4.5/5 Stars: Arirang Korean Restaurant Review
If you’re looking for the Best Korean Beef in Myeongdong, don’t miss Arirang Korean Restaurant, located just next to Crown Park Hotel and across from Lotte World Mall. We tried this spot on a cold winter evening during our family holiday in Seoul. The meal was excellent, and the warmth of the food made up for the freezing temperature outside. Here’s our honest take.
Korean BBQ Hot Coals
The charcoal grill setup at Arirang Korean Restaurant is a key part of the experience. The glowing red-hot coals are placed neatly under the mesh grill, providing even heat that ensures the beef cooks perfectly.
Above each table, a stainless steel fumigation hood efficiently extracts smoke and smells, keeping the atmosphere clean and comfortable. This thoughtful design lets you enjoy the rich aroma of sizzling beef without it clinging to your clothes—a practical touch that enhances the meal.
What We Ordered:
- Assorted Korean Beef Specials (400g) – A mix of prime cuts including short ribs, ribeye, brisket, and sirloin. The beef was fresh, tender, and grilled to perfection on the charcoal grill at our table. Each bite was packed with flavour and paired beautifully with the fresh banchan.
- Braised Short Ribs – We added this dish on a whim, and it didn’t disappoint. The beef ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, cooked in a rich, savoury broth with root vegetables. This dish added depth to our meal and is worth trying.
Standout Features:
- Pickled Onion and Korean Ramp Pickle: The pickled onion was tangy and refreshing, cutting through the richness of the meat. But the real star? The Korean Ramp Pickle (Myungyi-namul Jangajji). It was perfectly seasoned, and we couldn’t stop refilling our plates with it.
- Other Side Dishes (Banchan): The banchan spread was fantastic. Highlights included:
- Fresh, crunchy kimchi
- Sweet, marinated lotus root
- Korean Noodles Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles)
- A light garden salad
- Soft, golden egg pancakes
Every side dish complemented the meal and was refilled without hesitation.
Why 4.5 Stars?
The Korean beef cuts were top-tier, the service was prompt, and the side dishes were exceptional. We deducted half a star only because the portions could’ve been a bit more generous for the price (still cheaper than in Singapore). Otherwise, this place delivered a stellar experience.
Atmosphere and Service:
Arirang Korean Restaurant was warm and welcoming, a great escape from the bitter cold outside, we did book in advance, link below for online reservations. The staff were attentive and kept an eye on our grill to ensure the beef was cooked just right and cut with scissors into bite size pieces. They also gave helpful suggestions on pairing the Korean beef with a side dish of garlic powder and vinegar dipping sauce.
Final Thoughts:
Arirang Korean Restaurant deserves its reputation for serving some of the best BBQ Korean Beef in Myeongdong, its cozy atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the area. The short rims and ribeye beef were by far the best of the 4 types of Korean beef and the braised short ribs and Korean Ramp Pickle are also standout dishes, so don’t miss them.
This is the kind of place that leaves you full, happy, and warmed up for more foodie adventures in Seoul. Highly recommended if you’re looking for authentic Korean Beef BBQ in a prime location.
Arirang Korean Restaurant Address & Telephone
Address: 23 Namdaemun-ro 7-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Telephone: +82 2-752-1342
Arirang Korean Restaurant Reservation
Arirang Korean Restaurant Operating Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|
| Monday | 11:30 am – 10:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:30 am – 10:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am – 10:00 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am – 10:00 pm |
| Friday | 11:30 am – 10:00 pm |
| Saturday | 11:30 am – 10:00 pm |
| Sunday | 11:30 am – 10:00 pm |
