How Much Does a Meal at Geumdwaeji Sikdang (금돼지식당) Actually Cost?

Locals flock to Geumdwaeji Sikdang (금돼지식당) for its reputation as one of the best pork restaurants in Seoul. While tourists might gravitate toward more well-known spots, this place has carved out a loyal following due to its emphasis on high-quality pork cuts and flavorful cooking methods. The restaurant doesn’t rely on flashy marketing; instead, it lets the food speak for itself.

Why is Geumdwaeji Sikdang (금돼지식당) popular with locals?

This restaurant is celebrated for its focus on premium pork dishes that are skillfully prepared. Regulars know that they can expect consistently delicious meals here, making it a reliable choice for lunch or dinner. Many locals return for the signature dish, nunkkon moksal (grilled pork shoulder), which has a beautifully marbled appearance and is often praised for its juiciness.

Another reason why this restaurant stands out is its welcoming atmosphere. The staff are friendly and attentive without being intrusive. This creates an environment where patrons feel comfortable enjoying their meals at a leisurely pace—something I appreciated during my visits.

What flavors can you expect?

The flavors at Geumdwaeji Sikdang (금돼지식당) are centered around expertly grilled meats, with nunkkon moksal taking the spotlight. This dish offers an excellent balance of tenderness and flavor that’s complemented by fragrant basil wraps served on the side. These wraps enhance the overall dining experience by adding freshness to each bite of meat.

In addition to nunkkon moksal, you should definitely try bonsamgyeop (grilled bone-in pork belly) and deungmoksal (short loin and pork shoulder). Each dish brings its own unique taste profile that showcases the quality of the meat used. I found that pairing these meats with the slightly grilled basil really enhanced the flavors.

What are the prices and portions like?

The prices at Geumdwaeji Sikdang (금돼지식당) reflect the quality of ingredients used, but they’re reasonable considering what you get. Expect to pay around ₩15,000 (about $11 USD) for a portion of nunkkon moksal. The portions are generous, so it’s often enough to share if you’re dining with friends or family.

Real talk: if you’re looking to explore multiple dishes, ordering a couple of different items will allow you to sample various flavors without breaking the bank. Just be aware that while it’s easy to over-order because everything looks so good, leftovers can be tricky since they don’t reheat well after being grilled.

How do you get there and when should you go?

Reaching Geumdwaeji Sikdang (금돼지식당) is straightforward if you’re navigating public transport in Seoul. The nearest subway station is Euljiro 3-ga Station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the restaurant exit 4. You’ll find yourself walking through some interesting local shops along the way.

The restaurant operates daily from 11:30 AM until 11 PM, with last orders taken at 10:20 PM. Since this spot can get busy during meal times—especially on weekends—arriving early can make your visit more pleasant.