Gwanghwamun sushi with no wasabi inside: Choe Uyeong Sushiya

Ever wondered where to go for clean, well-made sushi near Gwanghwamun or Jongak? Let me introduce Choe Uyeong Sushiya Jongno Branch (최우영스시야 종로점), a sushi restaurant that's become a word-of-mouth favorite among office workers in the area. Great value and impressive freshness make it a solid pick whether you're eating alone or with a group.

Where is Choe Uyeong Sushiya Jongno Branch and how do you get there?

Choe Uyeong Sushiya Jongno Branch is located at 7 Jongno 5-gil, B1 Unit 104, Jongno-gu, Seoul. It sits between Gwanghwamun Station and Jongak Station, making it really convenient to reach by public transit.

Inside the basement dining room: solo seats to group tables

Head down to the basement floor and a clean, modern interior greets you. Inside, Choe Uyeong Sushiya Jongno Branch offers a range of seating — solo seats for comfortable dining alone, 2–4 person tables, and group seating too. That means it works for office workers grabbing a quick lunch, evening work dinners, or family gatherings alike.

Beyond fresh sushi, this Gwanghwamun restaurant also serves kaisendon, sashimi, and crispy fried dishes — a varied Japanese-style menu. Ordering is simple via kiosk. Let me walk you through what I tried on this visit.

What comes in the 15-piece special sushi?

The special sushi at Choe Uyeong Sushiya Jongno Branch comes in a 15-piece set — an easy recommendation if you want to try a wide variety of sushi at once. With a full 15 pieces, both the quantity and variety are generous.

What stands out isn't just the freshness of the fish but how well it pairs with the rice (shari). The air pockets between the grains stay intact, so the rice softens gently in your mouth and brings out the fish's natural umami even more.

Sushi served with no wasabi inside

A key feature of the sushi here is that there's no wasabi hidden inside. You can add as much or as little as you like on top, which makes it approachable for sushi beginners or anyone who isn't a fan of wasabi.

The set starts with white fish and red sea bream, then moves through savory salmon, tender tuna, conger eel, scallop, cuttlefish, crab, shrimp, and egg. On top of that come sea urchin roe with its ocean-deep flavor, melt-in-the-mouth monkfish liver, and umami-packed negitoro gunkan (battleship roll) — plenty to pick and choose from.

From the clean, chewy white fish to the melt-away tuna and salmon, and the cuttlefish and scallop that sweeten the more you chew, each ingredient has its own distinct texture. Premium items like ankimo (monkfish liver) and uni especially had zero fishiness, leaving a rich, pleasant flavor that made every last piece satisfying.

How was the shrimp tempura udon?

Shrimp tempura udon is a great side dish when you need something warm and brothy. The basic udon comes piled high with toppings, giving the broth a deep, rich umami. The shrimp tempura in particular was plump and hearty, with a really satisfying bite. Its clean, savory flavor also makes it a great order if you're visiting with kids.

Special kaisendon: wrapping each bite in seaweed

The special kaisendon (raw fish rice bowl) is generously topped with thick, fresh slices of raw fish over rice. Take a piece of the crispy seaweed served alongside, add a spoonful of rice and a thick slice of fish, dip lightly in wasabi soy sauce, and wrap it up — a different, richer texture and appeal than regular sushi.

If you're looking for proper sushi at a reasonable price near Gwanghwamun, I recommend Choe Uyeong Sushiya Jongno Branch. From the great-value special sushi to the hearty kaisendon and warm udon, it's a meal that feels genuinely well made — give it a try!