16+ Easy Korean Bbq Vocabulary
Original blog post: https://ling-app.com/ko/korean-bbq-vocabulary/
Can you resist the mouth-watering taste of authentic Korean Bbq with the delicious meats like 삼겹살 (Samgyeopsal)? If the answer is a resounding no, let’s learn some Korean bbq vocabulary today.
Korean bbq is undoubtedly one of the most popular and delicious food in Korean cuisine, together with bibimbap, fried chicken, and fish cake. In South Korea, it’s not hard to find a Korean restaurant nearby. In fact, because of the “Korean Wave” or 한류 Hallyu, Korean bbq restaurants can also be seen in different countries, especially in Asia.
Korean bbq has been continuously popularized by K-dramas, making it more in-demand and crave-worthy in different parts of the world. The whole Korean bbq dining experience is superb and truly unique to many. Basically, it’s a combination of traditional Korean dishes and modern ones. There are also many Korean side dishes that are significant in Korean culture.
So, let’s not wait any longer and widen your Korean language vocabulary. Let’s learn some Korean words about Korean bbq.
Korean Restaurants For Delicious Korean Food
Do you have a go-to Korean restaurant to satisfy your Korean food cravings? Korean cuisine has a wide variety of dishes, and they have restaurants that offer specific kinds of dishes. There are barbeque meat restaurants, raw fish restaurants, dumpling restaurants, noodle restaurants, ginseng chicken soup restaurants, steamed rice restaurants, and dog-meat soup restaurants. Since China and Japanese are some of their closest neighboring countries, you can also see some Japanese and Chinese restaurants. So, if you’re in South Korea, here are the best Korean restaurants for delicious Korean food.
1. 명동교자 (Myeongdong Kyoja)
If you’re craving Korean noodle dishes and mandu, Myeongdong Kyoja is a Korean restaurant to try. It is located in 29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea. This restaurant has been running for years, serving their specialty, handmade kalguksu (noodle soup). It is also known for its bibim guksu (spicy noodles), kongguksu (noodles in cold soybean soup), and mandu (dumplings).
2. 평안도 족발집 (Pyeongando Jokbaljip)
Jokbal or pig trotters braised in soy sauce and spices is one of the famous food in South Korea, and the place where you can enjoy this is Pyeongando Jokbaljip. It is located at 174–6 Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea. This famous restaurant is owned by Yi Geong-seon, from North Korea. In Pyeongando Jokbaljip, they serve tender and buttery pork trotters with salted shrimp sauce, raw garlic, and lettuce leaves for wrapping.
3. 왕비집 (Wangbijib)
You know that this Korean restaurant is excellent by just the name itself. The word 왕비집 (Wangbijib) translates to “Queen’s House.” It is a famous Korean bbq restaurant in Myeongdong popular with the locals and tourists. After a shopping spree in Myeongdong, why not enjoy a Korean bbq with your family and friends in 왕비집 (Wangbijib)?
4. 뱃장 (Baetjang)
Baetjang is also one of the top-notch Korean restaurants in South Korea for lone diners. It is a long bar tailor-made restaurant where diners can cook their meat using miniature grills. It serves skirt meat, sirloin, and short loin on an all-hanu (Korean beef) menu. This famous Korean restaurant resides in 212–28 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
5. 우성갈비 (WooSung Galbi)
Do you want an old-school dining experience? Check out WooSung Galbi. Enjoy the rustic-feel interior and simple dining experience with pork galbi and pork rinds as their main menu. This restaurant has a splendid review from tourists and food bloggers. You can find WooSung Galbi in 372–40 Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Things To Remember When Eating Korean Bbq
Before learning the different Korean bbq vocabulary, remember some things before, while, and after eating Korean bbq.
1. Learn some essential Korean words and greetings.
As you enter a Korean bbq restaurant, you’ll be greeted by the restaurant staff. Surely, greeting them back or saying thank you will be highly appreciated and can make their busy hard day at work a little bit pleasant. But, it should not be a one-way greeting only. Why not learn some basic Korean words and greetings.
2. Wear casual clothes.
Are you planning to have a Korean bbq? You don’t want the smell of smoke sticking to your clothes, right? Indeed, OOTDs are important but expect smokes everywhere since you’re in a Korean bbq restaurant.
3. Take time in choosing meat.
Prepare yourself for lots of meats to choose from. Do not limit yourself to just a few kinds of meat. Explore because they did not put them all on the menu for nothing. Most Korean bbq offers unlimited meat, so make your money worth it.
4. Do not burn the meat while grilling.
Korean meats are tender and juicy, so if you ever burn them, you’ll miss their authentic taste. In some bbq restaurants, they will be the ones to cook it for you. But, if you’ll be the one who will cook, make sure to pay attention while cooking since Korean bbq is often thinly-sliced. Flip the meat right away when you know that it is about to burn to enjoy its juiciness and tenderness.
