Hidden Gem in Seoul: Outdoor Seafood & Legendary Fried Chicken near Bomun Station

Are you looking for a unique dining experience in Seoul? Imagine enjoying the freshest seafood in an outdoor setting, followed by incredibly crispy and flavorful fried chicken, all in one place! Look no further than Bomun Susan & Geumsan Dakjib, a hidden gem near Bomun Station offering just that.

Discover the Unique Atmosphere of ‘Yajang’ Dining

Located just a 2-minute walk from Bomun Station Exit 6, this isn’t your typical restaurant setup. It’s a ‘Yajang’ experience, which is Korean for outdoor seating, and it’s truly special. You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a vibrant street food market right in the heart of Seoul. Start by selecting your fresh seafood from Bomun Susan, a seafood vendor that feels just like a mini fish market. Then, take your seafood to the adjacent outdoor seating area where you can also order the legendary fried chicken from Geumsan Dakjib. Drinks are purchased separately, enhancing the casual and bustling market vibe.

The atmosphere is lively and unpretentious, perfect for enjoying delicious food and drinks with friends. While you might catch a whiff of passing cars (as mentioned in the original review with a humorous “street fumes” comment), the overall experience of fresh seafood, amazing chicken, and the outdoor setting is undeniably enjoyable, especially on a pleasant day or evening.

Fresh Seafood Delights at Bomun Susan

Bomun Susan offers a wide array of fresh seafood. The review highlights the impressive size of the abalone, comparing it to “weights lifted by Haenyeo (female divers).” The freshness is paramount, and you can taste it in every bite. Popular choices include:

• Abalone (전복): Enjoy it fresh, dipped in sesame oil for a truly sublime experience. The reviewer describes the taste as “paradise,” emphasizing its freshness and quality.
• Sashimi (회): Indulge in classic Korean sashimi like flatfish (광어 – Gwang-eo) and gizzard shad (전어 – Jeon-eo), especially delicious during its season. The reviewer recommends enjoying the 광어 지느러미살 (flatfish fin) as a special treat.
• Other Seasonal Seafood: The menu is extensive, so you can expect a variety of fresh catches depending on the season.

The seafood is incredibly fresh and prepared simply to highlight its natural flavors. It’s the perfect starter to your ‘Yajang’ feast.

Legendary Fried Chicken from Geumsan Dakjib

Right next door, Geumsan Dakjib is a local favorite for its exceptional fried chicken. While primarily a takeout spot for neighborhood residents, you can enjoy their famous chicken in the outdoor seating area alongside your seafood. This combination is what makes this place truly unique.

The fried chicken is praised for its incredibly crispy and light batter – described as having “살바람 퀄리티” (breeze quality), implying a light and airy crispiness. It’s considered ” 명품 튀김옷” (designer batter) and “몽클레어 급” (Moncler level) in terms of quality, according to the enthusiastic review. Key highlights include:

• Crispy Fried Chicken (후라이드 치킨): Expect incredibly crunchy and flavorful fried chicken with a perfect balance of crispy batter and juicy chicken inside. The sound of the crispiness is described as being so loud, it’s like a “beatbox battle.”
• Classic Sides: Enjoy perfectly crispy and “근본 넘치는” (classic) french fries that complement the chicken perfectly.
• Perfect with Beer (맥주) or Soju & Beer (쏘맥): The fried chicken is ideally paired with a cold beer or a refreshing “Somaek” (Soju and beer mix) for the ultimate Korean comfort food experience.

Location and General Rating

Location: Near Bomun Station Exit 6 (보문역 6번 출구), Seoul, South Korea. (Approximately 2 minutes walk)

General Rating: Based on the overwhelmingly positive review emphasizing the atmosphere, freshness of seafood, and exceptional fried chicken, this spot easily deserves a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating. It’s a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and delicious outdoor dining experience in Seoul.

Final Thoughts

Bomun Susan & Geumsan Dakjib offers a truly unique and memorable dining experience in Seoul. The combination of fresh seafood from a market-style vendor and legendary fried chicken in a lively outdoor setting is something special. If you are looking for a hidden gem away from the typical tourist traps and want to experience authentic Korean ‘Yajang’ culture with fantastic food, this place is highly recommended. Especially perfect for enjoying the cooler autumn evenings in Seoul!