Maple Tree House is an upscale Korean barbecue restaurant at 26 Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, Itaewon 1-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul 04350. Part of the Korean brand established in Samcheong-dong in 2005, this Itaewon branch pairs premium beef and pork with polished, contemporary surroundings. Travelers come for tabletop grilling, shared Korean side dishes, and an approachable introduction to barbecue in one of Seoul’s most internationally oriented dining neighborhoods.
What to Expect at Maple Tree House
The meal centers on meat cooked over a grill built into your table, with individual extraction hoods drawing smoke upward. Beef short ribs, sirloin, and pork belly are central to the restaurant’s barbecue identity; compare the available cuts on the official menu before ordering. Unmarinated meat lets you concentrate on the cut itself, while marinated beef brings the sweet-savory character associated with Korean galbi. Staff generally assist with grilling and cutting the meat into bite-size pieces.
Expect a modern dining room rather than a rustic grill house: metallic ventilation fittings and neatly arranged tables make the cooking equipment part of the interior. Banchan, the small accompanying side dishes, provide contrasting textures and flavors; their selection can change. Build lettuce wraps with grilled meat and condiments, then add rice or a soup to make the meal more substantial. Soju and Korean beer are natural pairings. This is a meat-led restaurant, not a dependable choice for a full vegan meal; discuss vegetarian needs, wheat-containing marinades, and allergies before ordering.
- Tabletop barbecue: Watch your chosen cuts cook at the table rather than arriving plated from the kitchen.
- Beef short ribs: A useful starting point for exploring Korean barbecue’s richer, beef-focused side.
- Pork belly: Grill until the edges brown, then balance its richness with vegetables and condiments.
- Banchan and wraps: Alternate meat with small side dishes and leafy wraps instead of eating everything separately.
- Contemporary interior: Individual extraction hoods and orderly table settings create a more polished setting than a basic neighborhood grill.
Maple Tree House at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 26 Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul 04350, South Korea |
| Neighborhood / Area | Itaewon 1-dong, north of Itaewon-ro |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Friday: 11:30am–3pm and 5–10pm; Saturday–Sunday: 11:30am–10pm |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$; premium à la carte barbecue, with drinks and additional dishes increasing the bill |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Itaewon Station, Seoul Subway Line 6; Exit 1 is convenient. Paid parking operates around central Itaewon. |
| Official Website & Phone | Maple Tree House; +82 2-790-7977 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive around 11:30am for lunch or 5pm for dinner if you prefer to eat before the busiest service period. Telephone ahead for a larger party, a weekend dinner, or seating requirements, and specify the Itaewon branch. Weekday service pauses between 3pm and 5pm, so this is not an all-afternoon dining option Monday through Friday. Order in rounds rather than committing immediately to several expensive cuts. Ask how many portions suit your group and whether any minimum order applies. Casual clothing is appropriate; a credit card is practical for payment.
From Itaewon Station on Line 6, allow roughly five minutes on foot, using the lanes north of the main road. Itaewon’s side streets have gradients and uneven pavement; wheelchair users should use station elevators rather than assuming Exit 1 provides step-free access. Call the restaurant about entrance steps, table clearance, and toilet access before traveling. Drivers should budget for paid parking and narrow approaches rather than assume complimentary spaces. Pair lunch with Itaewon World Food Street nearby, or walk approximately 10–15 minutes toward Itaewon Antique Furniture Street south of the main road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best arrival times?
Weekday hours are 11:30am–3pm and 5–10pm; weekends run continuously from 11:30am–10pm. Arriving at the beginning of lunch or dinner gives you more flexibility than arriving during the main evening rush.
How expensive is Maple Tree House, and should I reserve?
Expect a $$$ meal, with premium beef costing more than a straightforward pork barbecue order. Check the official website for menu information and telephone ahead for group or peak-time bookings.
How long should I allow for the meal?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for ordering, successive rounds of grilling, and accompanying dishes. Larger groups sampling several cuts should leave extra time rather than schedule an immediate onward connection.
Is it suitable for children or travelers with mobility needs?
Families can share the barbecue, but children need close supervision around the hot tabletop grill. The surrounding lanes are sloped; discuss step-free entry and suitable seating directly with the branch before booking.
When planning your Seoul travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Seoul, pair this stop with standout local spots including Culture Station Seoul 284, Arario Museum, SCT Mall, and EID Halal Korean Food (حلا) (0.3 km away).
