In this guide
To eat Korean in Asunción, first decide what kind of meal you want: traditional home cooking, a tabletop grill to share, or something milder for anyone who isn't used to chilli. Home-style cooking has its roots around Mercado 4, tabletop grills cluster toward Avenida Mariscal López and Villa Morra, and the city centre and San Cristóbal have places in between.
Where did Korean food in Asunción start?
Much of the Korean community lives between Mercado 4 and the San Vicente neighbourhood, which is why that area is seen as the birthplace of the city's Korean restaurants; over time they spread to other barrios (Pausa, August 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Mercado 4 sits in barrio Pettirossi and grew along Avenida Perú and Avenida Pettirossi (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
The local classic is Gangnam, at Perú 1091 between República de Colombia and Teniente Fariña: bulgogi, bibimbap, jeyuk bokkeum (spicy stir-fried pork), pajeon and champong, and the banchan (small side dishes) are refilled as often as you like. It delivers (Pausa (opens in a new tab); also named by InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab)).
Traditional or something milder?
- For the traditional table: Gangnam, for the home-style menu and refillable sides.
- For someone who can't handle heat: Seúl, on Calle Chile between General Díaz and Oliva in the centre. It began as a restaurant and grill in Mercado 4 and now tones down the chilli for diners who aren't used to it: cream tteokbokki, pork ribs, kimbap and a build-your-own ramyeon bar. Reservations and takeaway (Pausa (opens in a new tab); InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab)).
- A bit of everything: Su, at Guido Spano 1712 near San Martín in San Cristóbal. Bulgogi, seafood champong, rose tteokbokki and grilled cuts ordered with or without chilli (Pausa (opens in a new tab)). InfoNegocios (December 2024) (opens in a new tab) listed it as open Tuesday to Sunday, lunch and dinner.
Want Korean barbecue at the table?
This is the best pick for a group: each table grills its own meat and shares it with the sides.
- Hansik, Avenida Mariscal López near Bélgica. Tables with built-in grills and extractor hoods; beef, pork, poultry and seafood cuts, with combos for two or more. In September 2025 it offered all-you-can-eat meat at G. 175,000 per person (Pausa (opens in a new tab)). The family has run the brand since 2008, and its signature dish is sweet-and-sour pork ribs with nine sides (InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab)).
- Kyungkyune, main restaurant on Otazú near Teniente Alcorta 1463, plus a branch at Villa Morra Park, Mariscal López and Malutín. For a first visit the owner recommends the seasoned tenderloin and picanha (InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab); Trip.com (opens in a new tab)). The Villa Morra Park branch is dinner only (InfoNegocios, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
- Maru 79, Juan Zorrilla de San Martín 1384 near Cacique Tabaré. Tabletop grill with rump cap, pork belly, spicy pork loin and spicy duck, eaten as ssam wrapped in lettuce; it also does fried chicken. According to Pausa, the grill absorbs about half the smoke (Pausa (opens in a new tab); InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab)).
What to order the first time
- Bibimbap: rice with vegetables, meat and egg that you mix in the bowl. A full lunch on its own.
- Bulgogi: sweet marinated beef with no chilli. The safe choice for kids.
- Jeyuk bokkeum or spicy ribs: for anyone who wants bold flavour.
- Tteokbokki: rice-cake cylinders in sauce; if heat worries you, look for the cream or rose version.
- Banchan: the side dishes that come with your meal. Ask whether they are refilled and included in the price.
Before you go
- Pick by area: Mercado 4 and the centre if you are already shopping there; Mariscal López and Villa Morra for a grill dinner; San Cristóbal for something quieter.
- Book for groups: tabletop grills fill up, and Hansik's combos start at two people.
- Check opening hours: press listings don't always agree, and some places close one day a week or open only in the evening. Send a WhatsApp before you head out.
- Payment: QR is now the most used electronic payment in Paraguay (ABC Color, May 2026 (opens in a new tab)), but ask whether they take cards or QR before ordering, especially at smaller places.
FAQ
Where can I eat Korean food near Mercado 4?
Gangnam, at Perú 1091 between República de Colombia and Teniente Fariña, serves traditional dishes with refillable banchan. Seúl started in Mercado 4 and is now on Calle Chile between General Díaz and Oliva.
Where is Korean barbecue at the table in Asunción?
Hansik (Mariscal López near Bélgica), Kyungkyune (Otazú and Villa Morra Park) and Maru 79 (Juan Zorrilla de San Martín 1384) all have tabletop grills.
Is there mild Korean food in Asunción?
Seúl tones down the chilli for diners who aren't used to it, and at Su you can order grilled cuts with or without chilli. Bulgogi has no chilli.
How much is all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue?
In September 2025 Hansik charged G. 175,000 per person for all-you-can-eat meat, according to Pausa. Check the current price before you go.
