Korea's 10 Best Japanese Restaurants in Seomyeon

A Bib Gourmand–laureled yakitori bar where native chicken skewers glow with charcoal perfume, skin crackling while interiors stay silky. Loved by locals and visiting food lovers alike, courses are thoughtfully priced, making it easy to linger over one more round of tare-lacquered thigh or velvety liver.

• Order this: Omakase skewer set with a crisp lager or junmai; ask for a mix of salt and tare for contrast.

A 20-year veteran chef slices generously and seasons subtly, balancing ocean-fresh sweetness with warm, perfectly seasoned shari. This is the spot locals bring their parents to, while travelers praise the comfort of counter seats and reserved rooms for small celebrations.

• Order this: Lunch sushi special or the signature nigiri set; finish with tender grilled eel.

A low-lit refuge where the clink of highballs fades into sashimi that tastes as bright as it looks. Regulars and first-timers both note the tidy space and pristine fish, ideal for unhurried conversation after work.

• Order this: Seasonal sashimi assortment with a citrusy highball; add a warm dish for balance.

A western-leaning izakaya-pub with clean lines, soft lighting, and plates that punch above expectations. It’s the kind of room where locals bring their own bottle to share, and the kitchen meets them with generous flavors and easy hospitality.

• Order this: Chef’s specials of the day and a chilled highball; ask about off-menu seasonal bites.

A cozy nook where seasonal Japanese cooking meets a thoughtful list of sake, shochu, and Korean craft bottles. Locals praise the value, while travelers appreciate the steady rhythm of small plates that invite conversation and toasts.

• Order this: Chef’s seasonal assortment with warmed sake; add a nimono for depth.

A mood-first izakaya where wood tones, low lighting, and a changing seasonal board invite long, comfortable nights. It’s an easy pick for both relaxed dates and casual group meetups.

• Order this: Seasonal hot dish with a crisp beer starter; share small plates to sample widely.

Named in the spirit of “Everyday Good Day,” this intimate izakaya pours cheer into plates and cups alike. The cult item is mackerel: glistening, lightly cured, and pressed over warm rice with a perfume that whispers of the sea.

• Order this: Mackerel sushi and sashimi combo; pair with a clean junmai to frame the oil-rich fish.

An alleyway hideout with the energy of a regulars’ bar and side dishes that steal the show. It’s the kind of place where you order one plate to start and somehow end with four, laughing as the night stretches on.

• Order this: House-favorite otsumami lineup and a cold draft; share family-style.

A small charmer opposite the Booyoung Apartments, where okonomiyaki arrives sizzling and yakisoba carries that toasty, wok-kissed aroma. The warmth isn’t just from the teppan—there’s a friendly hum that makes solo and duo visits easy.

• Order this: Pork-and-cabbage okonomiyaki and signature yakisoba; add Kewpie and aonori to taste.

Plates of aged fish with clean, concentrated flavor and a finishing spicy stew that comforts to the last sip. Expect a buzzing room; if you like energy, you’ll love it, while quiet conversations are better earlier in the evening.

• Order this: Aged sashimi set with spicy maeuntang and nigiri rice on the side.