Sadang Restaurant TMB Charcoal BBQ: Seoul Locals’ Favorite Charcoal-Grilled Chicken for Generations

Step into the alley near Isu Station in Sadang-dong, Seoul, and you’ll immediately catch the smoky aroma that fills the street—coming from the legendary spot, TMB Charcoal-Grilled BBQ Chicken. This hidden gem in Sadang-dong serves authentic charcoal-grilled BBQ chicken that delivers the perfect combination of smoky flavor and addictive sweet-and-spicy seasoning. Only those who’ve tasted it know the depth of that real charcoal aroma and why locals call it a “must-visit” chicken spot. Take a bite, and you’ll experience the true flavor of fire-roasted BBQ chicken.

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TMB Charcoal-Grilled BBQ Chicken Sadang Branch Restaurant: Basic Information

28-Year-Old TMB Charcoal BBQ Chicken Near Isu Station, Sadang-dong, Seoul – Discover Why Locals Keep Coming Back

Restaurant Name	TMB 숯불바비큐 (TMB Charcoal-Grilled BBQ Chicken Sadang Branch)
Type of Cuisine	Korean
Restaurant Address	1st Floor, 16-5 Dongjak-daero 27-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Restaurant Business Hours	Monday – Saturday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM • Closes early when ingredients are sold out • Closed every Sunday
Parking	No parking available. • Use the Namseong Sage Market Public Parking Lot (₩300 per 5 minutes / ₩3,600 per hour)
Seating Capacity	Hall Tables and Counter Seating for 20+ Guests
Amenities	Clean Restrooms Separated by Gender, Suitable for Groups of 4 or More, Complimentary Fresh Filtered Water(Self-service), Delivery available, takeout available

In the late 1990s, following the IMF crisis in South Korea, many unemployed individuals turned to opening chicken restaurants. Fortunately, the 2002 World Cup sparked a nationwide craze for “chimaek” (chicken and beer), ushering in a true renaissance for Korean fried chicken. At the same time, grilled chicken—distinct from the traditional fried varieties—also began gaining popularity. As a result, from the mid-2000s onward, TMB Charcoal BBQ emerged alongside ZicoBa Chicken, Hulala Charcoal BBQ Chicken, Korea Charcoal BBQ Chicken, and Chondak Charcoal BBQ Chicken as part of the golden era of Korea’s top five charcoal BBQ chicken franchise brands.

The TMB Charcoal BBQ Chicken Sadang Branch featured in this review is a traditional eatery in Sadang-dong, Seoul, operating for 28 years.

TMB Charcoal-Grilled BBQ Chicken Sadang Branch Restaurant: Menu and Prices

Menu	Price (KRW)
Charcoal BBQ Chicken	• Charcoal Grilled BBQ Chicken with Sauce 22,000 KRW • Charcoal Grilled BBQ Chicken with Salt 22,000 KRW • Charcoal Half & Half BBQ Chicken (Sauce & Salt) 23,000 KRW
Side Dishes	• Dried Pollack (Nogari) 15,000 KRW • Silkworm Pupae (Beondegi) 15,000 KRW
Alcoholic Beverages	• Draft Beer 500cc 5,000 KRW • Draft Beer 1,700cc 16,000 KRW • Draft Beer 2,700cc 25,000 KRW • Bottled Beer 5,000 KRW • Soju 5,000 KRW
Beverages	• Coke / Sprite 2,000 KRW

TMB Charcoal-Grilled BBQ Chicken Sadang Branch Restaurant: Real Customer Reviews

Photo of the entrance of TMB Charcoal-Grilled BBQ Chicken – Sadang Branch

The TMB Charcoal BBQ Chicken location near Isu Station in Namseong Sagye Market, Sadang-dong, Seoul, has been serving customers at the same spot for 28 years. I visited last summer, arriving right at the restaurant’s opening time of 3:00 PM. At the Sadang-dong TMB Charcoal BBQ, the kitchen is located to the left of the entrance, and inside, the dining area is arranged as a mezzanine-style hall with tables. From the outside, the space might look small, but once inside, there are enough tables and chairs to comfortably seat over 20 people.

