Experience the Culinary Delights of Suncheonjip in Noryangjin

As the new year begins, many of us seek out fresh experiences and, of course, delicious food. Today, we’re diving into a culinary journey at Suncheonjip, a renowned restaurant in Noryangjin specializing in authentic Southern Korean (Namdo) cuisine, particularly focusing on seasonal seafood. This spot truly impressed with its diverse and exquisitely prepared dishes, making it a highly satisfying dining experience.

What Makes Suncheonjip a Must-Visit?

Suncheonjip stands out for its commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially seafood, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of the Namdo region. The dishes here are described as incredibly flavorful and possessing a genuine “homemade” taste. What’s more, despite the rich flavors, the seasoning is never overly salty or stimulating, striking a perfect balance that allows the natural taste of the ingredients to shine through.

Location and Atmosphere

Located in Noryangjin-dong, right next to the Yuhan Corporation building on the second floor, Suncheonjip is easily accessible. The restaurant boasts a considerable size, and even on a weekday evening, it was already bustling with diners. This popularity speaks volumes about its reputation, so making a reservation, especially for dinner, is highly recommended to secure your spot.

The restaurant has an interesting history, having previously moved to Yeouido before returning to its roots in Noryangjin. This journey has clearly honed its craft and solidified its loyal customer base.

A Journey Through the Seasonal Seafood Course

Our visit centered around their exquisite course meal. For two people, this elaborate feast is priced at 65,000 KRW, offering an incredible variety and quality that feels like remarkable value. The moment the dishes started arriving, it was clear we were in for a treat.

Highlights of the Course:

• Diverse Banchan (Side Dishes): Each side dish was a masterpiece in itself—flavorful, fresh, and far from the artificial tastes sometimes found elsewhere. They showcased excellent ‘sonmat’ (the taste of one’s hands/home cooking).
• Fresh Sashimi and Live Octopus (San-nakji): The course included incredibly fresh sashimi, perfectly complemented by various sauces like chojang (vinegar gochujang), ssamjang (spicy dipping sauce), and a unique house special sauce (a delightful mix of ssamjang and gochujang). The highlight for many was the lively san-nakji, whose freshness was undeniable.
• Dried Skate Sashimi (Ganjemi-hoe): A unique inclusion was the dried skate sashimi, offering a different texture and concentrated flavor compared to fresh sashimi.
• Surf Clams (Sejokae) and Seaweed Soup: While there was an option to upgrade pen shells to surf clams for an additional 50,000 KRW, the quality of the seafood was evident throughout. The seaweed soup, made with surf clams, was particularly refreshing and clean-tasting, preferred even over the island-grown ‘seomcho’ seaweed.
• Unique Fermented Seafood (Jeotgal): A standout element was the various fermented seafood. These jeotgal varieties were truly exceptional, offering deep, complex flavors that are not easily found in other establishments. They provided a perfect balance to the rich seafood dishes.

The Perfect Pairing: Hwarang Traditional Liquor

To enhance the dining experience, we paired our meal with “Hwarang,” a traditional Korean liquor. Its clean yet rich and slightly thick profile proved to be an excellent companion to the diverse seafood, cleansing the palate and harmonizing beautifully with each dish.

Why Suncheonjip is Highly Recommended

Suncheonjip offers an unforgettable journey through the authentic flavors of Southern Korean cuisine. The meticulous preparation of each dish, the use of fresh seasonal ingredients, and the warm, home-cooked feel truly set it apart. The generous portions and the sheer variety of dishes included in the course make it an excellent choice for those seeking both quality and value. We left feeling incredibly satisfied and impressed by the entire culinary experience.

Practical Information:

• Restaurant Name: Suncheonjip (순천집)
• Location: 2nd Floor, next to Yuhan Corporation, Noryangjin-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
• General Rating: Highly recommended (Extremely positive, satisfying, excellent taste, great value)
• Operating Hours:
  • Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
  • Dinner: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Currently 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM due to social distancing guidelines)
• Closing Day: Sundays
• Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for evening dining.

If you’re looking to explore the vibrant and delicious world of Namdo cuisine, particularly focusing on fresh seasonal seafood, Suncheonjip in Noryangjin is an absolute must-visit. Prepare to be delighted!