Madu Station sushi in Ilsan: today's 10p set at Hwangje Sushi

I was looking around for a good sushi restaurant in Ilsan when I heard about a place in Western Dome specializing in aged sushi and aged sashimi, live-prepared with all kinds of fish and cuts — so I went to Hwangje Sushi Ilsan Main Branch! I ate so well I had to write this post :)

Where is Hwangje Sushi Ilsan Main Branch? Western Dome, between Madu and Jeongbalsan stations

Hwangje Sushi Ilsan Main Branch sits right between Madu Station and Jeongbalsan Station on the subway, so access was really good. It's close to Ilsan Lake Park too, and within walking distance of Western Dome, CGV Ilsan, MCity officetel, Ilsan MBC, Ilsan CHA Hospital, the courthouse, and the Judicial Research and Training Institute — a great spot to grab a meal.

No wonder it's recommended so often for people searching for restaurants near Western Dome, Ilsan Lake Park, or Ilsan CHA Hospital...

Inside Hwangje Sushi: seating and table kiosk ordering

Walking inside, the whole place felt clean and comfortable with wood tones and white finishes. There was a good mix of solo seats for eating alone and tables for larger groups, making it good for a date in Ilsan...

...as well as family meals or work gatherings in Ilsan. What I liked most was that every table has its own kiosk!! Being able to order while looking at photos of each menu item was so convenient.

What we ordered at Hwangje Sushi and what it cost

• Today's Sushi 10p (with mini udon) ₩16,000
• Half mole (buckwheat noodles) ₩5,000
• Assorted Salmon Sushi 10p (with mini udon) ₩22,000

The pre-meal spread: three pickles, potato croquette, grilled fish and abalone porridge

The three pickles, potato croquette, grilled fish, and abalone porridge that have been newly served since June came out together, and I was surprised all over again by the quality... The tangy pickles that whet your appetite and the crispy-fried potato croquette were great, but the grilled fish especially blew me away!! Even though it's before the main dishes, I really enjoyed eating it. The abalone porridge was rich and nutty too, gently soothing my stomach — I loved it.

Assorted Salmon Sushi 10p: salmon belly, seared salmon, gravlax and soy-marinated salmon

After a short wait, the assorted salmon sushi arrived! It's a signature menu made up of 10 pieces total — regular salmon, salmon belly, seared salmon, gravlax, and salmon jang (soy-marinated salmon) — and since they use top-grade Superior Norwegian salmon, my expectations went up even more...

The salmon was piled on really thick, giving a satisfying mouthful of texture. The regular salmon was nutty and melted softly, while the salmon belly had a deep, rich fattiness — one piece alone made me happy. The lightly seared salmon had a subtle smoky char that paired perfectly with its moist texture, and the gravlax had a fragrant herb aroma that gave it a distinct charm.

The salmon jang wasn't too salty and had great umami, pairing really well with the rice, and since each type tasted different, it was fun trying one after another!! If you're someone who likes salmon, this set would satisfy you completely. Tasting it, I immediately understood why it's Hwangje Sushi's signature menu.

Today's Sushi 10p: what is in the set and how it tasted

And then the Today's Sushi 10p I'd been waiting for! It comes with mini udon, grilled fish, and tempura, so the value for money was top-notch too... Today's Sushi was made up of a variety including flounder, seasonal live fish, salmon, tuna, sweet shrimp, squid, and scallop, and every single piece had such a thick cut of fish that just looking at it was satisfying...

The flounder I tried first had a chewy texture and a subtle sweetness, likely thanks to the aging, and the salmon had a wonderfully soft texture that melted in my mouth. The tuna was clean and light, and the scallop had a sweet umami that spread the more I chewed...

The rice wasn't too mushy or too firm either, with just the right amount of give, so the balance with the fish was excellent! The mini udon that came alongside had a refreshing, clean broth that went perfectly with the sushi, and sipping a spoonful of broth in between bites made the meal even more enjoyable.

Is the 5,000 won half portion of buckwheat noodles worth adding?

The half mole (buckwheat noodles) I ordered alongside was better than expected too! The noodles were springy and chewy, and having them with the cool broth and radish left my mouth feeling refreshed and clean, pairing well with the sushi. In particular, the broth wasn't salty or harsh — it was cool and full of umami, making it perfect to eat every so often between bites of sushi! I could immediately see why this place is so popular as a sushi restaurant in Ilsan.....

Hwangje Sushi Ilsan Main Branch: the verdict

Walking out after the meal, I couldn't help but say how satisfying it was. I could feel the care put into every single dish, and from the pre-meal spread to the main dishes, there was nothing lacking — I was so satisfied, TT. If you're looking for a good restaurant near Western Dome in Ilsan, or if you want to properly taste aged sushi, Hwangje Sushi Ilsan Main Branch is a place I'd really recommend!

I can confidently recommend it to anyone searching for Japanese food or sushi in Ilsan, as well as restaurants in Janghang-dong, near Madu Station, near Ilsan CHA Hospital, near Ilsan Lake Park, or sushi at Western Dome... It was such a satisfying meal that next time I definitely want to try the aged sashimi too. If you're ever craving good sushi at Western Dome, Hwangje Sushi Ilsan Main Branch really seems like a choice you won't regret :)