Jongno sushi restaurant with rich-tasting shari: Choe Uyeong Sushiya

Looking for things to do near Gwanghwamun, I found a sushi spot in Jongno

While looking for things to do near Gwanghwamun, I heard about a place near Jongak Station known for sushi, so I went to check it out. It's Choe Uyeong Sushiya Jongno Branch, and I think an honest review will help anyone searching for a good sushi spot in Jongno!

I found Choe Uyeong Sushiya Jongno Branch while searching for sushi restaurants near Gwanghwamun. It's also known by word of mouth as a sushi spot near Jongak Station, so I headed over with a mix of anticipation and curiosity.

The restaurant emphasizes that it uses fresh ingredients every day to make premium sushi and sashimi at reasonable prices.

The atmosphere felt welcoming for anyone — solo diners, dates, family gatherings, or a quick meal for office workers — which made me think it would suit all kinds of visits to a sushi restaurant in Jongno.

What we ordered: geukssang sushi, choesang sushi, and grilled beef brisket sushi

We ordered the geukssang sushi and choesang sushi together, plus the grilled beef brisket sushi on top.

The geukssang sushi had the most extravagant mix of ingredients, and the choesang sushi was also a full, satisfying set!

My younger brother, who's really serious about sushi, saw the photos and said he absolutely has to come here haha

Why I photographed the sushi rice on its own

This is just the sushi rice, and here's why I photographed it on its own — it was seriously delicious. This was the only place where the sushi rice itself really matched my taste. The umami was insane. Genuinely... a flavor I keep thinking about. I'll be going back soon!!!

The lineup was varied, with no fishy smell at all — excellent.

There was such a variety that we got to try lots of different types, which I really liked.

There are plenty of sushi restaurants these days, but it's rare to find one where the sushi rice is this perfect, there's zero fishy smell, and the sashimi cuts are this thick!

I love sushi and go to sushi restaurants often, but places where I actually think 'I have to come back' are honestly rare. This one, I'm genuinely planning to revisit!

How was the grilled beef brisket sushi?

The grilled beef brisket sushi has beef brisket with a smoky, grilled flavor on top of the sushi, giving it a different kind of appeal from regular sushi haha. I really like beef sushi and eat it often, but some places have a slightly gamey smell, you know?

But here there was zero trace of that smell, and it was genuinely delicious. Great quality, and generously sized too!!

I paired it with a zero-sugar cola, which let me finish the meal cleanly without any heaviness. Basically essential with sushi~ I was surprised the 500ml bottled cola was only ₩2,000..!

How was the aged sashimi's flavor?

The deep flavor unique to aged sashimi stood out. A different kind of umami from freshly cut fish spread gently through my mouth, and I found myself slowly savoring each piece of sushi..!!

For anyone looking for a sushi spot near Jongak Station, the flavor of this aged sashimi alone seems like reason enough to visit.

Kaisendon, seasonal menu, and side dishes

Beyond sushi, they also offer kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) and seasonal menu items, which made me want to try something different on my next visit haha

It felt like a menu you could return to easily as a sushi restaurant near Gwanghwamun, without it being a burden. They also have a good range of side dishes like assorted sashimi and assorted tempura, which made it easy to adjust the order depending on group size or occasion.

From solo dining to groups: useful things to know

The restaurant offers takeout, group dining, and even delivery, so it's easy to use however fits your situation. Pets aren't allowed, so keep that in mind beforehand.

There's an accessible parking spot, and free parking is available for up to 2 hours, so visiting by car wasn't a hassle either. Corkage was ₩3,000 per bottle, and there was a note that the store accepts the high oil price relief subsidy (via credit/debit card). That said, whether the subsidy applies is based on information provided by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and participating card companies, so it's best to check directly with the restaurant before visiting.

Final thoughts

• A sushi spot in Jongno I found while looking for things to do near Gwanghwamun: Choe Uyeong Sushiya Jongno Branch
• Premium sushi and sashimi made daily with fresh ingredients
• A satisfying meal built around geukssang sushi, choesang sushi, and grilled beef brisket sushi
• Aged sashimi with an umami different from freshly cut fish
• A varied menu that also includes kaisendon and sashimi
• A comfortable setting and amenities for everything from solo dining to group gatherings
• Solid practical info — corkage, free parking, and the high oil price relief subsidy

If you're looking for a sushi restaurant near Gwanghwamun, a sushi spot near Jongak Station, or a sushi restaurant in Jongno, I'd recommend stopping by Choe Uyeong Sushiya Jongno Branch. Next time, I'm planning to go back for the kaisendon!