Seoul’s Hottest Seafood Buffet: Seonam Sea World – Is the Wait Worth It? ( 천호역 맛집 )

Looking for the freshest seafood buffet in Seoul? Look no further than Seonam Sea World (선남 시월드)! Recently gaining viral fame thanks to rave reviews from popular Korean YouTubers like Company-rang and Champ-PD, this buffet is attracting massive crowds. My mom’s seafood craving led us to this spot, and we were truly surprised by the incredibly long queue even before opening time. Join me as I delve into my first buffet review and share my experience at this trending seafood haven near Cheonho Station.

Location and Ambiance

Seonam Sea World boasts an incredibly convenient location right in front of Cheonho Station (천호역) Exit 5. Stepping out of the exit, the long line of eager diners is immediately visible – you can’t miss it! We arrived around 5 PM for the 5 PM opening, and the queue was already significant. Despite the initial shock of the wait, the anticipation for fresh seafood kept us going.

From my experience and the videos I captured, arriving before opening time (open run) is highly recommended to minimize your waiting time. On the day I visited, arriving at 5 PM resulted in entry around 6:20 PM – a wait of over an hour! However, the enticing aroma of seafood in the air and the buzz of excitement from fellow diners made the wait somewhat bearable.

Seafood Paradise: A Feast for the Eyes and Palate

The price is reasonable for a seafood buffet of this caliber: ₩18,900 for weekday lunch and ₩29,900 for weekday dinner and weekends/holidays. While there were mentions of premium items like ‘Odoro’ sashimi and sea urchin, the main attraction was the incredibly diverse and fresh seafood spread.

A Whirlwind Tour of the Buffet

Upon entering, I was immediately impressed by the variety. The buffet layout was smartly designed, with hot dishes and rolls arranged vertically to maximize space. The sushi selection was constantly refreshed, with new types appearing as trays emptied – a sign of freshness and attentiveness.

• Fresh Seafood Galore: Plump shrimp, flavorful cockles, baby octopus skewers, tender beef tartare, abalone, conch, sea squirt, lively live octopus, ark shell sashimi, and spicy chili octopus skewers – the selection was a seafood lover’s dream!
• High-Quality Sashimi and Sushi: My first plate was loaded with ark shell sashimi, abalone, and sea squirt. The quality rivals that of dedicated seafood restaurants. Seasonal sashimi like tuna and herring were prominently featured – the herring was perfectly oily and delicious. The abalone size was also noteworthy!
• Refills and Specials: Don’t miss out on the complimentary sashimi platter featuring tuna, salmon, and other seasonal catches. While delicious, I found the unlimited buffet seafood and sushi even more enticing. Pro-tip: You can request refills of the complimentary sashimi – I opted for extra tuna on my second round!

Beyond Seafood: Hidden Gems and Must-Try Dishes

While seafood is the star, Seonam Sea World offers other delights:

• Crispy Fried Shrimp: Perfectly fried to a golden crisp – I couldn’t resist grabbing several every time a fresh batch appeared.
• Marinated Crab (게장): The soy sauce marinade was flavorful and not overly salty, ideal for mixing with rice and crab innards.
• Al Tang (알탕 – Cod Roe Soup): This was the unexpected highlight! A dedicated Al Tang corner allows you to customize your soup with roe, cod milt, and even add extra seafood like ark shell and sea squirt. The broth was incredibly flavorful and perfectly seasoned – no wonder “Al Tang” is in the restaurant’s name “Sushi & Al Tang”!

Final Verdict: Is Seonam Sea World Worth the Hype (and the Wait)?

Absolutely! Seonam Sea World lives up to its reputation as a top-tier seafood buffet in Seoul. The freshness, variety, and quality of the seafood, combined with the reasonable price and delightful Al Tang, make it a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts. While the wait can be long, especially during peak hours, the exceptional dining experience is well worth the patience. If you’re craving a seafood feast, brave the queue and discover the delights of Seonam Sea World near Cheonho Station!