Top 10 Must-Visit Seafood Restaurants in Seoul

Haecheon Obu brings traditional Korean seafood stews and grilled fish to the table with an emphasis on clean, straightforward preparations that honor the ingredients. Their haemul-tang (spicy seafood stew) is a bubbling cauldron of octopus, clams, crab, and vegetables in a robust broth that's perfect for Seoul's colder months. The no-nonsense, neighborhood restaurant atmosphere attracts locals who appreciate honest cooking without the Myeongdong markup. It's the kind of place where regulars have their usual orders and the staff remembers your face — exactly what you want in a comfort-food seafood spot.

Sosalito Lobster has carved out a niche in the tourist-heavy Insadong area by focusing exclusively on lobster preparations done exceptionally well. Their lobster rolls — served New England-style with butter or Maine-style with mayo — are purist perfection, with chunks of sweet lobster meat piled high on buttered, toasted buns. The bright, contemporary space feels like a coastal seafood shack transplanted to central Seoul, complete with maritime decor and a cheerful vibe. While lobster-centric menus typically command premium prices, Sosalito manages to keep things relatively accessible for the quality you're getting.

Cajun Seoul brings Louisiana bayou vibes to Jamsil with Cajun-style seafood boils that have quickly garnered a devoted following despite being relatively new to the scene. The crawfish and shrimp boils come loaded with corn, potatoes, and sausage, all tossed in buttery, spice-forward sauces that you customize to your heat preference. The casual, laid-back atmosphere with bibs and buckets embraces the messy, hands-on nature of the food — this is eating at its most fun and uninhibited. It's a refreshing departure from traditional Korean seafood preparations and perfect for groups looking to try something different.

Suragejang has mastered the delicate art of yangnyeom gejang (spicy marinated crab), offering a fiery counterpart to the more famous soy version that'll have spice lovers in heaven. The crabs are marinated in a complex gochugaru-based sauce that builds heat gradually while maintaining incredible depth of flavor. Located on the second floor of a Myeongdong building, the traditional Korean interior and attentive service create an experience that feels special without being pretentious. With nearly 2,300 reviews maintaining a 4.9 rating, this is consistency you can count on.

The Seoul outpost of Singapore's legendary JUMBO Seafood brings the city-state's famous chili crab to Korea's capital in the luxe surroundings of IFC Mall. Their signature chili crab arrives in a wok of sweet, spicy, eggy sauce that demands to be soaked up with fried mantou buns — it's messy, it's glorious, and it's worth every won. The upscale-casual setting with Yeouido views makes it perfect for business dinners or special occasions when you want guaranteed quality. Service is polished and English-friendly, making it a safe bet for international visitors craving Southeast Asian seafood flavors.

Tucked away in trendy Hannam-dong, Eomuljeon Chung has built a cult following among Seoul's food cognoscenti with their innovative take on traditional Korean seafood pancakes. The signature eomuljeon (seafood pancake) here is a masterclass in texture — impossibly crispy edges giving way to a soft, seafood-packed interior studded with octopus, shrimp, and squid. The minimalist, modern Korean interior attracts a stylish crowd of locals who appreciate the chef's dedication to seasonal ingredients and refined execution. With a 4.9 rating and intimate seating, reservations are essential, especially for weekend dinners.

Jogabi redefines the seafood bar concept with a modern, izakaya-inspired approach that pairs impeccably fresh catches with natural wines and craft cocktails. Their daily selection changes based on market availability, but regulars swear by the raw oyster flights and the grilled whole fish that arrives still sizzling at your table. The intimate, dimly-lit space works beautifully for date nights or solo dining at the bar where you can watch the chefs work their magic. It's one of the few places in Myeongdong where the drinks menu rivals the food in thoughtfulness and execution.

The original Odarijip location that started the ganjang gejang craze, boasting over 6,000 reviews and a reputation that precedes it across all of Korea. What sets this flagship apart is the consistency and quality control that comes from decades of perfecting their marination process — the crabs are bathed in soy sauce for exactly the right amount of time to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The no-frills, traditional Korean setting keeps the focus squarely on the food, attracting everyone from business lunches to multi-generational family gatherings. If you can only visit one ganjang gejang restaurant in Seoul, the purists will tell you this is the one.

Perched on the fourth floor in the heart of Myeongdong, Show Me The Crab brings theatrical flair to the crab feast experience with a perfect 5.0 rating. Their specialty is the Korean-style crab boil, where clusters of fresh crab are prepared in various sauces ranging from spicy garlic to sweet soy, all spread dramatically across your table. The energetic, photo-friendly atmosphere makes it a hit with groups and couples looking for an interactive dining experience. Despite the prime location and Insta-worthy presentation, prices remain surprisingly reasonable for the portion sizes you'll receive.

This Savoy Hotel location of the famed Odarijip empire has perfected the art of ganjang gejang to near-mythical status, with nearly 5,000 raving reviews to prove it. The soy-marinated crabs here are so dangerously addictive they're called "bap doduk" (rice thief) — you'll understand why after your first bite of the silky, umami-rich crab meat over steaming white rice. The upscale-casual atmosphere makes it ideal for impressing out-of-town guests or treating yourself to Korea's most iconic seafood delicacy. Book ahead during peak hours, as this place fills up faster than the crabs disappear from your plate.