# Jongno Japanese restaurant for fresh kaisendon: Ilpum Gwanghwamun - By Dami (https://superchart.com/en/@station-exit-stops/) - Written Sep 10, 2026 - Local places › Restaurants › Jongno, Seoul - Sponsored: This visit was sponsored by the business. - English edition: https://superchart.com/en/@station-exit-stops/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/ - Also in: [한국어](https://superchart.com/ko/@station-exit-stops/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/index.md) ## In short Ilpum Gwanghwamun is a Japanese restaurant on B2 of Le Meilleur Jongno Town near Gwanghwamun Station in Jongno, Seoul. We had the basic kaisendon, today’s sushi set, chawanmushi, karaage cold udon, and mango panna cotta. Verdict: a generous, beautifully prepared seafood meal with impressively fresh fish. ## Good to know - **Hours**: 11:00–21:30 - **Break time**: 15:00–17:30 - **Last order**: 20:00 - **Parking**: Up to 2 hours of free parking available - **Basic kaisendon**: ₩26,000 - **Today’s sushi set**: ₩28,000 - **Three-piece nigiri**: ₩7,000 - **Seating**: Counter seats are generally available for up to two guests; this may vary with reservations. *as written by the visitor on Sep 10, 2026* ![Ilpum Gwanghwamun representative image](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-01-1jjii-1200.webp) ## If you’re having kaisendon near Gwanghwamun Station I’m the type to seek out good restaurants often because I love seafood and neat, refined Japanese food. I had plans near Gwanghwamun this time and stopped by Ilpum Gwanghwamun, which is known as a great spot for kaisendon. Even from the entrance, it had such a polished feel that I thought it would be perfect not only for a solo meal, but also for a date or a dinner gathering. ## Location and visitor information ![Ilpum Gwanghwamun visitor information](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-02-9ne0y-890.webp) - Hours: 11:00–21:30 - Break time: 15:00–17:30 - Last order: 20:00 - Up to 2 hours of free parking available ## Inside Ilpum Gwanghwamun and its seating Ilpum is within a five-minute walk of Exit 4 of Gwanghwamun Station or Exit 1 of Jonggak Station, on B2 of Le Meilleur Jongno Town, so it should be easy to find. I visited around the end of break time, and there were already people waiting. Definitely giving real hidden-gem restaurant vibes. ![Ilpum Gwanghwamun location on B2](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-03-riioy-900.webp) I took this on my way out after the meal—take the escalator down to B2 and it’s directly across from you! There are counter seats, so some people came alone, and they generally seated parties of up to two at the counter. Depending on reservations, though, two people may be seated at a table, or even three people may be shown to the counter. ## Ordering kaisendon and today’s sushi ![Ilpum Gwanghwamun menu](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-04-1o5ul-734.webp) As you’d expect from a good Japanese restaurant in Gwanghwamun, there were so many appetizing-looking choices—kaisendon, unagidon, seasonal sushi, and more—that it was hard to pick. Since it was my first visit, I ordered Ilpum’s signature kaisendon and today’s sushi. ![Ordering kaisendon and today’s sushi](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-05-1tji2-900.webp) It was convenient to order straight away through Catch Order. ![Catch Order ordering instructions](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-06-wric7-900.webp) While we waited after ordering, I could catch little glimpses of them making the food! Dishes for earlier guests came out first, and they looked so fresh that I was getting excited.. ![Preparing ordered dishes](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-07-jmnxk-900.webp) ![Preparing ordered dishes](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-08-xhaj6-735.webp) First they brought steamed egg, baekkimchi (mild white kimchi), soup, and seaweed. Since I ordered kaisendon, they also gave me seaweed to enjoy with it. ![Steamed egg, baekkimchi, soup, and seaweed](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-09-1kw4d-900.webp) Neither was overly salty, and both were delicious. Just right for when rich fish starts to feel a little heavy! It had that glowing, pudding-like look.. I really do love chawanmushi (Japanese steamed egg custard) at sushi restaurants. ![Chawanmushi with shrimp](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-10-vfcqz-900.webp) It was warm, bouncy, and so delicious 😵💫 I made sure to scrape up every bit, including the plump shrimp. Once we finished and waited a little, the mains came out right after! ## Basic kaisendon, ₩26,000 ![Basic kaisendon main