Yongridan-gil basement seafood pub with clam soup: Joseonmakhae

Today I visited Joseonmakhae, a Yongridan-gil favorite that's great for seafood snacks with a drink. The name alone made me expect a proper seafood-and-drinks experience, so I went in with high hopes — let me walk you through the food and the vibe.

Where is Joseonmakhae, and what are its hours?

• Address: 45-17 Hangang-daero 62-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea, B1
• Location: Near Samgakji Station, Yongridan-gil
• Hours: Tue–Thu 17:00–24:00 / Fri–Sat 16:00–1:00
• Closed: Every Monday, last order 23:00
• Parking: No dedicated lot; use nearby public parking

Finding the basement entrance: watch the stairs

Since Joseonmakhae is underground, the first thing I checked out was the staircase leading down to the entrance. The sign and menu display right at the entrance made it easy to find even on a first visit. The exterior wasn't flashy — it had more of a cozy, welcoming feel.

Fair warning for taller folks: watch your head going up and down the stairs!

Counter seats to private room: seating at Joseonmakhae

Inside, the seating options were more varied than I expected, so it was easy to pick a spot depending on group size or occasion. There's a bar-style counter (dachi seats) that's great for drinking solo or cozying up as a couple, plus 2–4 person tables that suit friends or dates. There's also a private room, which works well for group gatherings or company dinners. The overall mood isn't too formal, and the range of seating makes it a place that suits everything from a casual one-drink stop to a full group dinner.

What's on the menu at Joseonmakhae?

Joseonmakhae centers on seafood, with enough variety on the menu to make choosing part of the fun. From the signature makhoe (raw sliced fish) to cooked seafood dishes, stir-fries and grilled items, there's plenty to pick from depending on your taste. With meat and stir-fry options alongside the seafood, it's a good spot for groups where not everyone loves seafood.

The drink selection is just as broad, ranging from soju and beer to cocktails and Chinese liquor.

Joseon makhoe (23,900 won) with Cheongyang clam soup (15,900 won)

First, the makhoe came with oil flounder and true flounder, and overall the sashimi was fresh with a nicely chewy texture. It had that characteristic makhoe bite without being tough or stringy — soft to chew and genuinely enjoyable.

Each fish type came labeled with a sticker, which made it easy to tell what was what. There was also a note on the table showing how to best enjoy it, and following it made the dish even more delicious. 🫶🏻

The clam soup we ordered alongside had a refreshing, clean broth that was great for sipping between bites of makhoe. Rather than being spicy or intense, the flavor centered on the clean, savory taste from the clams — a great pairing with the raw fish.

With fresh makhoe alongside a warm, clean broth, we got to enjoy raw fish and soup together. Makhoe + clam soup — definitely recommend this combo!

Restrooms and other practical notes

For reference, both men's and women's restrooms are located inside the restaurant, which is convenient during a meal. No need to step outside to use them — handy for gatherings or group dinners too.