29 Oct
If you’re a steak lover visiting Korea, you’re in for a surprise. While the country is famous for pork BBQ and fried chicken, Korea also has an impressive steak scene- from sizzling Hanwoo BBQ to luxurious fine-dining steakhouses. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a splurge-worthy night out, here’s where to find the best steak in Korea.
Budget to Mid-Range Steak Options
If you’re craving a juicy steak without breaking the bank, Korea offers plenty of great options. Majang Meat Market (마장축산물시장) is one of my go-to spots for affordable, high-quality beef. You can choose your own cut directly from a butcher- usually ₩20,000–₩30,000 ($15–$22 USD) for 200g of local beef- and bring it to a nearby restaurant to have it grilled for a small fee. It’s a fun, local experience that feels authentically Korean.
For a Western-style steakhouse vibe, try Just Steak in Itaewon or GOO STK in Apgujeong. Both offer tender sirloin and ribeye cuts cooked to perfection, starting around ₩35,000–₩50,000 ($25–$35 USD). The atmosphere is relaxed but polished- perfect for a casual date night or dinner with friends.
🥩 Premium Hanwoo Experiences
If you’re tasting Hanwoo (Korean beef) for the first time, ask for 꽃등심 (kkot-deungsim)- a beautifully marbled ribeye known for its rich flavor. Hanwoo (한우) is Korea’s prized native beef, known for its buttery texture and fine marbling. It’s often compared to Japanese Wagyu for its tenderness and depth of flavor.
For a special treat, visit Seouloin (서울로인) near Seoul Station, where a Hanwoo course meal starts at around ₩90,000 ($65 USD) per person. You’ll enjoy multiple cuts, from ribeye to tenderloin, each grilled with precision.
If you prefer a more traditional Korean BBQ experience, many local spots specialize in Hanwoo sirloin for ₩60,000–₩80,000 ($45–$60 USD) per 200g. Watching the staff grill your beef tableside- with a glass of red wine or makgeolli in hand- makes for an unforgettable evening.
🥂 Luxury Steakhouses in Seoul
When you’re celebrating something special, Seoul’s luxury steak restaurants deliver both elegance and exceptional flavor.
BLT Steak at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun is one of the city’s top choices for high-end dining. They serve imported USDA Prime and Australian Wagyu cuts, priced around ₩100,000–₩150,000 ($75–$110 USD) per steak. Guests rave about the attentive service, beautiful plating, and upscale atmosphere.
Located in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul (1 F Youngin Building, 21 Seolleung-ro 152-gil, Gangnam-gu), Wolfgang’s Steakhouse offers a premium American-style steakhouse experience featuring USDA Prime dry-aged steaks. Lunch options begin roughly at ₩70,000–80,000 per person, while dinner menus can go from ₩260,000–390,000+ for 2-3 people.
🧡 Final Thoughts
What makes eating steak in Korea so special is the range of experiences — from casual, local BBQ joints to fine-dining Hanwoo courses. No matter your budget, you’ll find incredible quality and care in every bite.
So next time you’re in Korea and craving something meaty, skip the fried chicken for a night and go hunt down a great steak. Happy eating!
Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant
Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.