Photo of the interior of TMB Charcoal-Grilled BBQ Chicken – Sadang Branch

Photo of the cabbage salad at TMB Charcoal-Grilled BBQ Chicken – Sadang Branch

Photo of the radish pickles at TMB Charcoal-Grilled BBQ Chicken – Sadang Branch

Photo of the popular Half & Half Charcoal BBQ Chicken at TMB Charcoal-Grilled BBQ Chicken – Sadang Branch

We ordered the Half & Half Charcoal BBQ Chicken (₩23,000), a 500cc draft beer (₩5,000), and a 500ml bottle of Coca-Cola (₩2,000). On the table, there were napkins and stainless steel bins for discarding bones. With any charcoal BBQ menu, a cabbage salad and pickled radish (chikin-mu) are served as standard, and each guest gets a small plate and two forks for convenience. For menus that include the Charcoal Salt BBQ Chicken, salt and pepper seasoning are also provided for easy dipping. The cabbage salad is tossed with ketchup and mayonnaise, giving it a retro 1980s-style flavor.

Since the chicken is partially pre-grilled, we didn’t have to wait long for the fully cooked Charcoal BBQ Chicken to be served. The Half & Half Charcoal BBQ Chicken arrived sizzling on a hot iron plate. This menu lets you enjoy both the Charcoal Salt BBQ Chicken and the Charcoal Seasoned BBQ Chicken in one dish.

Photo of the salt-grilled portion of the Half & Half Charcoal BBQ Chicken at TMB Charcoal-Grilled BBQ Chicken – Sadang Branch

First, the Charcoal Salt BBQ Chicken has a crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat inside, offering a clean, non-greasy texture. The subtle aroma of charcoal infuses the chicken, teasing both your sense of smell and appetite. It’s delicious on its own, and even better when dipped in the accompanying salt-and-pepper seasoning. This is authentic, perfectly grilled chicken at its finest.

Photo of the seasoned portion of the Half & Half Charcoal BBQ Chicken at TMB Charcoal-Grilled BBQ Chicken – Sadang Branch

Next, the Charcoal Seasoned BBQ Chicken comes tossed in TMB’s signature marinade. The sauce is mildly spicy with a hint of sweetness on the finish, creating an addictive flavor that perfectly complements the smoky aroma of the grilled chicken. Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of seasoning, smoke, and tender meat. On that hot summer day, I enjoyed it with draft beer, but it made me want to order soju instead. I’m already planning a winter visit to pair this chicken with soju.

Since TMB specializes in grilled chicken, the cooking process allows much of the natural chicken fat to render out, so the meat isn’t overly juicy. The drumsticks, wings, and thigh sections remain tender, while the breast is slightly drier. Still, the texture feels more clean and lean than dry. Overall, the subtle charcoal aroma and, in the case of the seasoned BBQ, the flavorful marinade make for a highly satisfying experience.

Since I grew up enjoying this type of barbecue chicken, it was a nostalgic experience that carried the warm flavors of the past. My companion that day was a Gen Z American who has lived in the U.S. for a long time, so this flavor wasn’t something familiar—but they found it incredibly addictive and thoroughly enjoyed every bite. It was so delicious that the two of us finished everything in about 30 minutes.

If you’re wondering what to eat near Sadang Station in Seoul, don’t hesitate—try the TMB Charcoal BBQ Chicken I’ve introduced today. You’ll get to taste authentic, 28-year-old traditional charcoal-grilled chicken, a flavor that’s truly rare these days. This review is 100% personally written, based on my own purchase, and I can verify it with a receipt.

Recommended Menu Picks

For first-time visitors, these menu items are highly recommended:

1. Charcoal Grilled BBQ Chicken with Sauce – Authentic Korean Charcoal BBQ Chicken with a uniquely spicy marinade you won’t find anywhere else—beloved by Koreans worldwide.

2. Charcoal Grilled BBQ Chicken with Salt – It’s mild and savory, not spicy, making it ideal for foreigners who are used to lightly salted flavors.

3. Charcoal Half & Half BBQ Chicken (Sauce & Salt) – This menu lets you enjoy both the spicy seasoned sauce and the mild, savory salt flavor in one dish.

Final Verdict

TMB Charcoal BBQ Chicken delivers authentic Korean charcoal-grilled flavor with 28 years of perfected technique. The Half & Half menu offers both mildly seasoned salt chicken and savory, slightly spicy marinade, satisfying a variety of palates. Its clean, tender meat and smoky aroma make it a must-visit local favorite in Sadang-dong.

💡 Pro Tip: Arrive early around opening time to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Pair the seasoned BBQ with draft beer for a classic combo, or try the salt-grilled option if you prefer a less spicy, cleaner taste. Don’t forget to finish with a round of dipping in the salt-and-pepper seasoning for maximum flavor.

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