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Best Winter Yellowtail in Seoul? Discover Hongildong Seafood Restaurant Near Sangbong Station

Winter in Korea means one thing for seafood lovers: Bangeo (방어), or Yellowtail/Japanese Amberjack season! This oily and flavorful fish is at its peak during the colder months, and if you’re in Seoul and craving the freshest and most delicious Bangeo, you need to know about Hongildong Seafood Restaurant (홍일동 회 수산). Move over, old favorites! This restaurant is rapidly gaining fame, especially through Instagram, and is becoming the hottest spot for Bangeo in Seoul this year. Often, hyped-up places can be disappointing, but trust me, Hongildong Seafood Restaurant is the real deal.

A New Rising Star for Seoul’s Bangeo Scene

Located near Sangbong Station (상봉역), Exit 3, Hongildong Seafood Restaurant is nestled in a bustling “Mukja Golmok” (먹자골목), or food street area. This neighborhood is already known for its great eats, even featured on popular Korean food shows! But Hongildong is quickly becoming a standout. Be prepared for a wait, though. I visited on a Wednesday, right when they opened at 4:30 PM, and I still received waiting number 20! I finally got seated around 5:53 PM. They only accommodated up to waiting number 18 in the first seating, which was a bit of a bummer, but luckily, they have heaters in the waiting area to keep you warm. By the time I finished dinner, the kiosk for ordering had closed, and they were managing the waitlist manually on paper, showing just how popular this place is.

Generous Portions and Fresh, High-Quality Bangeo

While they offer various set menus, including combinations with Bangeo, we were there for one thing: pure, unadulterated Bangeo. The menu lists Daebangeo (Large Yellowtail) in sizes Small, Medium, and Large, ranging from ₩55,000 upwards in ₩10,000 increments. For two people, we opted for the Daebangeo (Medium) for ₩65,000. And let me tell you, the amount was incredible!

Amazing Side Dishes (Banchan)

Before the main event, we were treated to a fantastic spread of complimentary side dishes (Banchan). These weren’t just afterthoughts; they were substantial and delicious, including:

• Clams
• Fish Tangsuyuk (Sweet and Sour Fish)
• Tofu Kimchi
• Dumplings
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Seaweed Soup
• Grilled Bangeo Head
• Grilled Mackerel or Pacific Saury (it varies)

Each side dish was well-prepared and tasty, perfectly complementing the upcoming Bangeo feast.

The Star of the Show: Daebangeo Sashimi

And then it arrived – the Daebangeo Sashimi (Medium). Priced at ₩65,000, the portion size was truly unbelievable. The thick slices of Daebangeo were beautifully arranged, and it was immediately clear why this place is gaining so much buzz. Having tried Bangeo at many places, I can confidently say that Hongildong Seafood Restaurant is top-tier, easily among the best Bangeo spots in Seoul. You can see the marbling and oil glistening on the fish – a sign of high-quality, 10kg+ Daebangeo. They serve various cuts, including prized parts like belly (배꼽살), gills (아가미살), back (등살), and tail (꼬리살), offering a diverse tasting experience.

To fully appreciate the flavor, I first enjoyed the Bangeo simply with soy sauce. Then, taking inspiration from Tuna sashimi, I tried wrapping it in Kim (seaweed) with radish sprouts (무순), which was equally delightful. My dining companion, who is quite picky about sashimi, was also extremely impressed and satisfied. We initially ordered the medium size, thinking it would be a typical portion for two at a regular seafood restaurant with similar pricing. However, the quantity was so generous that we couldn’t even think about ordering anything else. Additional lettuce and other side dishes are available at the self-service bar.

Final Verdict: Must-Visit for Bangeo Lovers

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Hongildong Seafood Restaurant to anyone looking for incredible Bangeo in Seoul, especially during the winter season. While places like Bada Hoesareang in Hongdae are well-known, if you’re near Sangbong or looking for a slightly less crowded (for now!) but equally exceptional option, Hongildong Seafood Restaurant is a must-try. You won’t be disappointed by the quality, portion size, and overall dining experience. Don’t miss out on this rising star of Seoul’s Bangeo scene!

Hongildong Seafood Restaurant (홍일동 회 수산)
Location: Near Sangbong Station Exit 3, Seoul, South Korea
Rating: 4.5/5 (Based on review and quality)
Recommended for: Winter Yellowtail (Bangeo), Sashimi, Generous portions, Fresh seafood.

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