Korean BBQ Goong
About Korean BBQ Goong:
Korean BBQ Goong which opened in December 2023, is a renowned restaurant specializing in authentic Korean cuisine. Located in the heart of the North Market, it offers a diverse menu of traditional dishes, all crafted from the finest ingredients and based on recipes passed down through owner John Jin’s family for at least three generations.
The goal is to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for every guest. Whether you are deeply familiar with Korean cuisine or exploring it for the very first time, John and his team are dedicated to ensuring a flavorful experience. They strive to reflect the heart of Korean hospitality, offering classic dishes like Bulgogi, Galbi, Korean Ramen, and Dukboki.
How Did The Idea Come About?
The journey to opening Korean BBQ Goong at the North Market began with a mix of diverse life experiences and a bit of serendipity. The North Market team recognized an opportunity to diversify their offerings and was specifically looking for an authentic Korean food vendor.
Around the same time, John Jin, who had previously run a popular “Bulgogi” restaurant inside Saraga Market, was ready for his next culinary adventure. A mutual friend knew Rick Harrison Wolfe, the North Market’s Executive Director, and made the introduction, highly recommending John. The timing was perfect. John’s passion, deep culinary experience, and authentic family recipes made him the ideal fit for the market’s vision. What started as a conversation quickly evolved into a beloved destination for Korean comfort food.
What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being a Part of The North Market?
For John Jin, joining the North Market community has been a refreshing change of pace. After decades of managing large operations and juggling multiple businesses, he says being part of the market has allowed him to slow down, breathe and simplify life.
He deeply values the supportive management team and the collaborative environment, which allow him to focus on what he loves most: cooking great food and connecting with people. The market handles many of the logistics that typically weigh down traditional restaurant owners, freeing him up to perfect his dishes. John also enjoys the market’s events, which introduce new customers to the diverse group of talented merchants. Above all, his absolute favorite thing is chatting with customers—though he laughs that his wife often ends up doing even more of the talking—and seeing first-time visitors return again and again for their favorite dishes.
What are Must Orders on the Menu?
- Bulgogi
- Spicy Pork
- Japchae (Korean style noodles with vegetables and bulgogi)
Story of Korean BBQ Goong and John Jin:
Owner John Jin’s professional life is a testament to embracing opportunity and mastering new trades. Though he graduated as a chemistry major, his career path included roofing, dry cleaning, commercial cleaning, and even a stint in the automotive battery industry at the LG/GM plant. Yet, food has always been his true passion.
His culinary journey began when a friend offered him the chance to take over his restaurant, Mark Pi’s Express, before moving to Atlanta. John was instantly hooked after a month of intense mentorship in every aspect of the business. After selling that venture in 2000 and opening a coffee shop, John later returned to the food scene with Kroger in 2012, eventually becoming a regional manager overseeing a massive portfolio of stores.
After decades of hard work and diverse roles, John returned to his culinary roots—and to his family’s traditional Korean recipes. Today, he pours that vast experience and love of food into Korean BBQ Goong at the North Market. Every dish he serves is a tribute to the authentic flavors and three generations of traditions that have shaped his extraordinary journey.
Merchant's operating hours:
Sunday & Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.