Han River BBQ at Arisu Manchan: Seoul Dining Guide & Review

💝 BBQ by the Han River? My Fall Tradition 🌙

Outdoor riverside seats — the best way to enjoy BBQ by the Han River.^^

안녕하세요, I'm Hangeulia. ^-^

Disclosure: This post is based on my personal visit and experience (내돈내산). No sponsorship.
Last updated: 2025.12 (Hours/policies can change seasonally.)

Every autumn, I make it a ritual to visit Arisu Manchan (아리수만찬) by the Han River. The crisp fall air, the glow of the sunset, and the smell of sizzling BBQ — honestly, it’s the perfect Seoul evening. It may not be as convenient as a regular restaurant, but if you want to enjoy a truly local-style experience by the river, this place is worth it ^^

In this post, I’ll share:

• What Arisu Manchan is (and why it’s different from typical Korean BBQ)
• Exactly how it works: check-in → table → market shopping → charcoal setup
• What to buy inside the market (budget-friendly “go-to” list)
• BBQ rules you should know before you go (fees, refills, grill rules)
• How to grill like a pro (less smoke first!) + Han River ramyeon tip
• How to get there (subway + taxi, parking, map)
• Local tips, FAQs, and a realistic “who this place is best for” guide

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💜 What is Arisu Manchan?

So before we dive into the details, let’s start with the basics — quick and simple.^^

The view straight from your BBQ table — peaceful Han River and skyline.

Arisu Manchan isn’t your typical Korean BBQ joint. Located near Yanghwa Ferry Dock (양화선착장) in Yeongdeungpo, this riverside spot combines outdoor grilling with panoramic Han River views — part market, part picnic, part trendy Seoul hangout.

❤ At a Glance

• Location: Yanghwa Ferry Dock, Yeongdeungpo
• Subway: Line 9 Seonyudo Exit 1 (5 min taxi), Line 2 Dangsan Exit 4 (5 min taxi)
• Parking: Yanghwa Hangang Park Parking Lot 3
• Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM (season/weather may affect)
• Time limit: 2 hours per table
• Cost: ₩30,000–50,000 per person
• Pet-friendly: Often okay (policies can vary — check onsite signage)
• Best time: Arrive one hour before sunset
• Best season: April–June & September–November (not too hot, not too cold)
• Best day: Weekdays — easier to enjoy without long waits
• Bring a jacket — the river breeze can be chilly

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💜 How It Works

Now that you know what kind of place this is, let’s walk through how your visit actually works — step by step, especially if it’s your first time.^^

1. Check in (waiting system)

Be prepared — waiting can reach over 20 teams on weekends! ><

At the entrance, you’ll register on the waiting pad with your phone number. You’ll get a call when it’s your turn. Weekdays can be quick, but weekends often mean a long wait.
Front-row seats facing the river are the most popular, so they may take longer.

💛 Tip – What you might hear at check-in:
• “앞자리는 기다려야 하셔야 하고, 뒷자리는 바로 들어가실 수 있어요.”
(Ap-jja-ri-neun gi-da-ryeo-ya ha-syeo-ya ha-go, dwi-jja-ri-neun ba-ro deu-reo-ga-sil su is-seo-yo
→ “For the front seats you’ll need to wait, but the back seats are available right away.”)

• “앞쪽에 앉으실 거에요? 뒷쪽에 앉으실 거에요?”
(Ap-jjok-e anj-eu-sil geo-eh-yo? Dwi-jjok-e anj-eu-sil geo-eh-yo
→ “Would you like to sit in the front? Or the back?”)

👉 Your reply can be simple:
– “앞쪽에 앉을게요.”
(Ap-jjok-e an-jeul-ge-yo → I’ll sit in the front.)
– “뒷쪽에 앉을게요.”
(Dwi-jjok-e an-jeul-ge-yo → I’ll sit in the back.)

If it’s your first visit, I recommend trying for the front row at least once.^^ Just remember: jacket on, hair tied, and don’t put your phone too close to the grill (it gets hot fast).

2. Table assignment

Every table comes with its own grill — and that view. This is the very front row, where the view is the best. If you want this seat, I recommend coming on a weekday for less waiting.

When it’s your turn, staff will assign a table number. Keep it — you’ll need it to shop inside.

3. Shop inside the market

A look inside the market — pick your meats, sides, and drinks before BBQ time ^^

With your table number, head into the market, pick your food and drinks, then pay at the counter. Think of it as “BBQ grocery shopping” before your meal.^^

4. Initial setup (charcoal + basics)

Scissors, tongs, salt, kimchi, onions, and ssamjang — your BBQ essentials.

