Amberjack and halibut fin sashimi in Guryongpo, Pohang: Hoetjip Jin

I went for a weekend drive to Guryongpo, and after browsing Guryongpo Market and seeing all that fresh fish, my mom said she wanted some. So I picked up the mixed sashimi platter she loves! It was my first time visiting, but the fish was so fresh and delicious I had to write this up :-)

Finding Hoetjip Jin just up from the Guryongpo Market entrance

Walk a little way up from the entrance of Guryongpo Market and there it is — a white sign with the face of the young, handsome owner front and center! Putting his own face on the line makes you feel like he's running an honest business.

"Generous portions for dining in, affordable prices for takeout." That line stuck with me >.<

Where is Hoetjip Jin and where do you park?

Hoetjip Jin is located at 213-1 Homi-ro, Guryongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang-si. Hours are 10:30–21:00, closed every Wednesday. Parking is available at the public lot across the street, and it's huge, so you never have to worry about finding a spot — that was probably the biggest plus.

What is the inside of Hoetjip Jin like?

The restaurant is split across two floors, and there were already plenty of tables dining when I arrived. It was so crowded I couldn't even get a photo of the second floor haha..

There were traces of visits from various TV shows and well-known celebrities, which gave me a bit more confidence in the place?!

Hoetjip Jin menu: sashimi rice bowl, snow crab, mulhoe and kids' dishes

Hoetjip Jin sells more than just sashimi — sashimi rice bowl, snow crab, red crab, gwamegi (dried herring/saury, a Guryongpo specialty), mulhoe (cold raw fish soup), and more. I always worry about what to feed the kids at a sashimi place, but they had ramyeon as a side and kid-friendly options too, so visiting with children isn't a concern! And of course, Guryongpo means gwamegi, right? They sell it in winter, so I'll have to come back then to try it..haha.

I got the Mixed Sashimi B for 3–4 people to go! It takes about 20 minutes after ordering, but if you call ahead you can skip the wait and pick it up right away — worth keeping in mind! I think the wait is because they slice the fish fresh after you order.

How the 50,000-won Mixed Sashimi B is packed for takeout

They packed the sashimi neatly into a cooler bag, with plenty of chojang (spicy vinegar sauce) and vegetables included. Since it comes in a cooler bag, taking it to go even in hot summer isn't a problem, and you don't have to worry about the fish during the drive.

They lined the bottom of the container with ice packs, so it stays fresh even after a long time!

Can you see the color of the sashimi? Since they slice fish that's just been caught, the freshness speaks for itself — you can trust it.

How do the amberjack, halibut and fin cuts taste?

The amberjack, halibut, and fin cuts were all sliced to just the right thickness for easy eating.

They squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fresh sashimi. The bright lemon scent rises up and enhances the savory flavor!

Since the fish was sliced right after being caught, it has this glossy sheen — a visual that shows off just how fresh it is.

Mom's own signature sauce — a mix of chojang, ssamjang, and soy sauce?! She said mixing them like this makes it taste even better. And sure enough, dipping it in made it even more delicious..lol

Wrapping a piece of sashimi in fresh lettuce takes the flavor up another notch.

I was a little worried about the amberjack sashimi at first, but instead of being too rich, it had just the right amount of fattiness with a soft texture.

The fin cuts are this good?! Chewy and springy, you can't get enough. Save some for last — make sure you try the fin cuts too, haha.

Is sashimi takeout from Hoetjip Jin in Guryongpo worth it?

Hoetjip Jin lets you enjoy a generous portion for 3–4 people for just 50,000 won. They pack it neatly for travelers or for eating back at your lodging, and since the fish is sliced right after being caught, freshness comes as a bonus. Located near the entrance to Guryongpo, it's easy to find and lets you browse Guryongpo Market too, so the location is great. If you stop by Guryongpo, make sure to try Hoetjip Jin :-)