Dujeong-dong sashimi restaurant, midday Sunyang soju: Donghae Bada

On a day with some free time and gorgeous weather, the kind that makes you crave a daytime drink, I went looking for a sashimi restaurant that's open during the day — perfect for my soju-loving husband, whom I call Mr. Flute.

Where is Donghae Bada Hoetjip, and what are its hours?

Donghae Bada Hoetjip is a sashimi restaurant in Dujeong-dong, located at 5-11 Neulpureun 6-gil, Seobuk-gu, Cheonan, Chungnam, South Korea, 1st floor. It's open daily from 11:30 to 22:00, so you can enjoy sashimi and a drink even in the middle of the day.

• 🌟Donghae Bada Hoetjip🌟
• 📍Address: 5-11 Neulpureun 6-gil, Seobuk-gu, Cheonan, Chungnam, South Korea, 1st floor
• ⏰Hours: Daily 11:30–22:00
• ℹ️Facilities: Baby chairs available, private rooms, group-friendly
• 🚗Parking: Available right in front of the restaurant

You can use the parking lot right in front of the restaurant, and it's really spacious, so parking wasn't a worry at all.

There was a fresh-looking sea squirt in the fish tank near the entrance. I kind of wish sea squirt came as a basic side dish (just my own personal wish, haha).

Inside Donghae Bada Hoetjip: private rooms and baby chairs

Walking in, I noticed soccer-related items around the place. Seems like the owner is a soccer fan. There were even autographed frames from a TV personality and a soccer coach! Guess celebrities find the good restaurants first, haha.

They also had colorful, cute baby chairs ready, so it seems like a great place to visit as a big family with a baby and grandparents in tow.

There's a main hall in the center, and around it are three separate private rooms that can also handle groups. The back area was quite spacious, though I couldn't photograph all of it since there were other guests there — but it looked like it could easily fit a group get-together. We had a reservation, so we were shown to a seat that had already been prepared for us; since we had a baby, they kindly guided us to a quieter spot.

What we ordered: sashimi + seafood soup set for 2 at 110,000 won

What we ordered at Donghae Bada Hoetjip was the assorted sashimi + seafood stew (steamed option available) set for 2, ₩110,000. We went with the recommended combo: assorted sashimi and seafood stew.

Since it's shrimp season, they were also selling salt-grilled shrimp. We thought about ordering that too, but we'd already had grilled shrimp at home a few days earlier, so we skipped it.

What comes before the sashimi: the side dish spread

The basic table setting included seaweed soup, grilled fish, salad, jeon (savory pancake), boiled pork, and more — all of the basic side dishes (sokdaji) were tasty overall, and the jeon in particular was crispy and delicious. They also gave us seaweed sheets to wrap up with the tuna.

The sashimi platter: amberjack, tuna and rockfish

The assorted sashimi came with amberjack, tuna, and rockfish. Served on a wooden tray over prettily colored porcelain, the sashimi looked even more appetizing. The tuna wasn't a cheap cut either — it came with some premium parts too, which was a nice surprise.

After a bite of fresh sashimi, even I found myself craving a shot of soju... I should really finish breastfeeding soon and come back.

Sunyang soju, the Chungcheong brand poured with the sashimi

We tried Sunyang soju, the representative soju brand of the Chungcheong region. I'm still breastfeeding so I couldn't drink, but I gave it a sniff — there was a distinct oak-like aroma, and I really want to try it once I'm done nursing. Mr. Flute said it paired really well with the sashimi dishes and plans to buy it again next time.

How big was the steamed seafood, and did staff prep it at the table?

The seafood stew at Donghae Bada Hoetjip was packed with premium seafood — octopus, crab, small octopus, whelk, abalone, and more — and the staff prepped it all for us, so we could eat it comfortably without any hassle. This was the stew I'd been waiting for! When the staff brought it out, the portion was jaw-dropping!!! My eyes went wide 👀

They finished prepping everything, but one abalone was left over, so I cut it myself. When they prep it, they slice it into several pieces, but when I did it myself I ended up eating it whole — which honestly worked out even better..😘

Mr. Flute kept raising his glass at the sight of all these side dishes, haha. Was he waiting for daytime drinking this whole time...?

Seaweed, tuna, and even mu-sprouts — how could I resist that combo?

While I was busy taking photos, Mr. Flute was in the background looking totally satisfied, haha. I only noticed it while writing this post, haha.

Coffee to finish and our verdict on Donghae Bada Hoetjip

After the meal, there was coffee for dessert, and what I loved was that they had ice prepared so you could have it iced and cold. Very thoughtful of the owner!

The assorted sashimi was great in composition and freshness, and the seafood stew's spicy seasoning is the kind of flavor you crave again once you're back home. I'd love to bring guests here, and with its private rooms, this place covers both great food and great atmosphere for group dinners or gatherings — highly recommend.