Staff will bring the basics (salt, ssamjang, kimchi, utensils) and set up your charcoal and grill. After that, it’s mostly DIY — which is part of the fun, but also why reading the rules helps.^^

5. Grill order tip (less smoke first)

Fresh cuts on the grill — the BBQ fun begins! ^^

Start with pork neck (목살) — it’s usually less smoky. Save pork belly (삼겹살) for later, once the fire calms down.

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💜 What to Buy Inside the Market

Once you’ve checked in, got your table number, and seen how the system works, the next big question is simple: what should you actually buy inside the market?

Grab your basket: pork, sausages, and Hetbahn rice ready to go.

My go-to shopping list:

• Pork neck (목살) & pork belly (삼겹살)
• Sausages & mushrooms (버섯)
• Extras: garlic, pa-jeori (파절이 – seasoned green onion salad)
• Drinks: water, soda, or beer 
• Hetbahn (햇반 – instant rice) → peel slightly and microwave for 2 minutes

❤ Budget: It usually comes to around ₩30,000–50,000 per person, depending on what you pick.
❤ Timing tip: Arrive about one hour before sunset so you can enjoy the river in three moods: daytime → golden sunset → sparkling night. 완전강추 (highly recommended) for the full “Seoul river” vibe.^^

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💜 BBQ Rules & Things to Know

Before you get too excited and start grilling, there are a few important rules and policies you should know — especially if this is your first time at Arisu Manchan.

• Basic charges: A charcoal fee of ₩5,000 per table and a table setting fee of ₩1,000 per person are added to your bill. (These prices may change year to year.)


• 2-hour limit⏰ per table. Extra charcoal ≈ ₩2,000 after 50–60 minutes. (In my experience, one set lasted fine for two hours.)


• No outside food/drinks (restaurant policy).


• Kimchi rule: Don’t place kimchi directly on the grill. If you want grilled kimchi, buy the tray version.


• Side dishes: Only salt, ssamjang, and sesame oil are refillable. Other sides (like kimchi or green onion salad) are not refillable.


• No exchange/refund for meat once purchased.


• Grill plates are not replaced (unlike usual Korean BBQ restaurants).

Info note: Specific fees and refill policies can vary by season and branch. If you want the latest details, double-check onsite signage or current map listings before you go. (Updated: 2025.12)

❤ How It’s Different from Usual Korean BBQ

If you’re used to regular Korean BBQ restaurants, this might feel a little different at first — so here’s the quick comparison.^^

In a typical Korean BBQ restaurant, you often get free side refills, grill plate changes, charcoal swaps, and more table service. Arisu Manchan is different: it’s a BBQ market experience with clearer rules. Some people find it inconvenient — but the trade-off is huge: outdoor charcoal grilling with a Han River view. It’s about making a one-of-a-kind memory, not endless banchan.^^

❤ Why Locals & Foreign Travelers Love It

Evening BBQ with a glowing Han River view at Arisu Manchan.

• Han River views: Best at sunset or under twinkling night lights.
• DIY BBQ fun: Pick your meats, seafood, and veggies, then grill them yourself.
• Pet-friendly vibe: Often okay — just stay extra careful around charcoal and crowded aisles.

Locals come here for casual hangouts with friends or family, while travelers love how “Seoul” it feels: open-air BBQ, skyline, and that river breeze.^^

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💜 How to Grill the Meat (Simple Steps)

Juicy pork cuts and assorted sausages sizzling over charcoal.

1. Use the tongs to place the meat and sausages on the grill.
2. Sprinkle a little salt (don’t overdo it).
3. When both sides are partly cooked, cut the meat into bite-size pieces with scissors.
4. Flip often to prevent burning (charcoal can be sneaky).
5. Add mushrooms (버섯) and grill/cut as you go.
6. Move cooked pieces to the side where the fire is weaker.
7. Place new meat in the center and enjoy the cooked pieces while the new batch grills.

Quick safety & comfort tips (locals do this):

• Windy night? Keep paper items and sleeves away from the flame. The river breeze is real.
• With kids or pets? Charcoal grills are hot and crowds are busy — keep a safe distance and stay alert.
• Smell tip: Bring a light outer layer you don’t mind smelling like BBQ, and tie your hair up.^^

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💜 Han River Ramyeon (한강라면)

After all that grilling, there’s only one proper way to finish the meal — Han River ramyeon (한강라면).^^

Cook your own steaming hot ramyeon at the electric cooker.

