Jongno Japanese restaurant for fresh kaisendon: Ilpum Gwanghwamun

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

• 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.

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

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.

It was convenient to order straight away through Catch Order.

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..

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.

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.

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

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!

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 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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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!