Yongsan Korean restaurant for sashimi and mala xiang guo: Joseonmakhae

I visited Joseonmakhae (조선막해) on Yongnidan-gil in Yongsan. It is a drinking spot near Samgakji and Sinyongsan stations where you can have sashimi and Chinese-style dishes together. That day, I ordered the wild-caught Joseonmakhoe and special seafood mala xiang guo, then added the corn bundle skewers.

What are the basement atmosphere and seating like?

The restaurant is on the basement level of the building. To me, it felt more cozy and warm than cramped. The exterior had a retro feel and was clean.

The interior was decorated in warm wood tones. In the center was a counter that looked good for drinking alone, along with plenty of regular tables for groups. The restroom was inside the restaurant and clean when I visited.

The walls had a large fish painting and fishing-net decorations. They also made me feel as if I had come to a street food tent near the seaside.

How do you order, and what did I drink?

I ordered from the QR code on the table. It was convenient to choose the dishes on my smartphone.

The wild-caught Joseonmakhoe and special seafood mala xiang guo felt like the signature dishes, so I chose both. For a drink, I ordered Kozel Dark draft beer. They also sell one-bite drinks in small 178 ml glasses, which seemed like an option when you want just a light drink.

What is the wild-caught Joseonmakhoe like?

The Joseonmakhoe arrived on a large silver tray with several accompaniments. The type of fish changes daily, and oilfish was served on the day I visited.

Instructions at the table explained how to enjoy the makhoe. I placed thick slices of makhoe on gim (dried seaweed), then added spicy and tangy vegetable makjang, cabbage salad, and the special mayonnaise sauce. The fish had a chewy, springy texture, with a savory flavor that grew as I chewed.

What is in the special seafood mala xiang guo?

The spicy mala aroma came through as soon as the special seafood mala xiang guo arrived. Along with seafood such as shrimp and squid, it contained bok choy, napa cabbage, sausage, and meat. Each ingredient had a different texture, which made it fun to eat, and there was also a gentle smoky flavor.

The special peanut sauce served alongside it added a nutty, smooth flavor. I liked the combination of peanut sauce with a dish that had mala spice and smoky notes.

How were the corn bundle skewers with beer?

While eating, I added the corn bundle skewers from the side menu. Corn kernels were packed tightly along a long skewer, and it was fun to feel each one pop as I bit into it. The outside was evenly sprinkled with sweet and salty seasoning, making it a good match for beer.

On this visit, the chewy texture of the makhoe and the smoky flavor of the seafood mala xiang guo stayed with me most. The space also felt comfortable and pleasant, so I thought it would work for a second stop after eating nearby.

Where is it, and what are the hours and parking options?

Joseonmakhae is at B1, 45-17 Hangang-daero 62-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 한강대로62길 45-17 지하 1층). The original post lists its hours as Tue–Thu 17:00–24:00 and Fri–Sat 16:00–01:00 the next day. It is closed every Monday. Parking is directed to a nearby public parking lot.