Twelve in Seoul — Twelve Seats Visitor

Spring outdoor sashimi bar in Sangbong with pupae stew: Hoepanjang

Hoepanjang Sangbong (회판장 상봉점) is an aged sashimi restaurant in the food alley between Sangbong Station and Mangu Station in Jungnang, Seoul. On an unusually warm spring day at Hoepanjang Sangbong's outdoor tables, the 8-kind sashimi platter (54,000 won) arrived with a stream of starters such as pupae stew, corn cheese, mussel soup, grilled mackerel and mixed tempura, plus mulhoe (cold raw fish soup) and hoe-muchim (spicy raw fish salad). With well-aged white fish, endless side dishes and friendly service, Hoepanjang Sangbong is a satisfying choice for aged sashimi at outdoor tables in Sangbong.

Written Apr 22, 2026Sponsored

PlaceJeju, JejuRestaurants

Jeju noodle shop for doenjang jari-mulhoe: Yongdam Bomal Kalguksu

Yongdam Bomal Kalguksu is a sea snail (bomal) noodle restaurant on a side street in Yongdam-dong, Jeju City, close to Jeju Airport. At lunch the writer had the signature abalone sea snail kalguksu (10,000 won) and the summer-only, doenjang-based jari-mulhoe, a cold damselfish soup (15,000 won); the rich broth, generous sea snail and abalone, and bone-in damselfish stood out. Yongdam Bomal Kalguksu is a locals' favorite for Jeju home-style food at around 10,000 won a dish.

Written Jun 12, 2026Sponsored

PlaceJung-gu, SeoulRestaurants

Post-half-marathon beef galbi near Seoul City Hall: Geumseong Hoegwan

Geumseong Hoegwan Seoul City Hall Direct Branch is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul. After a half marathon, the marinated king beef ribs for 2, complimentary kimchi jjigae, and somac made for a filling meal in a cool dining room. Verdict: a satisfying post-race meal and group-dinner spot near City Hall Station.

Written Sep 9, 2026Sponsored