing

The pricing structure offers two main options: pork only for approximately $10 USD, or pork and beef for slightly more. For an all-you-can-eat experience at any time of day or night, this represents exceptional value. Mike emphasizes multiple times that this would beat any $50 luxury hotel buffet, highlighting the quality to price ratio as extraordinary. The fact that the restaurant operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, only adds to its value proposition.

Notable Moments

This would be one of those spots that if I lived here, I hit this up in the morning. This is my brunch. You know, 10 bucks. My breakfast is good. My lunch is good.

Kimchi simmered in pork fat. Unreal. This is actually the best way to eat pork.

I would take this over a $50 hotel buffet any day. If you like bacon for breakfast, trust me, this might be the most perfect way to eat bacon.

Mike was initially shocked by how fresh the vegetables appeared at 7am, noting that most people would not expect such quality produce at breakfast time. He also appreciated the genius of Korean pork, describing it as incredibly clean with zero greasiness, a factor he attributes to the sloped grill design that separates fat from the meat itself.

The Verdict

This 24-hour Korean barbecue buffet is a must-visit for anyone in Seoul, particularly for jet-lagged travelers or early risers looking for an exceptional breakfast. The combination of premium quality meat, fresh vegetables, interactive cooking experience, and unbeatable pricing makes it one of the best value meals available. The place is ideal for anyone who loves Korean barbecue, bacon, or simply wants to experience authentic Korean cuisine without breaking the bank. Whether you visit at 7am for breakfast or any other time, this buffet delivers an unforgettable meal that far surpasses its price point.