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Seoul Seafood Hotspots: Top 5 You Can’t Miss
- The always-packed, word-of-mouth favorite, ‘Seochon Gyedanjip’
- Gangnam-gu Office’s ‘Matjjang Jogae’ — famous for its show-stopping flat-sliced live squid
- Hearty spreads where everything feels like a main — ‘Yeonnal Macha’ in Guro Digital Complex
- Pildong’s time-tested seafood institution — ‘Pildong Haemul’ in Chungmuro
- Noryangjin’s go-to for stellar assorted sashimi — ‘Hyeongje Sanghoe’
Seoul may not sit on the coast, but it draws fresh seafood from ports and fisheries across the country. From dawn deliveries to the plate, the care taken to preserve peak freshness shows in every bite. Dishes that highlight briny flavor and springy texture make you feel a little closer to the sea, even in the middle of the city. Seasonal changes in catch keep the scene exciting. Here are five seafood spots that showcase Seoul at its tastiest.
The always-packed, word-of-mouth favorite, Seochon Gyedanjip
Housed in Seochon’s bustling eating alley, Gyedanjip fills up long before typical happy-hour crowds arrive. They operate on a strict same-day-sales policy, meaning what’s on your plate arrived that morning. If you’re after pristine, seasonal seafood served with honest, straightforward flavor, this is the spot — just expect a wait after work hours and plan accordingly.
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- ▲Location
15 Jahamun-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- ▲Hours
Daily 1:00 PM–11:00 PM
- ▲Menu
Sea urchin roe KRW 39,000 ($26) / Small flying squid KRW 29,000 ($19) / Ramen KRW 7,000 ($5)
Gangnam-gu Office’s ‘Matjjang Jogae’ — reigning the neighborhood with its eye-catching flat-sliced live squid
This indoor seafood pojangmacha sits steps from Gangnam-gu Office Station. Though the name reads ‘Matjjang Jogae,’ the dish people line up for is the flat-sliced live squid. Rather than the usual thin strips, the squid is sliced wide and flat, then dressed with flying fish roe, crisp vegetables, and a tangy-sweet sauce — the plate is as much a visual moment as it is a flavor one. Scoop up a bit of everything with your spoon so each bite hits all the components: the squid’s subtle sweetness, the pop of roe, and the balanced seasoning. The result is simple, thoughtful, and totally addictive. The squid’s springy chew and the popping texture of the roe add playful contrast, while daily seasonal clam steams are effortless soju pairings. They also offer brothy options like seafood ramen if you want to cleanse the palate between bites. The energetic, buzzy atmosphere and authentic pojangmacha vibe make it feel like a friendly neighborhood night out. It’s one of the best spots in Gangnam for solid seafood and drinks — unless you get there at opening, expect to wait.
See more on SikSin: ‘Matjjang Jogae’ ▶
- ✔Location
18 Eonju-ro 134-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- ✔Hours
Mon–Sat 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, closed Sundays
- ✔Price
Flat-sliced live squid price varies; steamed clams start at KRW 55,000 ($37)
Hearty spreads where everything feels like a main course — ‘Yeonnal Macha’ in Guro Digital Complex
Located on Guro’s lively Kkalkkal Street, Yeonnal Macha runs both a main house and a newer annex and is one of the area’s most beloved pojangmachas. A local institution for over 40 years, it serves live sashimi, sekkoshi (thinly sliced raw fish), mulhoe (cold raw fish soup), stews, and stir-fries — the kind of varied menu that makes it a favorite for office gatherings. If you’re in a group, opt for a special course or set menu: you’ll get live sashimi, assorted seafood, and even live octopus, which makes for a standout, wallet-friendly feast.
See more on SikSin: ‘Yeonnal Macha’ ▶
- ▲Location
97-16 Digital-ro 32-gil, Guro-gu, Seoul
- ▲Hours
4:00 PM–6:00 AM
- ▲Menu
Large yellowtail special KRW 115,000 ($77) / Extra-large yellowtail KRW 125,000 ($84)
Longtime seafood mainstay in Pildong — ‘Pildong Haemul’ in Chungmuro
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Tucked down a backstreet behind Dongguk University, Pildong Haemul wears its age proudly — a genuine old-school favorite. True to its name, seafood is the focus; the restaurant opens as early as 4:00 PM, which makes it a gem for fans of daytime drinks. Menu highlights include fresh oysters, squid, sea cucumber, ark shells, and sea pineapple. If you can’t decide, pick the assorted sashimi to sample a range of the day’s best.
See more on SikSin: ‘Pildong Haemul’ ▶
30 Pildong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- ▲Hours
4:30 PM – 11:30 PM (closed every Sunday)
- ▲Menu
Raw oysters KRW 18,000 ($12) / Sea cucumber KRW 25,000 ($17) / Assorted sashimi KRW 35,000 ($23)
Hyeongje Sanghoe in Noryangjin — the art of assorted sashimi at the fish market
At Noryangjin Fisheries Market, Hyeongje Sanghoe built a reputation by selling thoughtfully composed assortments of live fish sashimi, reshaping how people think about market sashimi. They assemble seasonal mixes so you can try many kinds of fresh fish in one order. Because turnover is high, no fish sits in the tank for more than three days, which keeps freshness top-notch. Thick, generous cuts give excellent texture, and you can also order a custom assortment made only from your favorite species — ideal when you want variety without compromise.
See more on SikSin: ‘Hyeongje Sanghoe’ ▶
1st floor, Nodle-ro 674, North Gate 3, Shops 168–172, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
Sun–Thu 10:00 AM–9:00 PM (last order 8:30 PM) / Fri–Sat 10:00 AM–10:30 PM (last order 10:00 PM)
Assorted sashimi (small) KRW 60,000 ($40) / Assorted sashimi (medium) KRW 70,000 ($47) / Assorted sashimi (large) KRW 105,000 ($70)
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