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Where to Find Korean BBQ in South Carolina

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Korean BBQ restaurants across South Carolina

Korean BBQ—where you grill meat at your table while eating—exists in South Carolina mainly in the Upstate and the Lowcountry, concentrated in areas with larger Korean communities. The experience centers on tabletop grills built into the table itself, banchan (small side dishes), and the social ritual of cooking and eating together. You'll find the most established spots in Greenville and Charleston, with a few options in Columbia.

The meal works differently from typical American barbecue. You order raw meat—usually beef bulgogi, galbi (short ribs), or pork belly—and the restaurant brings it to your table along with a heated grill surface. You cook the meat yourself to your preferred doneness, wrap it in lettuce leaves with ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce), and eat it immediately. The whole experience typically takes two to three hours and works best with a group.

Key Takeaways

  • Korean BBQ requires cooking meat at your table on a built-in grill, so arrive hungry and plan for a longer meal than standard dining.
  • Greenville and Charleston have the most Korean BBQ options, while Columbia has limited but growing availability.
  • Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for groups larger than four, because table grills limit seating capacity.
  • Most restaurants charge per person or by the weight of meat, and prices typically range from moderate to upscale depending on the cut and restaurant.
  • Dress in clothes you don't mind smelling like smoke and meat, since the grill smoke clings to fabric.

Greenville's Korean BBQ scene

Greenville has the strongest Korean BBQ presence in South Carolina. Goro Ramen + Izakaya on Main Street offers Korean grilled meats alongside ramen and small plates in a modern space with table grills. Koreana Restaurant, located on Wade Hampton Boulevard, serves traditional Korean BBQ with beef bulgogi and galbi as the main draws, plus an extensive banchan spread. Both restaurants draw regular crowds, especially on weekends.

Greenville's Korean community has grown steadily over the past decade, and that growth shows in the dining options. The restaurants here tend to cater to both Korean families and newcomers to the cuisine, so staff can explain how the grilling process works if you've never done it before. Call ahead for reservations—tables with grills fill quickly, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings.

Charleston's Korean BBQ options

Charleston's Korean dining leans more toward casual spots and fusion concepts than dedicated Korean BBQ restaurants. Nico Oyster Bar occasionally features Korean-inspired grilled preparations, though it's not exclusively Korean BBQ. For more traditional Korean meals with grilled components, Bowery Restaurant and other Korean-focused establishments in the downtown and East Side areas offer bulgogi and marinated grilled dishes, though not always with table grills.

Charleston's food scene emphasizes Lowcountry seafood and Southern traditions, so Korean BBQ occupies a smaller niche than in Greenville. If you're visiting Charleston specifically for Korean BBQ, call ahead to confirm that the restaurant has table grills and that your preferred dishes are available that day. Some restaurants rotate seasonal offerings or may not have grills set up during slower periods.

Columbia and other areas

Columbia has a growing Korean dining scene centered around the Five Points and downtown areas, though dedicated Korean BBQ with table grills remains limited. Goro Ramen has a Columbia location that serves Korean grilled meats alongside ramen. Other Korean restaurants in the area focus on bibimbap, Korean fried chicken, and noodle dishes rather than tabletop grilling.

Outside the major cities, Korean BBQ becomes harder to find. Smaller towns may have Korean restaurants that serve bulgogi or galbi, but the full Korean BBQ experience with table grills is concentrated in Greenville and Charleston. If you live in the Midlands or Pee Dee region and want authentic Korean BBQ, a trip to Greenville is usually your best option.

What to expect at your table

When you sit down at a Korean BBQ restaurant, the table itself is the kitchen. A grill surface—either gas-powered or charcoal—sits built into the center, and a vent hood above pulls smoke upward. The server brings your raw meat on a plate, along with scissors to cut it into smaller pieces if needed. You'll also receive a small gas lighter or matches to start the grill, though the staff usually handles this.

Banchan arrive first—these are the small side dishes that come with every Korean meal. Expect kimchi, seasoned vegetables, rice, and other pickled or fermented items. These are refillable and free. Once you order meat, you cook it on the grill surface, moving pieces around with tongs or chopsticks. The meat cooks quickly, usually in two to five minutes depending on thickness and your preferred doneness. Wrap cooked pieces in lettuce leaves, add ssamjang or other dipping sauces, and eat immediately.

Pricing and what to order

Korean BBQ pricing varies by restaurant and meat selection. Most places charge per person for an all-you-can-eat experience, or by weight for à la carte orders. Beef bulgogi and pork belly tend to be the most affordable options, while premium cuts like wagyu or aged beef cost significantly more. A meal for one person typically ranges from $20 to $50, depending on the restaurant and how much meat you order.

If you're new to Korean BBQ, start with beef bulgogi or pork belly—both are flavorful, cook quickly, and are forgiving if you slightly overcook them. Galbi (short ribs) are fattier and more tender but cost more. Many restaurants offer combination platters that let you try multiple cuts. Ask your server for recommendations based on your preferences and budget. Drinks—beer, soju, or non-alcoholic options—are ordered separately and add to your bill.

Planning your visit

Arrive hungry and plan for two to three hours, especially if you're dining with others. Korean BBQ is a social meal, and the pace is slower than typical restaurant dining because you're cooking as you eat. Wear clothes you don't mind smelling like smoke and grilled meat afterward—the smell lingers even after washing. Avoid loose sleeves or dangling jewelry that could catch on the grill or dip into the flame.

Make a reservation if possible, particularly for groups of four or more. Table grills take up significant space, so restaurants have fewer seats than traditional restaurants and fill up quickly. Many Korean BBQ spots don't take walk-ins during peak hours. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, call ahead—the banchan and marinades often contain soy, sesame, or other common allergens, and staff need time to prepare alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to grill to go to Korean BBQ?

No. The staff will show you how to use the grill and how long to cook each piece of meat. Most restaurants cater to first-timers and don't expect you to have prior experience. If you're nervous, tell your server—they can cook the meat for you or walk you through each step.

Can I go to Korean BBQ alone?

Yes, though many restaurants prefer groups because the experience is designed for sharing. Call ahead to confirm they'll seat a single diner, and expect to pay per-person pricing rather than ordering à la carte. Some restaurants have counter seating that works better for solo diners.

What if I don't eat meat?

Most Korean BBQ restaurants focus on grilled meat, but they typically offer vegetable banchan and can prepare vegetable-based dishes if you ask. Some places grill mushrooms, tofu, or vegetables on request, though this isn't the core of the menu. Call ahead to discuss vegetarian options so the kitchen can prepare something substantial for you.

Is Korean BBQ expensive?

It ranges from moderate to upscale depending on the restaurant and meat cuts you choose. Budget $25 to $40 per person for a standard meal with mid-range meat selections, or $50 to $80 per person for premium cuts. All-you-can-eat options are available at some restaurants and may offer better value if you plan to eat a lot.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for groups or weekend dining. Table grills limit seating capacity, so restaurants fill up quickly. Many don't accept walk-ins during busy times. Call or use online reservation systems to secure your spot in advance.