Dongjak seafood restaurant croaker sashimi takeaway: Ttangkkeut Maeul

Noryangjin Fish Market the day after the Yeouido Fireworks Festival

On Saturday, September 4, I passed Noryangjin Station on my way home after watching the Yeouido Fireworks Festival. I suddenly wanted to stop by the fish market and have some sashimi.

So, the next day, I stopped at Noryangjin Station and brought home some fresh sashimi. I set off from Sinnonhyeon Station, and getting to Noryangjin Station was quicker than I expected, so it was very accessible too.

How to get to Noryangjin Fish Market’s South Gate

The easiest way to reach Noryangjin Fish Market is to exit Noryangjin Station through Exit 9. If it is your first visit to the market like mine, relying on the pin in a map app alone can be confusing. To avoid getting lost, make sure you find and enter through the building’s South Gate.

The shop is right in front of you as soon as you enter through the South Gate, which makes the route really convenient. I got mixed up at first and accidentally went up to the second floor before coming back down.

• Address: 1F, Units 42–43, 674 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea (서울 동작구 노들로 674 1층 42호, 43호)
• Hours: Daily 09:00–20:30
• Amenities: Takeaway, delivery, Zero Pay, and group visits
• Parking and restrooms: Dedicated market parking and shared restrooms on each floor

There are so many sashimi shops clustered inside Noryangjin Fish Market that I spent a long time wondering where to buy live-fish sashimi. Ttangkkeut Maeul (땅끝마을) had been featured by the media outlets Korean Englishman and MBC’s Welcome, First Time in Korea?, so I trusted its reputation and chose it.

The menu and platter options were clearly displayed at the front of the shop, so ordering was easy.

What came with the medium assorted croaker sashimi takeaway

I ordered the medium assorted croaker sashimi platter, packed with fish that are currently in season.

When I opened the assorted croaker sashimi I had brought home, the selection was wonderfully substantial.

There was plenty of ssamjang (savory soybean dipping paste), sushi seasoning, cho-gochujang (sweet-and-tangy chili sauce), and soy sauce to enjoy with the sashimi.

There was also plenty of fresh wasabi, rakkyo pickles, ginger, and more alongside the sashimi, so I could enjoy it all through the meal without getting tired of it. Everything tasted clean and refreshing.

The first thing that caught my eye was how thickly the fish had been sliced. The cuts were seriously substantial, and as someone who is always conscious of getting enough protein, it felt like exactly the kind of nourishing meal for me. This assorted croaker sashimi was a well-rounded selection of premium seasonal fish for summer through early autumn.

The friend I ate with was from Jeju and knew fish well, so they kindly explained each type as we looked through the platter. Knowing what I was eating made the flavor and aroma feel even deeper.

How the croaker, striped jack, and red seabream tasted

Croaker

As you would expect from a premium fish that represents summer, the flesh was soft and delicate. The more I chewed, the more a subtle sweetness and savory umami spread through my mouth.

The rich swim bladder, considered a delicacy, was exceptionally nutty, while the texture of the lightly blanched skin was something different too.

Striped jack (shima aji)

Just like the sashimi often used at upscale Japanese restaurants, it had a crisp bite while still feeling springy and firm. The clean flavor of a white fish and the rich oiliness characteristic of blue-backed fish came together perfectly.

Red seabream

It had less moisture and firm flesh, making it especially satisfying to chew. The layer of fat beneath the skin melted slightly, maximizing its nuttiness and chewiness while bringing out a clean sweetness.

The portion was so generous that even after a filling lunch, there was still some left over.

I stored the leftover sashimi carefully and enjoyed it deliciously once more for dinner that evening.

If you are hesitating over where to go at Noryangjin Fish Market, I can confidently recommend Ttangkkeut Maeul for its proven freshness and thick sashimi cuts.

Along with the owner’s kind service, the quality of the fish was high, and I finished the meal very satisfied. The next time I take home seasonal sashimi, I will come back here without hesitation.