Mangwon sashimi spot for groups: flounder sekkoshi, Mapo Bamdada

Last weekend I was craving really fresh raw fish, so I went with some friends to Mapo Bamdada (마포밤바다), a sashimi restaurant in Mangwon that everyone talks about. It's on the 1st floor at 146 Woldeukeop-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, and word is that it serves fresh, generous seafood in a cozy setting. This time the atmosphere, the taste and the value for money all made me happy, so here's my honest review.

What side dishes come at Mapo Bamdada?

As soon as we ordered, the table filled up with skidashi (free starter side dishes at a sashimi restaurant): braised half-dried pollack, macaroni salad, wrap vegetables, green peas and more. We ordered a squid sashimi plus pick-your-own sashimi (flounder sekkoshi, thinly sliced raw fish with the bones) set, then seafood ramyeon and some cold soju.

The moment we walked in, it had that friendly sashimi-joint feel, and we'd barely finished ordering when the skidashi, one of the highlights of a place like this, arrived. These weren't throwaway sides just to fill the table; every dish had real care in it. I was especially touched that glossy, bright-red braised half-dried pollack (kodari-jjim) came as a basic side dish. The fish was moist and tender, the sweet-spicy sauce soaked deep, and there were crunchy bean sprouts too, so before the main dish even arrived I could have finished a bowl of rice or a bottle of soju, haha. The appetite-whetting macaroni salad, fresh wrap vegetables and green peas were all neatly set out, so we were happy from the very start.

How were the squid sashimi and flounder sekkoshi?

The squid sashimi and flounder sekkoshi came neatly arranged on a bamboo mat like a painting. The squid was caught fresh from the tank and sliced on the spot, so it sparkled translucent, and the flounder sekkoshi had soft bones and a pleasantly chewy bite.

The squid sashimi had that sticky, springy texture the moment it hit my mouth, with a faint sweetness spreading everywhere. Dipped generously in chojang (sweet-sour chili sauce), the tangy sweetness and nutty sesame made it superb. The flounder sekkoshi had a wonderfully chewy crunch, and with the generous radish sprouts and crisp shredded cucumber it never got boring and tasted even nuttier. With such fresh, great snacks and a cold glass of soju, all the built-up fatigue and stress just vanished. It was total healing time.

What is the seafood ramyeon like at Mapo Bamdada?

The seafood ramyeon comes bubbling in a big earthenware pot (ttukbaegi), and it's less like instant noodles and more like the rich seafood stew at a seafood specialist. After happily clinking glasses, we added it at the end as a spicy dish to settle our stomachs.

It was packed with fresh seafood like plump shrimp and chewy squid, so the broth was deep and refreshing, and plenty of scallion, chili and bean sprouts gave it a clean, sharp kick. The perfectly cooked, springy noodles had soaked up the seafood flavor, and even though we were full, my friends and I scraped up every last drop of broth.

Who is Mapo Bamdada good for?

I think Mapo Bamdada suits family dinners, drinks with friends and dates alike. It lived up to its romantic name (Bamdada means something like "night sea") with great flavor and generous portions.

Fresh fish is a given, but the chef's deep home-style touch in the braised pollack and seafood ramyeon, plus the friendly service that kept us in a good mood all meal, made everything feel harmonious. To enjoy such a generous seafood spread at such a reasonable price is really attractive. If you're looking for a true Mangwon sashimi place where you can happily get tipsy with anyone, I strongly recommend Mapo Bamdada.

A walk to Mangwon Hangang Park after the meal

When you leave Mapo Bamdada, quiet, atmospheric Mangwon alleys lead on, and it's a nice stroll to nearby Mangwon Hangang Park. Walking there well fed and pleasantly buzzed was the perfect way to end the night.

Stepping away from the busy, noisy city for a while, I could fully feel the calm and romance of being by a quiet night sea, just like the restaurant's name. It's also very easy to reach by public transport, so if you're planning a weekend outing or a get-together, don't hesitate to drop by. I hope that, with the taste of fresh sea on your tongue and the warm, friendly atmosphere inside, you can blow away the day's fatigue at Mapo Bamdada too. We're definitely going back soon to try other seasonal seafood and chewy sashimi!