Gwangalli sashimi feast from live octopus to spicy stew: Geumrang

A Gwangalli locals' sashimi restaurant: Geumrang's Subyeon Hansang for two

Geumrang Hoetjip (금랑횟집) Gwangalli Main Branch is a sashimi restaurant on the 6th floor of Marine Rich in Gwangalli, Busan, and what I ordered this time was the Subyeon Hansang for two. Let me give you the conclusion first: despite the name, it isn't just one tray ("hansang" means a full table spread). The table came out so loaded it practically groaned, and I was shocked.

When you're in Gwangalli, there are days you suddenly crave a plate of sashimi by the sea. But when you actually go looking, it's hard to tell whether a place is a tourist trap or where the real locals go, right? Geumrang solved that worry in one go. I can confidently recommend it to anyone looking for a good Busan sashimi restaurant, a Gwangalli sashimi restaurant, or a Gwangalli local favorite.

Can you see Gwangan Bridge from Geumrang's window seats?

Yes. From the window seats at Geumrang, Gwangan Bridge and the sea fill the view through the glass. Opening hours are every day from 11:30 a.m. to 10:50 p.m.

Those window seats are one of Geumrang's biggest strengths. Eating while looking at Gwangan Bridge made it feel like a trip. I imagine the sea view is refreshing by day and the night view adds even more atmosphere in the evening. It works for a family meal, a get-together with friends who love sashimi, or a date.

What does the Subyeon Hansang for two include?

The Subyeon Hansang for two at Geumrang is a course that runs from a seafood spread through assorted sashimi and roe rice to spicy fish stew. The one I ordered that day is Geumrang's signature menu.

Honestly, going by the name alone I expected sashimi and a few side dishes (seukkidashi), but the moment the first table arrived, I completely changed my mind.

It was a proper course meal, starting with the seafood spread and continuing through assorted sashimi, roe rice and spicy stew. That was the moment I understood why so many people call Geumrang a Gwangalli local favorite.

A seafood spread with sea cucumber, sea squirt and live octopus

The first course of the Subyeon Hansang is a seafood spread including sea cucumber, sea squirt and live octopus (sannakji). It was overwhelming just to look at, with a variety of seafood neatly plated.

The sea squirt had a strong, distinctive scent of the sea, and the sea cucumber kept its crunchy bite. The live octopus in particular tasted fresh through and through with its nutty sesame oil aroma. It was the perfect lineup to whet your appetite before the sashimi.

The main event: assorted sashimi with thick-cut flatfish and rockfish

The main dish of the Subyeon Hansang is the assorted sashimi, with various fish such as flatfish (gwangeo) and rockfish (useok) sliced thick. Just as I was enjoying the seafood, the sashimi finally arrived, and the moment I saw the plate piled full, I couldn't help but gasp.

Cut thick, the texture was really good. When I dipped a piece lightly in soy sauce, the freshness came through, and the sweetness rose the more I chewed.

The thickness made the texture satisfying, and every single piece was good quality. There's definitely a reason Geumrang gets called a top Gwangalli sashimi restaurant.

A better way to eat sashimi: gonowata seaweed wraps

At Geumrang, you can dunk the sashimi deep in gonowata (sea cucumber innards) and wrap it in seaweed with pickled ginger and rice. If you think sashimi is all about wasabi and chili sauce (chojang), you're missing out, it turns out.

The sashimi is delicious on its own, but eating it this way, I discovered a more refined flavor. After the sashimi, they brought out roe rice and other tasty things too, so I kept eating happily with a full, patting belly.

Finishing the Subyeon Hansang with spicy fish stew

The last dish of Geumrang's Subyeon Hansang course was spicy fish stew (maeuntang). The broth was sharp yet deeply savory, packed with fish meat and vegetables, which made it a perfect closing meal.

I was already plenty full, but the moment I had one spoonful of broth, my chopsticks started moving again. It really put the full stop on the sashimi course.

A Gwangalli sashimi restaurant celebrities visit too

Look around inside Geumrang and you'll spot signatures from many celebrities. That must mean it's been loved for a long time.

Just from tasting the food, I completely understood why not only tourists but also local residents visit so often. If you're eating sashimi in Gwangalli, Geumrang is a definite save.

Verdict: Geumrang's Subyeon Hansang for two is a full course, not just a plate of sashimi

The Subyeon Hansang for two at Geumrang felt less like a meal of sashimi and more like enjoying a full course. Starting with sea cucumber, sea squirt and live octopus, then fresh assorted sashimi, roe rice and spicy fish stew, the lineup was truly excellent.

The ocean view with Gwangan Bridge made it even more satisfying. If you want a proper sashimi course in Gwangalli, I'd recommend Geumrang as a Busan sashimi restaurant, a Gwangalli sashimi restaurant and a Gwangalli local favorite. Saved as a place I want to come back to with my family.