Pork Belly Korean Food (Everything You Need to Know in 2024)

Pork belly Korean food's secret unravel time!

I came to Korea in September 2023 as a student of IBA and got a chance to work in various places. And I’ve also worked in a shop called Tong Baab, which is situated in a sports complex, a baseball field. The main food items were Kimchi and Pork Belly known as “samgyeopsal” (삼겹살) in Korean.

Let’s deep dive on it why it’s very famous and why you don’t miss it.

Table of Contents

Importance of Pork Belly

Pork Belly “samgyeopsal” (삼겹살) is extremely popular in Korea, and a day cannot be passed without having it in Korea.

Cooking and eating samgyeopsal is often a communal experience, shared with family and friends. It’s common for everyone to gather around the grill, cooking and eating together.

This dish is enjoyed in homes, specialized restaurants, and casual dining spots. There are even all-you-can-eat samgyeopsal restaurants.

Variations of Pork Belly

There are two types of Pork Belly “samgyeopsal” (삼겹살) found in Korea. Two of them have different vibes you have to choice on your own.

Marinated: While the plain version is the most traditional, marinated versions are also popular. Marinades can include ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and Korean pear.

Spicy: Some variations include a spicy marinade using gochujang, which adds a different layer of flavor to the meat.