Seoul is a city where seafood restaurants are not just worth visiting, but essential. Exceptionally fresh fish, daily market deliveries, and a new generation of chefs creating refined combinations of flavor and texture all come together here, balancing deep-rooted tradition with modern high gastronomy.
We have curated a selection of standout addresses — from Michelin-starred restaurants to premium seafood buffets — with notes on what is truly worth ordering at each.
Mingles — Culinary Art with Seasonal Fish and Seafood, 3 Michelin Stars
Website: www.restaurant-mingles.com
The only restaurant in Korea to be awarded three Michelin stars is chef Mingoo Kang’s, who masterfully blends Korean culinary philosophy with contemporary gastronomy. He is an author of Jang: The Soul of Korean Cooking, the cookbook about the traditional Korean sauces soy based gochujang and doenjang. His team designs every element of the tasting menu, earning the restaurant its three stars for exceptional quality, originality, and the complexity of its flavors.
The average price for dinner with a tasting menu typically ranges from $220 to $320+ per person, depending on selected options and wine pairings. Mingles is located in the Gangnam district and primarily operates during lunch and dinner hours.
What to order:
- Seasonal seafood combinations — dishes built around seasonal fish and shellfish, which the chef changes based on the finest available deliveries.
- Carrot Soup with sea urchin and cheese — a layered pairing of carrot sweetness, the rich depth of sea urchin, and a creamy texture.
Jungsik Seoul — Modern Korean Fine Dining with Seafood and Fish, 2 Michelin Stars
Website: www.jungsik.kr
One of Seoul’s most renowned fine-dining restaurants, where seafood and fish play a central role in the tasting menu. Chef Yim Jung-sik is considered one of the pioneers of “New Korean” cuisine, combining traditional flavors with advanced technique and refined presentation.
The restaurant is featured in the Michelin Guide and holds two stars, confirming its high level of cuisine and service. Located in the prestigious Gangnam district, it operates for lunch and dinner, and reservations are often required.
The average price for a full tasting menu is approximately $200–300 per person (excluding beverages).
What to order:
- Perfectly prepared abalone
- Mackerel dishes with caviar
- A rich and elegant seafood broth
- Seasonal marine delicacies
Odarijip Ganjang Gejang — Iconic Soy-Marinated Crab and Korean Seafood Classics
Website: www.odarijip.com
A true Seoul institution specializing in ganjang gejang — fresh raw crab marinated in soy sauce — along with other crab-based and seafood-forward dishes. Unlike fine-dining restaurants, the focus here is on authenticity, pure ingredient-driven flavors, and traditional techniques, which makes the restaurant equally popular with locals and visitors.
The restaurant is located in the Myeongdong area and is open for lunch and dinner, with no mandatory reservations.
Prices are significantly more accessible, averaging around $25–40 per person for a portion of crab, side dishes, and additional seafood. This is an excellent choice for experiencing classic Korean seafood at its most authentic.
Bono Bono Samseong — A Premium Buffet Format with an Extensive Seafood Selection
Website: bonobonopremium.com
Although the restaurant follows a buffet format, particular attention is paid to the quality of seafood and fish. Expect salmon, sashimi, shrimp, hot seafood dishes, and grilled fish. The restaurant is located in the Gangnam district, one of Seoul’s most fashionable and lively neighborhoods.
The seafood station is overseen by professional chefs who prepare both classic dishes, such as grills and sashimi, as well as fusion-style variations.
The average price is around $45–90 for a dinner buffet, and the menu is regularly updated on the website.
What to order:
- Salmon and tuna sashimi
- Grilled shrimp
- Oysters
- Seafood grill set
- Hot fish dishes
Balat — Contemporary Seafood Cuisine with Bold Signature Dishes
Website: balat.co.kr
Balat is one of Seoul’s most popular seafood restaurants, known for its fresh fish and creative, internationally inspired seafood-driven cuisine. The menu frequently features premium marine ingredients, from sashimi and tartares to charcoal-grilled fish and original seafood sets.
Striking flavor combinations, elegant presentation, and a convenient location in the Gangnam district make this restaurant particularly appealing.
The average check is approximately $60–120 per person for sets, main courses, and starters.
What to order:
- Abalone dishes
- Seasonal fish sashimi assortments
- Charcoal-grilled fish
- Seafood tartare
After a memorable seafood dinner, if you feel like seeing the city from a different perspective, turn to our guide to the best rooftop bars in Seoul, where cocktails, music, and sweeping views elevate the evening even further.