dish](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-11-159uw-900.webp) This is Ilpum’s signature kaisendon (seafood rice bowl). I ordered the basic version, but they also have a premium kaisendon that became famous through broadcaster Lee Young-ja’s food show! Honestly, though, this one already felt premium enough.. The generous bowl was packed with fresh sashimi and seafood. Premium ingredients including salmon, tuna, flounder, scallop, and sweet shrimp had no fishiness at all—their natural sweetness and nuttiness were unreal! ![Kaisendon topped with seafood](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-12-o16rv-900.webp) ![Kaisendon sashimi selection](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-13-1jala-900.webp) ![A bowl of kaisendon seafood](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-14-111y8-900.webp) The lightly aburi-seared scallop melted in my mouth, and I couldn’t put down my spoon thanks to the springy sweet shrimp and the popping texture of flying fish roe.. The combination of crisp seaweed and gamtae (sweet seaweed), wrapped around rice, sashimi, and a little wasabi, was truly excellent. The rice was seasoned just right too, so I enjoyed it to the last bite without tiring of it. The ankimo (monkfish liver) was so nutty.. ![Today’s sushi set selection](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-15-16433-900.webp) ## Today’s sushi set and nigiri Today’s sushi set, ₩28,000. My friend, who had been craving sushi, ordered this one. It comes with five pieces of popular nigiri sushi, two shrimp pieces, plus one piece each of maguro maki and futomaki. ![Today’s sushi set](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-16-1ypfr-900.webp) ![Nigiri sushi and maki selection](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-17-1rg0w-772.webp) ![Sushi with thick slices of fish](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-18-8i3sy-900.webp) Today’s sushi also exceeded expectations. Aren’t the tuna and salmon just glowing?.. The slices of fish were wonderfully thick, with a great bite, and the thoughtfully included maki made this a substantial plate that was fun to pick through. ![Sushi plate served with maki](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-19-d73j6-900.webp) We ordered the three-piece nigiri for ₩7,000 in case the meal felt a little lacking. We did finish it all, but with the fish being so thick, it was slightly too much for us.. haha. Still delicious, though! ![Three-piece nigiri and futomaki](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-20-d1a21-900.webp) Palm-sized futomaki. I actually didn’t realize this was coming at first, so I was startled when it arrived.. Such an incredibly generous spread. ![Karaage cold udon](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-21-10yjh-900.webp) During the meal, they also brought karaage cold udon. I personally love udon noodles served cold, and the chewy noodles made it such a treat! Mango panna cotta for dessert. ![Mango panna cotta dessert](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-22-b5jk7-900.webp) A Japanese restaurant that even serves a delicious dessert,, I was full, but I still polished off dessert properly. ## Final thoughts on this refined Japanese meal in Gwanghwamun ![Ilpum Gwanghwamun full meal spread](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-23-1r3rz-900.webp) ![Finishing a meal at Ilpum Gwanghwamun](https://img.superchart.com/images/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum-24-1xa3p-900.webp) Overall, it was such a satisfying meal, with nothing lacking—from the freshness of the ingredients and careful plating to the kind service! My friend also kept saying how delicious it was, haha. I’m a little sad we had to leave some because we were so full 🥲 I highly recommend Ilpum Gwanghwamun to anyone wanting a refined Japanese set meal or proper kaisendon near Gwanghwamun! It feels upscale, so I think it would also be great for a family gathering, date, or business meal. Also, if you reserve through Naver Place before visiting, you can use various coupons, including free corkage, two celebratory birthday nigiri pieces, or two choice sushi pieces to cheer on expectant mothers—so I definitely recommend making a reservation before you go! ## Where it is - Ilpum Gwanghwamun (일품 광화문점) - B2F Unit 223, 19 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea - 서울특별시 종로구 종로 19 지하2층 223호 일품 광화문점 - 37.5708344, 126.9798606 - Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/%EC%9D%BC%ED%92%88%20%EA%B4%91%ED%99%94%EB%AC%B8%EC%A0%90/@37.5708344,126.9798606,17z --- Superchart · https://superchart.com/en/@station-exit-stops/gwanghwamun-kaisendon-fresh-seafood-ilpum/ · https://superchart.com/llms.txt