Yeonnam-dong Japanese lunch before a movie: sake-don, Jongno Donburi

Have you seen the movie Assassin(s), neighbors? Haha. Before going to watch it, I was looking for a place for a simple lunch in Yeonnam-dong and ended up at Jongno Donburi Yeonnam, famous for its sake-don (salmon rice bowl). Let me tell you about the tasty meal I had :)

What are the atmosphere and seating like at Jongno Donburi Yeonnam?

Jongno Donburi Yeonnam has a pretty, clean wood-tone interior that makes you want to walk right in, haha. I visit the main Jongno Donburi branch every now and then, but this Yeonnam branch was my first time.

As you'd expect from a rice bowl specialist, there are plenty of solo counter seats (dacchi). It's perfect for eating alone or having a quick drink by yourself.

There are also seats for anywhere from 2 to 6 people.

How are Jongno Donburi and Hongdae Donburi related?

Did you know that the main Jongno Donburi branch in Gwancheol-dong, Jongno, used to be the Jongno branch of Hongdae Donburi? Over time it became independent from Hongdae Donburi and established itself as its own brand, Jongno Donburi, and in October 2025 it opened this Yeonnam branch too.

Sitting there eating my rice bowl, I suddenly remembered the owner of the old Hongdae Donburi Times Square branch. When I used to work in the Times Square building, it was my regular spot, practically a daily stop, haha. The owner said they wanted to try walking a new path in Korean cuisine, so on their last day of business I went, feeling wistful, to eat there, and we exchanged business cards and warm goodbyes. The memory came flooding back.

Being at a place that carries on the reputation of a donburi restaurant that was famous from the start, with those fuzzy, warm memories layered on top, made it an even happier meal. ◡̈

Jongno Donburi Yeonnam menu and prices

Jongno Donburi Yeonnam was running a review event. Worth checking if you're planning a visit.

• Main menu: mixed katsu-don ₩14,500 / gyudon (beef rice bowl) ₩13,500 / sake-don ₩18,000
• Ordered: sake-don ₩18,000 × 2
• Party size: 2 people

I usually order the mixed katsu-don and the sake-don at Jongno Donburi, but today I wanted something light before the movie, so I went with the sake-don.

What does the sake-don at Jongno Donburi Yeonnam taste like?

This is what Jongno Donburi Yeonnam serves by default: a soup, side dishes, and soy sauce for dipping the salmon. Cutlery is neatly tucked in a drawer at the bottom front of the table.

Sake-don: 18,000 won

The sake-don I'd been waiting for has arrived! Thick, glossy raw salmon covers the rice generously.

You know the proper way to eat sake-don isn't to mix it like bibimbap, right? You scoop up some rice, put a piece of salmon and a little fresh wasabi on top, and eat it like sushi. Haha.

The fresh wasabi cleanly cuts the salmon's pleasant richness, so I never got tired of it and finished it all down to the last spoonful.

How do you ask for less rice with your sake-don at Jongno Donburi Yeonnam?

Jongno Donburi Yeonnam is generous with rice by default. So either balance the ratio of salmon to rice as you eat, or if you have a small appetite, ask for a bit less rice when you order, and I think you can enjoy it perfectly balanced to the end! ◡̈

If you love lots of salmon, adding extra salmon would also be a good way to make the bowl even more bountiful. Haha.

Verdict: a Yeonnam-dong Japanese restaurant for solo meals and dates

I visited Jongno Donburi Yeonnam while recalling warm memories of the old owner. With its cozy, quiet vibe and solo counter seats, it's great for eating or drinking alone, and also just right as a date spot in Yeonnam-dong. The taste of the thick raw salmon was excellent too.

Location of Jongno Donburi Yeonnam: 9 B1 Donggyo-ro 46-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (near Hongik Univ. Station)