5. When the grill turns black, ask for a replacement.
When you are grilling for a long time, you’ll notice that the grill is already black. This is unhealthy to be mixed with your meat and eaten, so don’t be shy to call the staff and ask for a replacement. It’s free!
6. Side dishes are unlimited.
Another thing that not everyone knows about Korean bbq is that the side dishes are unlimited. They can ask for a refill as many as you can.
7. Go easy on the fillings for lettuce wraps.
Ssambap or lettuce wrap is another unique Korean way to eat Korean bbq. Do not put too many fillings inside the lettuce if you don’t want all the juices and sauces to spill in doing a lettuce wrap.
8. Save some room for after eating.
Eating meat is the first round of a Korean bbq. The second round is the one that not everybody is aware of is the after-eating Korean dishes like the Naengmyeon (cold noodle), Bibim Naengmyeon (spicy noodle), bibimbap (rice with many toppings), jjigae (rice with soup), and bokkeumbap (fried rice).
Basic Korean Bbq Vocabulary
Your Korean food experience will not be complete without Korean bbq. I am sure that most Korean culture fans already know what Korean bbq is like. It is widely popularized by K-dramas, making anyone watching them crave it.
So, why don’t you level up your Korean dining experience and speak Korean? Let’s learn some Korean bbq vocabulary.
1. 한국 바베큐 (Hangug Babekyu)
English Translation: Korean Barbecue
Of course, the first Korean word about Korean bbq that we will learn is “Korean Bbq” or 한국 바베큐 (Hangug Babekyu). As you can see, it can be quickly learned since the Korean word for barbecue almost sound the same as its English translation.
2. 바베큐 (Babekyu)
English Translation: Barbecue
The next Korean bbq vocabulary that we will learn is the word “바베큐 (Babekyu)” or barbecue in English. Barbecue is a cooking method with the use of live fire and smoke. Grilling meat is one of the most popular uses of this cooking method. Since many Koreans enjoy different types of meat, it is no surprise that they enjoy barbecues.
3. 바비큐를 하다 (Babikyureul Hada)
English Translation: Have a barbeque
Of course, we cannot talk about Korean bbq vocabulary without learning some essential Korean phrases. One of these phrases is 바비큐를 하다 (Babikyureul hada) or “Have a barbecue” in English. Having Korean bbq in South Korea is not just for food. It is also a great way to bond with family, friends, and colleagues, as seen in different K-dramas. So, the Korean phrase “바비큐를 하다 (Babikyureul hada)” can be so beneficial to learn.
4. 삼겹살 (Samgyeopsal)
English Translation: Three-layer fat pork/ Grilled Pork Belly
Let’s admit it, one of the most popular Korean dishes is 삼겹살 (Samgyeopsal). In fact, you cannot talk about Korean food without 삼겹살 (Samgyeopsal). So, the next Korean bbq vocabulary to learn is 삼겹살 (Samgyeopsal), which means Three-layer fat pork.
When you go to a Korean bbq restaurant, you’ll get to choose from different kinds of pork. Some are already marinated, and there are also those that are not. Whatever kind of pork you decide to choose, it is best enjoyed with a bottle of Soju and kimchi as the main side dish.
5. 갈비 (Galbi)
English Translation: Grilled Ribs (Beef in marinade)
Another type of grilled meat is 갈비 (Galbi). This Korean bbq vocabulary means “grilled ribs.” People love this because of the flavorful marinade for beef short ribs. Galbi is traditionally served uncooked, then grilled on tabletop grills by the diners.
6. 불고기 (Bulgogi)
English Translation: Bulgogi (Grilled Meat)
Another crowd favorite is 불고기 (Bulgogi), which is why it is included in the basic Korean bbq vocabulary we are learning today. If you’re a fan of beef, then you cannot resist bulgogi. For those who are not familiar with bulgogi, it is thinly-sliced beef meat that is usually marinated with soy sauce, garlic, toasted sesame oil, and sugar. When it is served to the diners, it is already marinated and ready for grilling.
Other Popular Meats In Korean
7. 상치 (Sangchi)
English Translation: Lettuce
One of the trademarks of Korean bbq that people enjoy is wrapping the meat, sauce, and side dishes in lettuce. It is one of the most important ingredients in making delicious ssambap or Korean lettuce wraps. As per the reminder above, you would not want the juice of the meat and sauces spilling out from the lettuce wrap, so don’t put a lot of fillings in it. Lettuce is an important factor in Korean bbq, so add this to your vocabulary.
8. 반찬 (Ban Chan)
English Translation: Side Dishes
Your whole Korean bbq vocabulary isn’t complete without learning the Korean word for side dishes or 반찬 (Banchan). Side dishes are also one of the most significant factors why people enjoy Korean bbq. It is nice to pair the meats with side dishes that Koreans enjoy with many greases. It makes the whole Korean dining experience grand and satisfactory.
