Korea's 10 Must-Try Seafood Restaurants in Myeongdong

Steam rises fragrant with ocean sweetness as clams open and abalone turn tender, the broth growing rounder with each ladle. Loved by locals and travelers alike, this is where you come to crack shells, clink glasses, and taste the sea in a warm, lively room. Prices are friendly for sharing and the mood fits casual celebrations.

• Order this: Assorted shellfish set plus seafood hot pot for a rich, savor-forward broth.

Like stepping into a blue-lit sea cave, the room glows as seafood pastas and risotti arrive perfumed with herbs and ocean notes. This spot bridges date-night elegance and group-friendly ease with a wine list that flatters seafood and a seasonal menu that keeps regulars curious. Both locals and visitors praise the balanced seasoning and comforting pacing.

• Order this: Seasonal seafood pasta or risotto and a crisp white by the glass.

Lunch brings a composed fish set that tastes clean and precise, dinner shifts to à la carte plates that showcase the day’s catch. The kitchen keeps things sincere and seasonal so textures stay lively and flavors remain bright. If you want a quiet conversation over thoughtful fish, this is your lane.

• Order this: Lunch fish set for balance and value; dinner for deeper exploration by the glass.

As dusk washes the city violet, seafood plates arrive with modern Korean nuance like octopus with pistachio that eats creamy and bright. Traditional liquors pair gently so the ocean flavors read clean, not heavy. The room feels special yet relaxed which is ideal for a first toast before a show or train.

• Order this: Whole octopus pistachio pasta and a crisp cheongju to match.

Think generous banchan and snappy seafood plates that make conversation flow. This is the casual stop where a second drink feels inevitable and shared dishes disappear faster than planned. It shines for easy meetups, and the covered outdoor space keeps the mood even when skies change.

• Order this: A spread of daily seafood sides with a light, cold beer or soju set.

On the grill, abalone firms then turns luscious, releasing a gentle sea aroma that hooks you before the first bite. Sets pack in clams and shellfish so the table looks festive, and the hot pot builds a deep savory broth as you linger. It works for a cozy date and scales up nicely for a team toast.

• Order this: Abalone grill set and a seafood hot pot to share with a crisp lager.

The team favors ikejime and shinkejime techniques, then coaxes texture with kombu aging so fish tastes clear and layered. It reads like Tokyo izakaya energy with a Korean heart, ideal for an after-work unwind. Expect a lively room at peak hours which suits groups and office gatherings.

• Order this: Lunch aged salmon set with soba or go late for assorted aged sashimi and tempura.

Thick domestic eel is grilled until the skin shimmers and the flesh turns custardy with a savory sweetness from the house glaze. Courses balance sashimi, hot dishes, and today’s rice pot so the eel plays lead while seasonal sides set the mood. For a quieter meal and measured pacing, this is a refined bet.

• Order this: Eel course to compare salt and sauce grills, then finish with the signature eel rice bowl.

A department store classic where the noodles cushion seafood sides and tempura in simple, comforting balance. Sets are generous and the kitchen keeps broths clean so delicate toppings shine. It is a family friendly stop when you want something calm and reliable between shops.

• Order this: Set menu with udon and tempura, or add a small sushi plate for variety.

An old-school name that stays current by keeping rice gentle and fish pristine so every nigiri lands balanced. The counter runs at an easy rhythm which makes it ideal for first omakase experiences and relaxed dates. Seats can go quickly around meal peaks so plan ahead.

• Order this: Lunch omakase for value or dinner to linger and compare seasonal cuts.