After BBQ, finish with ramen using the electric ramyeon cooker in the market. There’s usually a microwave for Hetbahn, too.

1. Buy your ramyeon and put all the ingredients into the provided bowl.
2. Press the menu button (regular ramyeon: 일반라면-신라면, 진라면, 안성탕면 /jjajang ramyeon: 짜장라면-짜파게티, 불닭볶음면/jjamppong ramyeon: 짬뽕라면-너구리, 진짬뽕, 칼국수).
3. Press start/stop (시작/정지).
4. Optional: add an egg when there’s about 60 seconds left, then stir.

Usually, choosing regular ramyeon(일반라면) works just fine. Keep in mind that the machines can vary depending on the store or park.
👉 Want to see the auto-detect version of the cooker? Check out my full 한강라면 review.

Trust me, hot ramyeon + river lights = pure happiness ^^

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💜 How to Get There

If this sounds like your kind of place, here’s how to actually get there without stress.^^

Cross the bridge and enter through the center entrance — then head right to find the Arisu Manchan market and the waiting registration pad. ^^

👉View on Google Maps (Arisu Manchan)

• By Subway + Taxi:
  • Line 9 Seonyudo Station (선유도역) Exit 1 → 5 minutes by taxi
  • Line 2 Dangsan Station (당산역) Exit 4 → 5 minutes by taxi
• By Car: Navigate to Yanghwa Hangang Park Parking Lot 3 (양화한강공원 3주차장) for the closest parking.
• By Map: Search “Arisu Manchan” on Google Maps or Naver Map.

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💜 Local Tips (So You Enjoy It More)

Before or after BBQ, enjoy a picnic on the grassy lawn by the Han River. ^^

• Weekdays = fewer waits and a better chance for front-row seats.
• Arrive 1 hour before sunset for day → sunset → night views in one sitting.
• Bring a picnic mat (돗자리) to relax on the grass before or after your table time.
• Use your 2-hour table time for grilling and eating. Afterward, move to the grass, enjoy the breeze, and finish with ramyeon.^^

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💜 FAQ

Do I need a reservation?

Usually it’s a waiting/check-in system rather than reservations. On weekdays you may get in quickly, but weekends can be a long wait. If you want the best river-facing seats, weekdays are your best bet.^^

What’s the best time to go for the “Seoul sunset” moment?

I recommend arriving about one hour before sunset. You’ll get the full mood shift: bright river → golden glow → sparkling night skyline.

Is it okay to bring a dog?

It’s generally pet-friendly, but please keep your dog safely away from charcoal grills and crowded aisles. A short leash and a calm spot under the table help a lot.^^

Are fees and refill rules always the same?

Not always. Policies can change by season and can differ by branch. If you want the latest details, check current map listings or onsite signage when you arrive. (Updated: 2025.12)

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💜 Final Thoughts

Best for:

• People who want a true “Han River night” mood — sunset, breeze, skyline
• Friends/couples who don’t mind DIY grilling and simple rules
• Travelers looking for an “only in Seoul” dining experience

Not ideal for:

• Anyone who wants full table service, unlimited sides, or constant grill changes
• People who dislike smoke or outdoor seating in chilly weather

If you’re searching for Han River BBQ in Seoul, Arisu Manchan (아리수만찬) is worth trying at least once.^^

Here’s the honest truth: this isn’t the place for people who want full table service, unlimited side refills, or constant grill changes. It’s more DIY, and the rules can feel stricter than a typical Korean BBQ spot.

But if what you want is a real Seoul riverside night — grilling over charcoal, laughing with friends, feeling the breeze, and finishing with 한강라면 (Hangang ramyeon) while the skyline lights up — then this place delivers that “only in Korea” vibe in the best way. ^^

With love,
한글리아 😊

P.S. There's also a Jamsil branch (잠실점) listed online. Unlike the Yanghwa branch, the Jamsil location charges a ₩5,000 table setting fee per person (higher than Yanghwa), but in return, you get unlimited refills of the basic side dishes. Since policies and fees can vary by branch and change over time, I recommend checking the latest details on official channels or map listings before you go.^^

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💫Keep Exploring the Han River with Me

If you loved this Arisu Manchan story, you might also enjoy:

• 🌿 Yeouido Hangang Park Local Guide
• 🌈 Banpo Rainbow Fountain Night Guide
• 🍜 How to Eat Hangang Ramyeon Like a Local

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