Top 5 all you can eat buffet restaurants in Seoul 2026

Seoul’s culinary landscape has evolved dramatically over the last few years, and as we step into 2026, the "All You Can Eat" (AYCE) culture has reached new heights of sophistication. The days of quantity over quality are long gone. Today, Seoul’s buffet scene is a bifurcation of ultra-luxury hotel dining experiences and highly specialized, tech-integrated casual chains.

For international travelers, navigating this scene can be daunting. Reservations for top-tier establishments often open one month in advance and fill up within 3 minutes of release. Meanwhile, prices have adjusted to reflect global inflation, with the average luxury hotel buffet now costing approximately ₩195,000 ($145 USD) per person on weekends. However, the value proposition remains incredibly high compared to Western standards due to the sheer variety of premium ingredients like Hanwoo beef, abalone, and snow crab.

Related reading: Korean Buffet Culture All You Can Eat Options Guide.

In this comprehensive guide, we have curated the top 5 buffet experiences in Seoul for 2026. We have analyzed over 40 distinct venues, filtering them by food quality, service standards, English-friendliness, and accessibility. Whether you are looking for a celebratory lobster feast or an authentic Korean BBQ binge, this list covers the essential dining destinations.

For more details, check out our guide on Korean Seasonal Fish Guide 2026 Best Seafood by Season.

1. The Parkview at The Shilla Seoul: The Gold Standard

The Parkview remains the undisputed king of Seoul's buffet scene in 2026. Located at the foot of Namsan Mountain, The Shilla Hotel offers an ambiance that blends traditional Korean aesthetics with modern luxury. What sets The Parkview apart is the "live cooking" concept, which has been expanded this year to include a dedicated dim sum station staffed by chefs recruited directly from Guangzhou.

Related reading: Andong Jjimdak best restaurants in the hometown guide.

The venue is massive, yet intimate, with tables spaced 1.5 meters apart to ensure privacy—a rarity in Seoul's dense dining scene. The standout feature is the concierge-style service; used plates disappear within 45 seconds of you finishing a dish.

Related reading: Best Korean BBQ Restaurants in Seoul 2026 Ultimate Guide.

The Menu and Experience

In 2026, The Parkview priced its weekend dinner at ₩205,000. While steep, this grants you access to unlimited grilled lobster tail, dry-aged steak, and a sushi counter that rivals mid-tier Omakase restaurants in Gangnam. The ingredients are sourced daily; for instance, the sashimi station utilizes fish delivered from the Noryangjin Fish Market every morning at 5:00 AM.

2. Viking's Wharf: The Lobster Paradise

If your primary goal is seafood, specifically lobster, Viking's Wharf is the only logical choice. Operated by a major seafood importer, this restaurant made waves by pricing its menu in US Dollars rather than Korean Won. In 2026, the price is fixed at $110 USD for adults. You can pay in Won or USD, but the Won amount fluctuates daily based on the exchange rate announced by IBK Bank at the entrance.

The flagship location in Lotte World Mall (Jamsil) spans over 1,000 square meters and features tanks filled with live lobsters imported from North America. Unlike other buffets where lobster is a side dish, here it is the main event.

Why It Stands Out

Viking's Wharf differentiates itself through brand partnerships. Dessert is not generic; you get full servings of TWG Tea, Paul Bassett Coffee, and Gelato from G.Fassi. In 2026, they introduced a new "Shellfish Steaming" station featuring seasonal scallops and clams from the West Sea.

3. Aria at Westin Josun: The City Center Classic

Located near City Hall and Myeongdong, Aria provides the most convenient access for travelers staying in the city center. It is within a 400-meter walking radius of major tourist sites like Deoksugung Palace. Aria is famous for its consistency and specifically its snow crab and grilled lamb chops.

The interior was renovated in late 2024, shifting to a brighter, Art Deco-inspired look. The layout is designed around "Three Stations"—Grill, Japanese, and Chinese/Korean.

Value Analysis

At ₩190,000 for dinner, it slightly undercuts The Shilla while offering comparable food quality. The distinct advantage here is the grilled lamb (Yang-galbi). Aria reportedly imports over 30 tons of premium lamb annually, and the marinade is a proprietary recipe aged for 48 hours.

4. Myeong Ryun Jinsa Galbi: The Budget King

Shifting gears from luxury hotels to mass appeal, Myeong Ryun Jinsa Galbi represents the "New Wave" of Korean BBQ buffets. By 2026, this franchise revamped its image from a budget student eatery to a "Premium" casual dining spot. It has over 550 locations across Korea, meaning you are never more than 15 minutes away from one by taxi.

For a flat fee of approximately ₩19,900 (prices vary slightly by location), diners get unlimited pork ribs (Galbi), pork belly (Samgyeopsal), seasoned chicken, and pork rinds. The 2026 "New Version" stores also include a mini-buffet bar with Tteokbokki, fried sides, and burger buns to make your own "Galbi Burger."

Strategic Dining

This is a self-service environment. You grab the meat from the refrigerator cases, change your own grill mesh (in some locations), and pour your own drinks. It offers an authentic look into everyday Korean dining culture.

5. Ashley Queens: The Family Favorite

Ashley Queens is the quintessential family restaurant in Korea. Owned by the E-Land Group, these buffets are often located in department stores or near Han River cruise terminals. The Yeouido E-Land Cruise terminal branch is particularly popular for the view.

In 2026, Ashley Queens focuses on a "World Gourmet" concept, rotating menus every season (Strawberry season in spring, Cheese season in autumn). The dinner price sits comfortably at ₩35,900, making it the perfect middle ground between the street BBQ and the 5-star hotel.

Technology and Service

Ashley has fully embraced automation. Waiters have been largely replaced by serving robots. You call a robot to your table to deposit dirty plates. This helps keep labor costs down and the entry price accessible. The buffet features over 200 items, including sushi, pizza, pasta, Korean food, and a famous waffle station.

How to Secure Your Reservation

In 2026, you cannot simply walk into a top-tier buffet in Seoul on a weekend. The competition is fierce. Most reservations for the following month open on the 1st day of the current month at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM Korean Standard Time.

Practical Tips for the International Traveler

Dress Code and Etiquette

While "Smart Casual" is the official rule for hotel buffets, Seoulites dress well. For dinner at The Shilla or Josun, avoid shorts and flip-flops. For Myeong Ryun Jinsa Galbi or Ashley, casual attire is perfectly acceptable.

The "Break Time" Phenomenon

Unlike Western restaurants that might stay open continuously, Korean buffets have strict break times between lunch and dinner to reset the food stations.

• Lunch: Usually ends strictly at 14:30 or 15:00.
• Break: 15:00 to 17:30.
• Dinner: Starts at 17:30 or 18:00.
• Data Point: If you arrive at 14:00 for lunch, you will still pay full price but only have 30 minutes to eat.

Conclusion

Seoul's buffet scene in 2026 offers an incredible spectrum of dining experiences. Whether you are willing to spend over $150 for world-class luxury at The Parkview, or want to experience the energetic, smoky atmosphere of Myeong Ryun Jinsa Galbi for under $20, there is a venue that fits your travel style.

Remember that dining in Seoul is fast-paced. The food is abundant, the service is efficient, and the demand is high. By booking in advance and utilizing apps like CatchTable, you can ensure that your culinary journey in Korea is as smooth as it is delicious.