SINGONGDEOK-DONG FOOD TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Bourdain’s Mapo-Style Feast: A Three-Hour BBQ Night in Gongdeok
A compact, 3-hour guided tour through a Mapo-style BBQ restaurant featured on Anthony Bourdain’s Korea episode—perfect for anyone who wants an authentic introduction to Seoul’s grilling culture and drinking etiquette.
Bourdain’s Mapo-Style Feast: A Three-Hour BBQ Night in Gongdeok.
In Singongdeok-dong, Seoul, the Ultimate Korean BBQ Experience condenses the rhythms of a local night out into three hours: charcoal-grilled Mapo-style pork, thick-cut pork belly and galmegisal, savory pancakes and tempura, and a guided primer on Korean drinking customs—all centered on a restaurant highlighted by Anthony Bourdain.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Bourdain-Featured Mapo BBQ
Dine at the same Mapo-style BBQ restaurant that was featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show; the tour centers on that venue and its reputation for authentic charcoal grilling.
Premium Pork Cuts: Thick Belly and Galmegisal
The menu spotlights thick-cut pork belly and galmegisal (pork skirt meat), local favorites that define the tour’s Mapo-style BBQ focus.
Drinks, Pancakes and a Lively Pub Finish
Beyond the grill, the experience includes savory pancakes, Korean-style tempura, a crash course in drinking etiquette with traditional alcohol, and an optional third stop at a classic chicken-and-beer pub.
What the day feels like
What the Night Feels Like
The evening moves from a bustling Mapo-style BBQ table—where guides demonstrate charcoal grilling and you taste thick-cut pork belly and galmegisal—to a quick market stop for jeon and tempura, then to an hour-long lesson in Korean drinking etiquette at a traditional pub, with an optional final stop at a turn-of-the-millennium chicken-and-beer spot for spicy cheesy chicken and beer.
THE ICON
A Bourdain-Featured Mapo BBQ
Dine at the same Mapo-style BBQ restaurant that was featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show; the tour centers on that venue and its reputation for authentic charcoal grilling.
THE FOOD
Premium Pork Cuts: Thick Belly and Galmegisal
The menu spotlights thick-cut pork belly and galmegisal (pork skirt meat), local favorites that define the tour’s Mapo-style BBQ focus.
THE CULTURE
Drinks, Pancakes and a Lively Pub Finish
Beyond the grill, the experience includes savory pancakes, Korean-style tempura, a crash course in drinking etiquette with traditional alcohol, and an optional third stop at a classic chicken-and-beer pub.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this evening—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience runs about 3 hours and is available year‑round; sessions are offered during day and night hours.
Meet at Gongdeok Station, exit 7 (at the bottom of the escalators) before the tour departs.
Comfortable shoes and a readiness to walk between stops—this tour involves a fair amount of walking.
Discounts are offered for couples and groups; a popular chicken-and-beer add-on is available for those who want to extend the evening.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is Gongdeok Station, exit 7 (at the bottom of the escalators).
How long is the experience?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.
Is the restaurant actually featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show?
Yes—the tour centers on a Mapo-style BBQ restaurant that was featured on Anthony Bourdain’s program.
Are drinks included in the price?
All food and drink—both alcoholic and nonalcoholic—are included with the tour.
Are there discounts for couples or groups?
Yes—discounts are available for couples and groups.
Is there an optional add-on?
Yes—a popular chicken-and-beer add-on at a classic pub is offered as an option to extend the night.