Best Korean Food in Penang: Top 10 Restaurants
Last updated: October 2026
Penang has a growing Korean food scene driven by a resident Korean community and K-culture fans. From charcoal-grilled galbi to spicy tteokbokki, George Town and Gurney Drive offer Korean restaurants ranging from casual takeaway joints to full-service BBQ houses.
This guide covers 10 Korean restaurants across Penang, verified in October 2026. Every entry includes address, hours, price range and what to order. Prices are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM).
Daorae Korean BBQ
One of Penang's longest-running Korean BBQ restaurants. The charcoal grill tables produce a proper sear on the marinated beef and pork belly. Side dishes are refillable and the soybean stew holds up well.
What to order: Marinated beef ribs (galbi), pork belly set, kimchi jjigae.
Seoul Garden
Steamboat and Korean BBQ buffet chain with a strong selection of marinated meats. The all-you-can-eat format suits groups. Lunch sets are cheaper than dinner.
What to order: BBQ buffet with beef bulgogi and seafood platter.
Miga Korean Restaurant
Small family-run spot in the heritage zone. The bibimbap arrives in a proper stone pot with a crispy rice base. Army stew is generous and feeds two comfortably.
What to order: Dolsot bibimbap, budae jjigae (army stew), japchae.
Mr Dakgalbi
Specialises in dakgalbi — stir-fried spicy chicken cooked on a flat grill at your table. The cheese topping version is popular. Quick lunch option in the mall food court area.
What to order: Cheese dakgalbi, fried rice finish with leftover sauce.
Koreana
Mid-range Korean restaurant popular with local Koreans. The cold noodles (naengmyeon) are a highlight in Penang's heat. Generous banchan spread with every order.
What to order: Mul naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles), galbi tang (short rib soup).
Oppa Kimbap
Budget-friendly Korean casual spot near the market. Kimbap rolls are made fresh and the tteokbokki has a proper chewy texture. Takeaway friendly.
What to order: Classic kimbap, spicy tteokbokki, corn cheese.
Gangnam 88
Waterfront Korean BBQ with marina views. The samgyeopsal (thick-cut pork belly) is the main draw. Dinner reservations recommended on weekends.
What to order: Samgyeopsal set, seafood pancake (haemul pajeon).
Hanbing Korean Dessert
Korean dessert cafe specialising in bingsu — shaved ice with toppings. The mango and injeolmi (rice cake) versions are the best sellers. Good for an afternoon cool-down.
What to order: Injeolmi bingsu, mango bingsu.
Kimchi Korean House
No-frills neighbourhood Korean restaurant with home-style cooking. The kimchi is house-made and the stews taste like they came from a Korean grandmother's kitchen.
What to order: Kimchi jjigae, doenjang jjigae, steamed egg.
K-Chicken
Korean fried chicken takeaway and dine-in. The double-fried technique gives a shatteringly crispy crust. Yangnyeom (sweet-spicy) and soy garlic flavours are the top picks.
What to order: Yangnyeom chicken, soy garlic chicken, pickled radish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Korean food in Penang halal?
It varies. Chain restaurants like Seoul Garden and Mr Dakgalbi are pork-free. Independent Korean BBQ restaurants often serve pork and are non-halal. We flag halal status on every entry.
How much does Korean BBQ cost in Penang?
Expect RM35–80 per person for a full Korean BBQ meal including meat, sides and rice. Buffet options like Seoul Garden start at around RM40 for lunch. Budget Korean casual spots serve kimbap and tteokbokki for RM10–20.
Where is the best area for Korean food in Penang?
Gurney Drive and Gurney Plaza have the highest concentration of Korean restaurants. George Town's heritage zone has a few independent spots. Queensbay Mall and Straits Quay also have options.