세미계 – Chicken BBQ meets Tex-Mex. 2019 Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand designation.
There are two locations. One is in Hannam Dong up the hill from Soon Chun Hyang (SCH) Hospital right past Na-Joo BBQ restaurant and the other one is in Cheongdam Dong near Hak Dong Intersection.
This is a chicken BBQ place that serves 닭갈비 (chicken thighs) – W13,000 and 목살 (neck meat) – W14,000 in three different marinades – (1) salt (2) soy sauce (3) spicy. While all tasted great, the soy sauce marinade (neck meat) was the cut that we repeatedly ordered. Along with regular panchan (side dishes) comes a plate of tortilla slices. Extra tortilla wrap slices costs W2,000. We also ordered a side of guacamole for W3,000 in addition to the cheese queso – W8,000. The guacamole was on the small side. I recommend you order one guacamole per person. As the Michelin Guide review points out, the chicken neck meat is the star of the show.
You can eat your chicken (1) naked (2) Korean-style with lettuce + samjang or (3) Tex-Mex with tortilla slices topped with guacamole and extra onions that you toast up on the grill. Everything was delicious. All of the chicken dishes come partially grilled.
The cheese queso was on the soupy side but when you dunk the chicken slices into the cheese, all is good. The kimchi fried rice was fantastic. Free Wine Corkage to boot! Will be back for sure.
If you have a Naver account, you can book directly online. There is a reservation (예약) button on the store info page. Minimum headcount to make reservations is 4 people. There is a waiting list outside for those who did not make reservations. Recommendations are strongly recommended!
“Located on embassy row in Hannam-dong, Semigye is a bustling establishment that specializes in chicken grilled over oak charcoal. The restaurant’s signature cut is the boneless chicken neck – the muscle that wraps around the neck and runs all the way down to the spine. The carefully filleted meat is served partially grilled and comes in three different versions: lightly salted, marinated in soy sauce, or marinated in spicy sauce. Grab a soft tortilla and pile on the grilled chicken and vegetable side dishes. Free wine corkage.” -MICHELIN Guide Inspectors
Valet parking is available.
