Cuisine

Korean BBQ (한식 고기구이 레스토랑)

District

Mapo (마포구) , Seoul

Address

Seoul Mapo-gu Yanghwaro16-gil 33

Doma is a yakiniku-style beef restaurant near Hongdae Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul, offering a Japanese-influenced small-portion ordering system that lets diners sample multiple cuts in one sitting. The signature kkotsal (floral-patterned beef) is exceptionally tender, practically melting on the tongue, and gains another dimension of flavor when dipped in herb salt or wasabi. A house-made specialty called tiger salt also enhances the meat beautifully. The yukhoe (Korean beef tartare) rivals dedicated raw beef restaurants in quality, and is also available as yukhoe bibimbap and yukhoe naengmyeon. The doenjang jjigae, affectionately called addictive by regulars, arrives bubbling hot and becomes irresistible when mixed with rice, while every banchan dish demonstrates a level of care uncommon for a grill restaurant. Pricing reflects the quality of beef served, with a meal for two running approximately 98,000 won, which locals consider reasonable given the ingredient quality in the Hongdae area. The interior is compact but charming, with a youthful, cozy design aesthetic. Staff grill the meat tableside over charcoal, managing the fire and rotating cuts attentively. The restaurant has gained significant popularity among international tourists in recent years, making advance reservations strongly advisable to avoid lengthy waits.