The Best Sashimi in Gangnam Is Hiding in a Rundown Room

Winter is the time to eat raw fish in Seoul. Specifically, amberjack season — and Bomulseom (보물섬) is where locals quietly go when they want it done right.

What to Expect

Sashimi (hoe in Korean) is exactly what it sounds like: fresh raw fish, sliced thick, served with a dipping sauce and a pile of accompaniments. Think of it like Japanese sashimi's Korean cousin — similar idea, different energy. You'll get spicy fermented shrimp paste (saeujeot) and sesame oil with salt alongside the fish, plus usually some crisp lettuce or perilla leaves to wrap bites in. It's lighter than you'd expect, clean-tasting, and genuinely good with a cold beer or soju.

Bomulseom is not trying to impress you with its decor. The space is worn in. The lighting is what it is. But the aunties (imos) running the floor are warm, and the seafood is the real thing — reportedly wild-caught and kept alive until service. That matters more than an interior refresh.

One honest note: this place is expensive by Korean restaurant standards. You'll feel it on the bill. Go in knowing that, and you won't be caught off guard.

What to Order

The mixed seafood set during amberjack season (modum haesanmul set). This is the reason to come between roughly November and February. Amberjack (bangeojoe) is fatty, firm, and deeply savory when fresh — it's the sashimi equivalent of peak tuna belly season in Japan. The mixed platter pairs it with other shellfish and fish so you get variety across the table. Don't skip this if you're visiting in winter.

Whatever the live tank has that day. Part of eating at a place like this is trusting what's fresh. The staff will usually know. Ask, or point at the tank if language is a barrier — they're used to it.

Go with at least three people. The sets make more sense in groups, you'll get more variety on the table, and the price per head becomes easier to justify.

Atmosphere & Vibe

Loud, local, no-frills. This is a neighborhood sashimi spot near Sinnonhyeon, not a polished Gangnam destination restaurant. Tables fill up with Korean office workers and regulars who've been coming here for years. Walk-ins are possible but the wait can be serious on weekends — one review described waiting significantly longer than expected. If you're planning a Friday or Saturday dinner, book ahead. The place is open until 1:00 AM most nights, so a late dinner after 9:00 PM is a solid move if you want to skip the rush.

Sunday is closed. Don't show up Sunday.

Practical Info

• Address: 서울특별시 강남구 강남대로120길 40 / 40 Gangnam-daero 120-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul
• Google Maps: Open in Maps
• Nearest subway: Sinnonhyeon Station, 6-minute walk
• Hours: Monday–Saturday 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Sunday: Closed
• Price range: Expect to spend ₩50,000–₩80,000+ per person
• Spice level: Mild (raw fish; accompaniments can be spicy but are optional)
• Vegetarian: No
• Halal-friendly: No (alcohol is central to the experience here)
• Reservations: Yes — strongly recommended on weekends
• Good for groups: Yes

One Last Thing

If you're visiting Seoul outside of amberjack season, this place is still good — but the winter version of this meal is meaningfully better. Time it right if you can. And if you're navigating with Korean apps like Naver Maps, search the Korean name directly: 보물섬 강남 gets you there faster than the romanization.

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