Japanese restaurant in Geumcheon, Seoul: weekend donburi at Gapposo

Gapposo before outlet shopping in Gasan

On our way to shop at the Gasan outlets over the weekend, my wife and I stopped by Gapposo (갓포소), a popular spot in Gasan Digital Complex, for lunch.

The interior was really distinctive. Since it is an authentic Japanese restaurant, even the exterior had that unmistakably Japanese feel.

We arrived after the weekend lunch rush and got in right away without waiting, but it is already such a well-known Gasan restaurant that there can be a long wait at weekday lunch or dinner.

Maybe because we went in at 2 p.m., we were the last guests haha. There is a break time from 3 to 5 p.m. after lunch, so I recommend checking the time before you go.

Ordering the weekend set for two

The menu itself differs from weekdays. We ordered the weekend set for two (₩49,000).

They are running a review event too. You should definitely leave a review and get it—at least get a free can of soda!!

Shortly after we ordered, they brought out danmuji (pickled yellow radish) and soy sauce. Personally, I think having them bring it to the table is more hygienic than keeping it on the table for everyone to serve themselves.

My wife really loved the chopstick rest and chopsticks. The chopsticks were genuinely interesting—so thin that they were really easy to pick food up with.

Maybe because it was Japanese food, the dishes came out quickly. I think it would be a good place for office workers on a weekday lunch break too. At lunchtime, how fast the food comes out is the most important thing, right? Hahaha.

Udon, karaage, and sushi sides

First, some palate-cleansing udon. The noodles were super chewy and the broth was so refreshing—it was perfect as a starter.

Next came karaage (Japanese fried chicken). Maybe because this is an authentic Japanese restaurant, it was on a completely different level from the karaage I usually have. Even though the sauce was already drizzled over it, it was incredibly crisp and had such a great bite.

We ordered six pieces of sushi, but you can also order 12 pieces, so if you want more sushi, the 12-piece option would be a good choice.

Maybe because Gapposo's chef used to be the executive chef at a five-star hotel Japanese restaurant, it felt like there were 320 grains of rice in each piece haha. The sushi rice was perfectly springy, the sashimi was fresh, and it was seriously delicious. If I come back, I think I will order 12 pieces next time haha.

Add wasabi to taste, brush on some soy sauce with the little brush, then pop it into your mouth in one bite—it is seriously heavenly haha.

Kaisendon and unagidon mains

The sides had really opened up our appetites, so it was time for the mains hahaha. My wife's kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) and my unagidon (grilled eel rice bowl) came in square bento boxes, plated so beautifully that they looked delicious before we even took a bite haha.

My wife's kaisendon

I had only ever eaten sushi at Japanese restaurants before, so this was my first time trying kaisendon. The sashimi was really fresh and delicious, and it was fun being able to choose among several kinds haha.

I would have just scooped it up with a spoon, but my wife divided it into little portions and ate it sushi-style hahaha. You do end up with some rice left this way, but that was fine because I could eat the rest ^^

The thick unagidon

Next was my unagidon. The eel was incredibly thick. The sauce went so well with it that it practically melted in my mouth haha.

I do not usually eat ginger, but I do not know how Gapposo pickles theirs—it was so sweet and delicious.

There was also a rolled omelet underneath the eel, and it was seriously so good!! I tend to save the best things for last, so after finishing everything else, I ate the egg last hahaha.

Once again, we cleaned our plates without leaving a single grain of rice hahaha. Gapposo definitely deserves its reputation as a great Japanese restaurant in Gasan Digital Complex!! My wife and I both love Japanese food and eat sushi often, but this was honestly among the best places we have tried. If you are looking for a top Japanese restaurant near Gasan Digital Complex, I really recommend Gapposo!!