Korean BBQ hidden-cost decoder
The "₩12,000 BBQ!" sticker on the door doesn't tell you about the service charge (10% on meat), the 반찬 (banchan) refills (free at good places, ₩3,000–₩5,000 at tourist ones), the 2-hour time limit, or the "고기 남기면" waste fee. And the choice between 1인분 (per-person set) and 뷔페 (all-you-can-eat) has a sharp math cliff around group size and appetite. This tool shows the real cost including the fees nobody mentions upfront.
True cost calculator
What this solves
"Korean BBQ is cheap" is a half-truth. For solo / pairs, a 1인분 set is often more expensive per person than expected. For groups of 4+, 뷔페 wins almost always — provided you actually eat ₩15,000+ worth of meat. The math changes if you drink, if you stay past 2 hours, or if you over-order. It also changes based on whether the restaurant is local or tourist-area (the latter adds 10–30%).
1인분 vs 뷔페
1인분 (per-person set, ₩12,000–₩25,000): single-portion meat + sides. Best for solo / pairs wanting quality. 뷔페 (all-you-can-eat, ₩20,000–₩35,000): unlimited meat, sides, sometimes drinks. Wins for groups of 4+ who eat ₩15,000+ per person.
Service charge & sides
Most non-franchise BBQs charge 10% service on meat only (not drinks). 반찬 (banchan) refills at good places are free; at tourist places, ₩3,000–₩5,000 per refill. 계절밥 (seasonal rice) often ₩3,000; 된장찌개 upsell ₩3,000–₩5,000.
Time limit
Standard limit is 2 hours. After that, ₩5,000–₩10,000 per additional 30 min, or staff starts hinting. Plan to finish in 1.5h unless you've ordered a lot.
Waste fee
Some places charge ₩5,000–₩10,000 if meat remains uncooked on your table at end. This is real and documented at franchise BBQs like 삼겹살의 본질. Read the table card before you order more than you'll eat.
How to read the result
- Per-person total = final cost including everything estimated.
- The "Best pick" line tells you what format to choose at this group size.
- The "Hidden extras" line breaks down what to expect.
Limitations
- 뷔페 prices vary by tier (basic ₩20,000 vs premium ₩35,000) — set toggle as needed.
- Banchan upsell is not universal; in non-tourist areas it's almost always free.
- Some places charge for meat waste differently; we use a typical range.
- Drinks at BBQ places: soju ₩5,000, beer ₩5,000–₩7,000, maekju ₩5,000.
- Specialty shops (한우 only) may not offer 뷔페.
FAQ
Is 뷔페 always cheaper than ordering meat?
No — only if you'd order ₩15,000+ of meat anyway. Pairs at ₩20,000/100g × 200g = ₩40,000 — 뷔페 loses.
Do I have to cook the meat myself?
Most places yes. Premium / 명품 한우 places sometimes have staff grilling for you; cheaper places expect self-service.
Can I share 뷔페 across the table?
Yes, the table shares; total bill is per-person × group size.
What's a fair 1인당 price?
Local 1인분 ₩18,000–₩25,000 total; local 뷔페 ₩25,000–₩32,000 total. Tourist area ~40% on top.