Aged sushi with no fishy smell in Hayang, Gyeongsan: Sonsi Sushi

A value sushi restaurant 3 minutes from Hayang Station with almost no fishy smell — even people who don't usually eat sushi can enjoy it comfortably.

I'm Mungdarane, living in Daegu Innovation City. Today I went all the way to Hayang in Gyeongsan. For sushi. This is Sonsi Sushi Hayang branch.

It's already a well-known place. The Yeongnam University branch got famous first, but there's a branch in Hayang too. You could call it the Daegu Catholic University branch, haha.

I should confess something first: I'm not usually a big sushi eater. It's the fishy smell, that's the one thing. But this place — spoiler alert — was easy to eat even for someone like me.

Where is Sonsi Sushi Hayang, and is there parking?

Sonsi Sushi Hayang branch is right near Hayang Station in Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk. About a 3-minute walk from Exit 1. It's across from Himart, so it wasn't hard to find.

I should mention this upfront: there's exactly 1 parking spot in front of the restaurant. Yes, one.

If you're lucky, you get it; if not, you'll need to park at the public lot near Hayang Station or nearby and walk over. Definitely keep this in mind if you're driving. I just parked nearby and walked without stressing. (They support ₩1,000 for nearby parking.)

Seating at Sonsi Sushi Hayang: 4 tables and 2 counter seats

The place is on the small side. About 4 tables, 2 counter seats. So it's a bit tough for a large group to eat together.

Solo dining, dining for two, a light lunch — this place suits that much better. If you're thinking of a group gathering, seating might be tight. But maybe because it's a small space, the kitchen is close and you can see the food being made. I love this kind of layout. Somehow it looks even more delicious.

What I ordered: the 33,200-won value set

At Sonsi Sushi Hayang branch I ordered the value set for ₩33,200, ankimo futomaki for ₩12,000, and 8 pieces of aged sushi for ₩12,500.

12 pieces of premium aged sushi, bonito udon, aged spicy raw fish rice bowl, 4 pieces of shrimp tempura. All in one set. A lineup that lives up to its name.

Premium aged sushi, 12 pieces — barely any fishy smell

The 12-piece premium aged sushi is Sonsi Sushi Hayang's signature menu. First, the visuals — you have to admit it. The salmon is genuinely thick. Thick enough that you can't see the rice underneath. Other reviews always mention the salmon thickness, and many say they pile on plenty of onion too.

Once I saw it in person, I got it. But what really surprised me wasn't the thickness — it was the smell. That distinct fishy smell, the thing that bothers people who don't usually eat sushi. It's almost completely absent.

Maybe because it's aged sashimi (sukseonghoe), the texture doesn't feel mushy or slippery — it clings together with a slight chewiness. Maybe that's why the smell feels much more settled too. It goes down clean.

The low-sodium sushi soy sauce made with jujube

The soy sauce plays a role too. They apparently use a low-sodium sushi soy sauce made with jujube. There's no sudden saltiness — instead, a subtle sweetness lingers at the end. Since the seasoning isn't heavy, the fish flavor comes through without being overwhelming.

I think this is why so many reviews praise the balance and thickness of the aged sushi. If you're someone who says 'I'm not really into sushi because of the smell...' like me, this place might be worth trying. I think I'll hesitate less about going to sushi restaurants from now on.

Bonito udon, aged sashimi rice bowl and shrimp tempura

The real strength of the value set is this combo. The bonito udon has a fairly rich broth. Taking a sip midway through the sushi resets your palate. This flow works really well.

For the aged spicy raw fish rice bowl (sukseong chojang hoedeopbap), you add the chojang (vinegared chili sauce) yourself.

Can you see how much salmon and raw fish there is? Drizzling on the chojang makes your mouth feel refreshed.

It's not an intense sweet-and-sour hit — it goes down smoothly with the rice. I heard this is the second most popular menu item here, and I get why.

So much salmon packed into the rice bowl too. Have you tried a salmon hoedeopbap before? The chojang flavor and the softness of the salmon go surprisingly well together.

And the shrimp tempura. There are quite a few reviews praising the accompanying sauce, and I agree.

The batter is light and the sauce is tangy, so it doesn't feel greasy. Good to dip one every so often between bites.

Ankimo futomaki at 12,000 won — an acquired taste

Today's adventurous order. Ankimo is monkfish liver, often called 'foie gras of the sea' for its rich, savory quality. It's placed on top of a futomaki (thick sushi roll).

Visually, it's excellent. Perfect for photos. The taste is a completely different vibe from regular futomaki. Usually futomaki is light and clean with several ingredients coming together. But here, the richness of the monkfish liver firmly takes center stage. One bite spreads through your mouth in a soft, dense way.

It's savory, and quite intensely so. Honestly, this could go either way for people. If you order expecting the usual light, clean futomaki flavor, you might think, 'Oh, this is heavier than I thought.'

On the other hand, if you like liver dishes, or enjoy ankimo at izakayas, you'll probably be pretty satisfied. If it's your first time, I'd recommend picking at it a piece at a time between other dishes.

Why I added 8 more pieces of aged sushi for 12,500 won

And I also added 8 more pieces of sushi.

Yes, it was just the two of us and we ordered quite a lot. But once you taste it, you understand why I ordered more.

This beginner-friendly sushi menu comes with a tako gunkan (octopus battleship roll) alongside.

Who Sonsi Sushi Hayang suits best

In short, Sonsi Sushi Hayang branch is a place with a solid lineup that's easy to eat without pressure.

One set covers sushi, rice bowl, udon, and tempura all at once. The salmon thickness is legit, and the seasoning wasn't heavy, so I ate comfortably to the end. Salad and soup come standard, and many reviews mention the ingredients being fresh. Just keep in mind the 1 parking spot and 4 tables before you visit.

• Anyone looking for a sushi restaurant near Hayang Station
• Anyone who's usually bothered by the fishy smell in sushi
• Anyone who likes thick, hearty salmon sushi
• Anyone who wants a filling set meal
• Solo diners or couples eating together

The salmon thickness is legit, and since the seasoning wasn't heavy, I ate comfortably right to the end.

What could be better at Sonsi Sushi Hayang

• Only 1 parking spot in front, so you'll likely need to park nearby
• Not many seats, so group visits are difficult
• Ankimo futomaki has a rich, heavy flavor that could go either way

Still, I finished a whole set even though I usually don't eat much sushi, so I think that says enough.

Next time I go, I'm ordering the aged sushi again. Anyway, another good meal today!