Sangnoksoo Apgujeong (상녹수 압구정) : Korean BBQ in Apgujeong not to miss out on!
If you’re looking for a pork-focused Korean BBQ restaurant in Apgujeong that prioritizes quality cuts over trends, Sangnoksoo Apgujeong is a place worth knowing. This is not a flashy, design-led BBQ spot—it’s a restaurant built around pork special cuts, particularly hwangjisal, grilled properly by staff who know exactly what they’re doing.
From the moment you walk in, it’s clear why this place stays busy. The walls are covered with celebrity signatures, tables are constantly turning, and reservations are strongly recommended during dinner hours. People come here for one reason: well-executed pork BBQ that’s consistent and satisfying, not gimmicks.
Today’s Stop : Sangnoksoo Apgujeong Korean BBQ (상녹수 압구정)
Address : 35-4 Eonju-ro 164-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Instagram : @sangnoksu_apgu
What Sangnoksoo Apgujeong is known for (and why people line up)
Sangnoksoo is best known for their pork special cuts, not standard samgyeopsal. The star of the table is 황지살, Hwangjisal (special pork collar cut), a cut taken from the neck/shoulder area, prized for its balance of lean meat and fat. It’s chewy without being tough and rich without being greasy—exactly the kind of cut that rewards careful grilling.
This is not a “grill it yourself and hope for the best” place. The staff actively manages the grill, flipping and cutting the meat at the right timing. That alone already sets Sangnoksoo apart from many casual BBQ spots in Apgujeong.
First Impressions: Old-school exterior, serious crowd
From the outside, Sangnoksoo looks almost nostalgic. The green sign, compact entrance, and plants lined up in front don’t scream luxury or trendiness. But that’s misleading.
Once inside, you immediately notice the wall of celebrity autographs. Actors, singers, comedians—this isn’t curated decor; it’s organic proof that this place has been consistently popular for years. It also explains why reservations are strongly recommended, especially during dinner hours.
The atmosphere is lively but focused. People are here to eat, not to take endless photos.
The Meat : Their special pork collar cut (황황지살)
Let’s get straight to the point—the 황지살 Hwangjisal (special pork collar cut)
Texture and flavor
The cut is rolled and plated neatly before grilling. Once cooked, it’s sliced into thick, bite-sized pieces. The texture is springy and juicy, with fat that renders cleanly instead of pooling on the grill.
There’s no heavy marinade masking the meat. This is pork that’s meant to taste like pork.
Grilling style
The meat is grilled over foil-lined grills, which helps control flare-ups and keeps the fat from burning too aggressively. This also allows the meat to cook evenly, preserving moisture.
If you’re used to samgyeopsal that turns greasy halfway through the meal, this will feel noticeably cleaner.
Supporting Players: onions, enoki mushrooms, and sauces
The sides are simple but intentional.
Thick onion slices are grilled alongside the pork, soaking up rendered fat and developing sweetness.
Enoki mushrooms add texture contrast and freshness.
The dipping sauce has a mild heat and acidity that cuts through the richness without overpowering the meat.
Nothing here is experimental—and that’s the point. Everything on the table exists to support the pork.
Bibim Sujebi (Spicy Mixed Hand-Torn Noodles)
In addition to the pork, bibim sujebi is one of Sangnoksoo’s most ordered side dishes—and for good reason. Sujebi are hand-torn wheat dough noodles, thicker and chewier than regular noodles, which makes them especially satisfying alongside grilled meat.
At Sangnoksoo, the sujebi is served mixed (bibim-style) rather than in broth. The sauce is spicy and tangy with a noticeable gochujang base, cutting through the richness of the pork without overwhelming it. The noodles themselves have a firm, elastic bite, holding the sauce well instead of turning soggy.
What makes this dish work is balance. After several bites of fatty pork, the bibim sujebi resets the palate. It’s not meant to steal the spotlight from the meat, but it plays an important supporting role—especially if you’re ordering multiple pork cuts.
Why Sangnoksoo works for group dining
Sangnoksoo occupies two floors, making it suitable for both small groups and larger gatherings. The staff is efficient, and meat is served at a steady pace so the table never feels rushed or overloaded.
This is the kind of place where:
You order a few cuts,
Take your time grilling and eating,
Then add another round because the first one disappears too quickly.
For Apgujeong, where many restaurants lean heavily into image, Sangnoksoo’s focus on execution stands out.
How it compares to other Apgujeong BBQ spots
Apgujeong has no shortage of Korean BBQ restaurants, but many fall into one of two categories:
High-end beef-focused spots
Trend-driven pork BBQ with strong visuals but inconsistent quality
Sangnoksoo sits in a different lane. It’s pork-first, technique-driven, and unapologetically traditional. You won’t find fusion sauces or theatrical plating—but you will get pork cooked exactly how it should be.
If you’re visiting Apgujeong and want something locals actually return to, this is a strong choice.
Practical tips before visiting
Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for dinner.
Best order: Start with the hwangjisal, then add other special cuts if you’re still hungry.
Expect grilling assistance: This is a good thing—trust the staff.
Not ideal for solo dining: Best enjoyed with at least two people.
Final Verdict: worth it if you care about pork quality
Sangnoksoo Apgujeong isn’t trying to reinvent Korean BBQ—and that’s exactly why it works. It focuses on excellent pork cuts, proper grilling, and consistency, which is why it continues to attract both regulars and first-time visitors.
If you’re looking for:
A pork-specialty BBQ in Apgujeong
Well-executed hwangjisal
A place with real local credibility
Then Sangnoksoo deserves a spot on your list.
For anyone building a food itinerary around Apgujeong, this is not just a “nice to try” place—it’s a solid anchor meal.
