Korea's 10 Popular Seafood Restaurants in Seoul

Loved by locals and seafood-seeking travelers alike, this crab-focused modern Korean spot plates soy-marinated beauties that glisten like amber and taste of clean ocean sweetness under a deep, aged-soy aroma. Each bite is neat, balanced, and rice-thief satisfying—exactly why seats fill fast. A second-generation brand led by founder Bang Geon-hyuk, it marries traditional jang technique with a sleek, contemporary sensibility.

• Order this: Soy-marinated blue crab first, then the spicy marinated crab for a peppery finish.

The kind of place where the soy crab smells faintly of the tide and the roe is so creamy you instinctively reach for hot rice. Tourists find it easily and locals keep returning—proof that the seasoning is deep yet never dull. Sleek rooms and a polished service style make it an easy pick for family feasts or low-key celebrations.

• Order this: Soy-marinated crab and soy shrimp; finish with the spicy, restorative crab stew.

Just off Sinsa Station, this main branch hums from lunch to late—with crab stew that cures hangovers and soy-marinated crab that invites extra rice. It’s a buzzy mix of regulars and visiting fans, so expect energy over hush. Private rooms can be secured via CATCHTABLE for intimate gatherings.

• Order this: Signature crab stew as your anchor, then black soy-marinated crab for that deep umami glide.

A serene nook where the air smells faintly of warm sushi rice and seasonally cured fish. The chef moves with calm precision, letting texture and temperature do the talking—perfect for a quiet date with a glass in hand. In Cheongdam’s late-night glow, the course feels intimate rather than showy—measured, delicious, and satisfying.

• Order this: Omakase; ask for beverage pairings that complement briny, sweet shellfish notes.

If you love seafood with modern Korean flair, Dosulbak’s “bada damda” packs the briny snap of the market into an elegant, seaweed-wrapped bite. The plating is delicate, the flavors clean, and the room softly lit—ideal for small celebrations. The open kitchen shows every step, broadcasting freshness and craft in equal measure.

• Order this: “Bada damda” to start; in the evening, try the updated Jooansang dinner with signature chicken gomtang finish.

A meticulous table where time-seasoned condiments meet pristine seafood: imagine oysters brightened by careful blanching and tartels layered with eel and nine-year-aged sansho. Pacing is measured, seasoning is precise, and the finish is feather-light yet memorable. Chef Kim Do-yoon’s approach spotlights texture and aroma—ideal if you crave clarity over flash.

• Order this: Dinner course—watch for seasonal fish like tilefish and refined seafood small plates.

A moody fourth-floor lounge that trades in the pleasures of the moment: seasonal sashimi, clean broths, and seafood plates that pair effortlessly with a highball. The room is lively but polished, making it great for friends who want real food with their drinks. Locals love it for late-evening bites that still feel considered.

• Order this: Seasonal seafood plates and a highball; add a warm dish for comfort mid-meal.

A modern room where wine leads the conversation and contemporary plates—often with bright, ocean notes—follow. Start with the course, return later for a glass and a late-night bite; both feel polished without stiffness. The sommelier’s pairings bring out saline, citrus, and gentle sweetness in seafood starters and mains alike.

• Order this: Seasonal course; ask for a pairing that leans into shells and white-fleshed fish.

The sizzle arrives first—then the caramelized glaze and buttery aroma of freshly prepared Japanese eel. Staff handle the live eel the moment you order, grilling it to a lacquered, juicy finish that’s rich without heaviness. A comfortable, friendly room makes it easy for groups and first-timers.

• Order this: Freshwater eel set; ask for extra perilla leaves and seaweed for perfect wraps.

Warm, lively, and almost always buzzing, Sasanoha nails the izakaya sweet spot: grilled fish that flakes on cue, crunchy-fried bites, and saucy seafood dishes that beg for one more drink. Great for friends who like a little noise with their nibbles. The price point is friendly, so try a spread and share.

• Order this: Grilled seasonal fish and a couple of hot seafood sides; chase with a crisp beer or highball.