Seafood restaurant in Yuseong, Daejeon: Seommaeul seafood braise

I visited Seommaeul Agujjim & Nakjibokkeum (섬마을 아구찜&낙지볶음) in Yuseong, Daejeon, with my parents for seafood. We ordered medium-spicy haemuljjim (spicy braised seafood), followed by fried rice, and finished with sikhye (sweet rice drink). My parents enjoy seafood and seasoning too, so I was especially pleased to share the meal with them.

How were the parking and seats for a visit with my parents?

Seommaeul is on the first floor at 1163 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea (대전광역시 유성구 유성대로 1163 1층). There was ample parking when I visited, so it was convenient to go by car. We had reserved ahead and were shown to our table right away when we arrived.

The interior was clean and spacious. There was plenty of room between tables, so we could eat without paying much attention to the neighboring tables. Its warm, cozy atmosphere suited a family meal out.

What did we order, and can the spice level be adjusted?

The menu included agujjim (spicy braised monkfish), haemuljjim, and nakjibokkeum (stir-fried octopus). On the owner's recommendation, we chose the haemuljjim. Since the spice level could be adjusted, we ordered it medium-spicy.

How were the haemuljjim and side dishes?

The basic side dishes arrived soon after we ordered. They were neatly presented, and I kept reaching for the stir-fried potatoes in particular because they were soft and nutty. The kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi) was properly fermented and paired well with the haemuljjim.

The steamed egg was soft and moist. It was good alongside the spicy haemuljjim, helping to ease the heat between bites.

How were the seafood and seasoning in the haemuljjim?

The haemuljjim arrived on a large platter, generously filled with octopus, abalone, scallops, and shrimp. My parents were impressed by the portion too. The owner prepared it for easy eating, which made the meal more comfortable.

The octopus was chewy yet tender, with the sweet-and-spicy seasoning well absorbed. The abalone was substantial in size, while the scallops and shrimp were meaty, so it was enjoyable choosing among the seafood. To my taste, the seasoning had a natural savory depth.

The bean sprouts retained their crisp texture and went well with the seafood. My parents liked the seasoning and said the seafood tasted fresh.

How was the meal finished with fried rice and sikhye?

After the haemuljjim, we fried rice in the remaining seasoning. The owner shaped it into a heart, and the nutty seaweed flakes came together with the spicy seasoning and crisp bean sprouts. Even though we were full, we finished all of the fried rice.

After the meal, we drank sikhye that the owner had made. It was cool and sweet, which was good for clearing my palate after the spicy food. My parents liked that it was not overly sweet and had an old-fashioned flavor.

The seafood textures and seasoning were what stayed with me most from this meal. The parking and seating were comfortable too, and because my parents enjoyed the food, it was a place I would like to return to with family.