Three Top Eats — Korean, Chinese, Japanese — at Namdaemun

1. Namdaemun Market 'bap-doduk' galchi-jorim spot, Hee-rak Galchi
If you walk through Namdaemun Market and skip galchi-jorim (braised cutlassfish), you’re missing out — and Hee-rak Galchi is one of the places locals point to for its addictive sauce. We ordered two portions of galchi-jorim and a platter of assorted grilled fish for a generous spread. The cutlassfish flakes apart tenderly; scoop a piece onto rice and you’ll immediately understand why Koreans call certain dishes a “bap-doduk” (literally “rice thief”).
The stew is reduced just enough so the sauce clings to the fish; the umami is spot on. The galchi and the well-braised radish melt in your mouth, and the radish soaks up the sauce so each bite releases that rounded, savory flavor. The assorted grilled fish — mackerel and saengchi (Spanish mackerel) among them — rounds out the meal and pairs perfectly with rice.
Bring extra rice. Namdaemun’s narrow alleys host many galchi-jorim shops, each with their own take, but if you’re nearby this one’s worth a stop. Ready to be robbed of your rice?
▲ Location: Namdaemun Market-gil 22-6, Jung District, Seoul ▲ Hours: Daily 07:00–21:00 ▲ Price: Galchi-jorim 12,000 KRW, Grilled Spanish mackerel 12,000 KRW

2. Cantonese-style dim sum and varied Chinese dishes, The First Seoraehyang, City Hall
Seoraehyang does it again: the City Hall branch offers a premium dim sum lineup that elevates a regular Chinese meal into a tasting experience. Alongside classic dishes you’ll find Cantonese-style dim sum — shrimp shumai, garlic chive dumplings, har gow, and even truffle dim sum — more than ten varieties in all.
Each piece has its own shape and character; the burst of flavor in a single bite feels like wandering through a small dim sum museum. The truffle dim sum represents the indulgent end of the menu; sip jasmine tea and you’ll catch a little of Hong Kong’s yum cha leisure transplanted into central Seoul.
Located on the hotel’s ground floor, Seoraehyang runs a Chinese breakfast buffet as well as all-day service, so whether it’s morning or evening you’ll find something satisfying — a handy excuse to visit more than once in a day.
▲ Location: 1F, 27 Namdaemun-ro, Jung District, Seoul ▲ Hours: Daily 07:00–21:30 ▲ Price: Flying fish roe shrimp shumai 12,000 KRW, Truffle assorted dim sum 18,000 KRW

3. Clean, composed fish set meals, Hoehyeon Sikdang
If you’re near Namdaemun and crave the precision of Japanese-style cooking, Hoehyeon Sikdang is the place to try. Lunch centers on a neat fish set menu; evenings shift with the seasons and offer a wider range of Japanese preparations using seasonal fish. From aging to grilling, braising, and frying, the kitchen shows off different techniques so flavors feel layered and satisfying.
Standouts include the aged sashimi, grilled mackerel, and the roasted black cod in soy — all richly textured and easy to call melt-in-your-mouth. The set comes with crisp tempura and abalone for a generous table. The interior is tidy and comfortably intimate, with seating options for groups, making it a good choice for relaxed dinners or small gatherings.
The staff are attentive and friendly, which makes the meal feel welcoming and unhurried. If you want carefully prepared Japanese-influenced fish dishes in a calm setting, give Hoehyeon Sikdang a try.
▲ Location: 9-8 Toegye-ro 2-gil, Jung District, Seoul ▲ Hours: Daily 11:30–21:00 ▲ Price: Fish set 35,000 KRW