Below are some of the famous Korean side dishes that you can use when ordering a refill when you eat Korean bbq. If you are invited to a Korean bbq, but you are a vegan or vegetarian, here are some vegan-friendly side dishes that you can enjoy.
9. 소주 (Soju)
English Translation: Korean Distilled Beverage
What makes the Korean bbq experience more lit? The answer is a bottle of Soju. It is included in Korean bbq vocabulary because 소주 (Soju) is one of the significant pairs of Korean bbq. It can be traced back to their history when meat was really expensive in South Korea, and Koreans were looking for something to partner with pork.
Up until today, Soju has been one of the most famous Korean alcoholic beverages around the world. You can mostly see it in K-dramas, especially when they have a hard time. Remember Park Saeroyi in Itaewon Class when he’s eating Korean bbq with his dad? Yes! Soju is there. So, it is really a must-learn Korean bbq vocabulary.
10. 그릴 (Geuril) Or 석쇠 (Seoksoe)
English Translation: Grill
After the meats and food, let’s proceed to types of pieces of equipment used in Korean bbq. Of course, your Korean bbq dining experience will not be complete without the grill 그릴 (Geuril) or 석쇠 (Seoksoe). It is one of the essential pieces of equipment for Korean bbq; that’s why it is included on this list of Korean bbq vocabulary.
The traditional and most common grill that is used in Korean bbq restaurants is the one that uses charcoal and smoke extractor. But, in this modern times, there are different types of grill that emerged. There are already electric grills and portable grills that use butane so people can enjoy their Korean bbq experience at home.
11. 연기 추출기 (Yeongi Chuchulgi)
English Translation: Smoke Extractor
Eating Korean bbq is definitely an awesome dining experience, but of course, since it’s barbecue, you cannot take the smoke out of the feature. You know how bad smoke can be, so Korean bbq restaurants put smoke extractors 연기 추출기 (Yeongi Chuchulgi) just to control the smoke rising from the grill. Smoke extractors are essential to enjoy your whole dining experience, so you should learn this really important Korean bbq vocabulary.
12. 집게 (Jipge)
English Translation: Tongs
In grilling, tongs 집게 (Jipge) are indeed important. It is used to flip the meats in the grill and put in on your plate or bowl. Ideally, long tongs should be used in Korean bbq to protect your hands from the heat from the grill. Long tongs can also be beneficial in distributing the meats to other people around the table.
13. 부엌 가위 (Bueok Gawi)
English Translation: Kitchen Scissors
Another important Korean bbq vocabulary is the kitchen scissors 부엌 가위 (Bueok Gawi). It is used in cutting meats that are served in large cuts. Remember, grill it first in cutting meat because it’s easier than cutting it while it is raw.
14. 소스 접시 (Soseu Jeobsi)
English Translation: Sauce Dish
Some meats are served not marinated, just pure original meat without seasoning. To put more flavor to the meat, Korean bbq restaurants serve sauces in a small sauce dish that usually has three or more compartments for different sauces, oil, and Paste. One of the most popular sauces in Korean cuisine is the Ssamjang or soybean sauce which is made of soybean paste, red chili paste, sesame oil, garlic, onion, green onions, and brown sugar. If you’re a sauce and paste person, you should add 소스 접시 (Soseu Jeobsi) this to your Korean bbq vocabulary.
Common Korean Sauces And Paste For Korean Bbq
Here are some common Korean sauces and Paste used in Korean bbq.
15. 돌솥 (Dolsot)
English Translation: Stone Pot
Many Korean restaurants also offer stews in Korean bbq. Stews are good for appetizers and after-eating dishes. These are usually served in a stone pot or 돌솥(Dolsot), which holds heat longer.
16. 젓가락 (Jeoggarak)
English Translation: Chopsticks
The last common Korean bbq vocabulary that we will talk about is chopsticks 젓가락 (Jeoggarak). If you’re an avid Korean culture fan, you’ll know that chopsticks are Koreans’ main eating utensils. They eat almost everything using chopsticks, even fish. This is the reason why the chopsticks area must learn Korean bbq vocabulary.
Other Korean Bbq Vocabulary
Korean Vocabulary About Ordering Food
What’s Next After Learning Korean Bbq Vocab?
Learning Korean should not stop here. You can do more and learn different topics that are close to your heart. So, if you want to learn more Korean phrases or vocabulary, Ling App is here to help you.
With Ling App, say goodbye to long lectures and carrying of books everywhere. You can now easily learn by just using your phone anytime and anywhere you want to. Learn through different engaging activities and cool features. The Korean words or phrases that you’ll learn has English translations, audio recordings from native speaker, and picture. Backed with spaced repetition feature, you’ll learn Korean in record time.
If you’re really into Korean culture, why not start learning Korean with Ling App now?
