Maksseorihoe SeodaemunSkip the Premium Set, the Lunch Set Is Enough

Lunch set vs. premium set — the difference is grilled eel and abalone

The lunch set is 30,000 KRW per person, the premium set 40,000 KRW. I later found out that ordering the premium set adds a full plate of seasoned grilled eel and a large steamed abalone (one per person). For a 10,000 KRW gap, that's not a bad trade.

You don't have to order a full set — à la carte works too

A full set isn't required. At lunch there are several standalone dishes too, good for eating light solo or just picking whatever you're craving. Options include a raw-fish rice bowl (15,000 KRW), sea squirt bibimbap (14,000 KRW), fish roe rice set (13,000 KRW), fish cake udon set (13,000 KRW), pollock roe soup (13,000 KRW), and fresh cod soup (20,000 KRW). Good choices if you want a single light bowl instead of a full sashimi-centered set.

What it looks like

About six kinds of aged raw fish lie side by side on a bamboo mat. White-fleshed fish, a red fish with visible fat, and pieces cut with the skin on are mixed together, and in the round bowl beside it, abalone and other seafood sit on ice. The sauces come in a two-section dish, chili-vinegar sauce on one side and soy sauce on the other, with wasabi, pickled garlic, ginger and braised radish alongside.

Menu words

• Sukseong-hoe is raw fish rested for a period after catching to deepen its flavor and texture
• Jeongsik is a set meal where a main dish comes with several side dishes and soup
• Chogochujang is a tangy, spicy sauce of gochujang mixed with vinegar, used for dipping raw fish

The sides are ordinary, but the main dish is the star

It's not a place with a huge spread of side dishes. But the aged sashimi at the center of the set eats well for a lunch — the impression is a kitchen that puts its effort into the main dish rather than the sides.

My takeaway — the lunch set alone is probably enough

Having actually tried the premium set, I think the regular lunch set would have been enough. The extra eel and abalone are nice, but for a lunch meal, the aged sashimi in the lunch set alone was satisfying. If you want to save a bit, go with the lunch set.

The private-room layout makes it quiet

The restaurant is set up with private rooms, so it's a good spot for a quiet, clean lunch with friends. It's also very close to Seodaemun Station, so it's easy to reach.

For foreign visitors

• Aged sashimi (sukseonghoe) is raw fish aged for a set period to deepen its umami — a different, richer flavor than fresh-cut sashimi
• Jeongsik is a full set meal — a main dish served with several side dishes, rice, and soup
• The private-room layout makes it easy to talk quietly with your group while you eat

Who this is for

• ✅ Anyone who wants a quiet lunch meeting near Seodaemun Station
• ✅ Anyone who wants to enjoy aged sashimi as a clean, simple set meal
• ✅ Anyone watching their budget — the lunch set alone is enough
• ⚠️ If you want a lavish spread of side dishes — the sides here are fairly ordinary
• ⚠️ If grilled eel and steamed abalone sound tempting, the premium set is also an option