In Seoul seafood rules. You can find it on almost every street in every part of the city from the towering skyscrapers of Gangnam t to the trendy side streets of Hongdae. And the one fish that rules all others is none other than the almighty tuna or as its known in Korea cham chi. If you’re at all a fan of fish especially raw fish then you most definitely need to go right away. Thanks to Dan over at Seoul Eats I suggest you head over to Lee Chun Bok. I sure did and couldn’t have been more satiated than a cat in a hen house or maybe rather a fish farm? In any case Lee Chun Bok didn’t disappoint.
I walked into the restaurant immediately noticing the crowd of eager patrons packed around the rectangle shaped bar as the chefs in the center dished out plates of succulent tuna. I had called ahead for reservations and the staff ushered my party of ten upstairs to our room. In moments a menu was before us offering a buffet of tuna and accompanying seafood delights from 25,000 to 70,000 Won. As the price increases the portion of tuna rises. Though its all you can eat so if you finish everything you will get your fill of tuna no matter what price you choose. You get different selections and cuts of the tuna throughout the buffet, but the caveat is that all within your group must order the same set to help sort out the portion of tuna for each table.
Once you place your order the plates start arriving immediately. Plates packed not only with different cuts of tuna but also abalone. Then there’s the abundance of side dishes. Crispy tempura, sushi, soups, porridge, dried seaweed, grilled fish, potatoes, kimchi, radishes, and an assortment of others. Then there are the accompanying sauces like wasabi and soy sauce for that extra kick. Not to worry because you can wash it all down with cider, soju or my preference: the cactus liquor, though sadly mine did not come with a tuna eyeball. Maybe next time I guess.
Prices:
15,000 to 70,000
Hours:
Call
Phone:
02-794-4558 (no English spoken)
Address:
84-7 Namyeong Dong, Yongsan Gu Seoul
Website:
Directions:
From exit 6 of sookmyeong University station keep walking straight. You will come to an Outback and Lee Chun Bok is next door on your left.
