Mapo seafood restaurant for sake pairing: Jaecheoldameun Mapo Bada

A friend was getting her hair straightened at Hapjeong Station, so after going together, we took Line 6 over to Daeheung Station. I had heard there was a hot new sashimi restaurant near Daeheung Station, and that place was Jaecheoldameun Mapo Bada (제철담은 마포바다). It was right in front as soon as we came out of Exit 3, so finding it was incredibly easy.

Jaecheoldameun Mapo Bada is a newly opened restaurant and drinking spot in Daeheung-dong, right in front of Daeheung Station Exit 3. The spotless fish tanks, fresh seafood, and generous set menus that are easy to choose according to group size stood out. From assorted sashimi and grilled live shrimp to gizzard shad sashimi, grilled gizzard shad, and abalone innards porridge, you can enjoy it all in one spread, so I would recommend it for dates, get-togethers with friends, family meals, or team dinners.

Jaecheoldameun Mapo Bada, in front of Daeheung Station Exit 3

Jaecheoldameun Mapo Bada is on the first floor of Bonghwa Building, directly in front of Daeheung Station Exit 3, so accessibility was excellent. When choosing a meeting spot, getting there can be a hassle if it is far from the station, but this place is right by the exit, making it easy to visit even on rainy or cold days. The address is 104 Baekbeom-ro, Bonghwa Building 1F, Mapo-gu, Seoul.

The first thing that caught my eye upon entering was the clean fish tank. As you would expect from a newly opened place, everything was kept tidy, and the tank was full of fresh fish and seafood. Freshness and a hygienic atmosphere are so important at a sashimi restaurant, and this place inspired confidence from the first impression. I think even those who find the distinctive smell of older sashimi restaurants off-putting could visit fairly comfortably.

What comes with the two-person Mapo Bada value set?

That day, we ordered the two-person Mapo Bada value set.

It was ₩79,000 and included 13 grilled live shrimp, raw shrimp, gizzard shad sashimi, a medium assorted sashimi platter, two grilled gizzard shad, rich abalone innards porridge, and fried shrimp heads. Rather than a simple set with only sashimi, it also came with grilled dishes, a meal, and special bites, so the two of us could enjoy a truly generous spread.

I also liked the variety of complimentary side dishes. We warmed ourselves up with kimchi stew, then enjoyed cold boiled pork, tofu kimchi, and steamed egg—dishes that pair nicely with drinks. Everything was set out at once on a large table, so it was convenient not to have to move plates around or order separately as each dish arrived. The fact that you can choose a two-, three-, or four-person set also felt like a major advantage when picking a venue for a gathering.

A spread of grilled live shrimp and assorted sashimi

The basic sashimi came in thick slices, and its fresh texture came through more with every bite. The raw shrimp were bouncy, while the seasonal gizzard shad sashimi had a lovely nutty flavor. The dish I remember most vividly was definitely the grilled live shrimp, cooked over coarse salt. Perhaps because they were in season, the flesh was wonderfully plump and the nutty aroma was so good. The heads were made into crisp fried shrimp heads, too, so every bit was delicious.

The grilled gizzard shad was nicely browned and offered a different appeal from the sashimi. Alternating between the mild assorted sashimi, nutty gizzard shad, and warm grilled shrimp meant there was never a dull moment during the meal. The abalone innards porridge served at the end had a deep, rich taste, making it a comforting finish after thoroughly enjoying the seafood.

Pairing Chokaisan Junmai Daiginjo

There was a wide range of drinks, including sake, cheongju (Korean refined rice wine), soju, beer, and wine that goes well with seafood. After some deliberation, we chose the Chokaisan Junmai Daiginjo recommended by the owner. It was ₩115,000, and I was impressed by its soft fruity aroma and clean finish. Served chilled, it refreshed the mild sashimi, the gentle sweetness of the raw shrimp, and the nuttiness of the grilled live shrimp.

Before the food arrived, we were also given a complimentary glass of draft beer. To celebrate the new opening, draft beer was being sold at a discounted ₩2,000. It was a nice light way to awaken the appetite before properly getting into the sashimi and sake. Even for someone trying sake for the first time, it did not feel too heavy or overly aromatic, so I think it would be an easy choice.

Why I recommend it for a Daeheung Station gathering

If you are looking for a good restaurant near Daeheung Station, Jaecheoldameun Mapo Bada works well for team dinners, gatherings with friends, dates, and family meals alike. I especially recommend it to anyone looking for a sashimi restaurant near the station, a place for a generous serving of seasonal seafood, or a clean, newly opened spot. There was a short wait when I visited, perhaps because word has already gotten around, so reserving ahead would be best if you want to take your time.

Menu terms

• Grilled live shrimp are cooked immediately while still alive, giving them a bouncy texture and nutty flavor.
• Gizzard shad is a fish that many people seek out in autumn for its particularly nutty taste.
• Assorted sashimi is a platter of several types of fish, letting you enjoy their different flavors.
• Abalone innards porridge is a rich, savory rice porridge made with abalone innards.
• Junmai Daiginjo is a premium sake made with highly polished rice, known for its smooth and clean flavor.
• Pairing refers to the way food and alcohol complement each other when enjoyed together.

Questions before visiting

How close is Jaecheoldameun Mapo Bada to Daeheung Station?

It is right in front of Daeheung Station Exit 3, so it is easy to find even on your first visit.

Can two people order a set?

Yes, there is a two-person Mapo Bada value set. You can enjoy a variety of dishes, including sashimi, grilled shrimp, gizzard shad, and porridge.

Are there warm dishes besides sashimi?

Warm dishes such as kimchi stew, steamed egg, tofu kimchi, and abalone innards porridge are served with the meal.

What about parking and reservations?

It is best to check with the restaurant about parking availability and reservation status before visiting for a more comfortable experience.

Personally, this is somewhere I would like to return to when I want fresh sashimi and grilled live shrimp at the same time. The location right in front of the station, the clean atmosphere of a newly opened restaurant, and the well-designed sets for different group sizes were all satisfying. If you are looking for a good restaurant and drinking spot in Daeheung-dong, enjoy a seasonal seafood spread at Jaecheoldameun Mapo Bada. My rating is 4.7 out of 5, and my intention to return is 100 percent.