Must-Try Live Mackerel Sashimi in Jeju Island: Wonnam Hoe Center Review

Jeju Island, a beautiful island in South Korea, is famous for its stunning natural landscapes and fresh seafood. Among the many culinary delights Jeju offers, live mackerel sashimi (활고등어회) is a must-try delicacy. If you’re looking for an authentic experience to savor this dish, look no further than Wonnam Hoe Center (원남 회센터). This restaurant specializes in serving incredibly fresh live mackerel sashimi, providing a unique and unforgettable dining experience.

Witnessing Freshness: Aquarium and Live Catch

One of the distinctive features of Wonnam Hoe Center is its outdoor aquarium. Before you even step inside to dine, you can observe the live mackerel swimming around. It’s not just for show; you can sometimes witness the staff catching mackerel directly from this tank to prepare your meal. This visual confirmation of freshness truly sets the stage for the dining experience to come.

The Delightful Mackerel and Braised Cutlassfish Set

During my visit, I opted for the “Mackerel & Braised Cutlassfish Set (고등어애랑 갈치조림 세트)”, specifically the small size, perfect for individual diners or smaller groups. The set started with a delightful array of simple yet tasty side dishes (밑반찬). Among them, the crispy Korean pancake (부침개) stood out with its perfect texture and savory flavor.

A Trio of Mackerel: Sashimi, Grilled, and More

The centerpiece of the set is undoubtedly the live mackerel sashimi (활고등어회). Unlike aged fish, live mackerel sashimi offers a uniquely chewy and firm texture. Each slice was glistening with freshness and completely devoid of any fishy smell. The natural oiliness of the mackerel was evident, adding to the rich flavor. A simple dip in soy sauce enhances the natural taste of the fish without overpowering it. It’s a clean, refreshing, and utterly delicious experience, different from the deeper, more complex flavors of aged fish.

Alongside the sashimi, the set includes grilled mackerel (고등어구이). Interestingly, the menu mentioned this grilled mackerel is from Norway, offering a contrasting flavor profile to the fresh sashimi. Furthermore, the set features braised cutlassfish (갈치조림). The cutlassfish was tender and flavorful, although the braising sauce was noted to be a bit on the salty side. Despite the slight saltiness, it paired well with rice and the other components of the set.

Unforgettable Finish: Jiri-tang (Clear Fish Soup)

The perfect finale to this seafood feast was the Jiri-tang (지리탕), a clear fish soup. This soup was, in a word, amazing (상당합니다). It was so incredibly delicious and comforting that it induced a feeling of blissful reluctance to drive afterwards – a testament to its soul-warming qualities. The Jiri-tang was the ideal way to cleanse the palate and conclude the meal on a high note.

Location and General Impression

Wonnam Hoe Center is located in Jeju Island. Overall, the experience at Wonnam Hoe Center was highly positive. If you are a fan of live mackerel sashimi or simply looking to experience fresh, high-quality seafood in Jeju, Wonnam Hoe Center is definitely a restaurant to consider. The freshness, the unique aquarium experience, and the delicious set menu make it a worthwhile culinary destination.