Cheonghae Sekossi

Key Info

• 🕐 No last call on Saturdays
• 💳 Easy payment and credit cards accepted
• 🍲 Signature dishes: Sekossi (wild caught assorted small fish), Flounder/Rockfish sashimi, and Spicy fish stew
• 📺 TV appearances: Featured on various shows including TV foodie Heo Young-man's food travel series — specializing in sekossi and seafood

Fresh Sekossi Packed with the Flavor of the Sea: Chungmuro Cheonghae Sekossi

Cheonghae Sekossi is a local institution tucked away in the alleys of Inhyeon Market in Chungmuro, beloved by office workers and die-hard sashimi fans for years. Located just a short walk from Exit 8 of Chungmuro Station, it offers fresh, seasonal seafood in a gritty yet charmingly nostalgic old-school pub atmosphere.

Their signature dishes include sekossi (wild-caught assorted small fish sliced with the bones in for a uniquely nutty and chewy texture), as well as sliced flounder and rockfish. The sekossi, which becomes more savory the more you chew, is amazing when wrapped in lettuce with a special seasoned soybean paste and white kimchi. Afterward, rounding out your meal or drinking session with a fiery, bubbling pot of spicy fish stew (seodari-maewuntang) is an absolute must.

During lunchtime, the place bustles with office workers looking for lighter bites like raw fish rice bowls (hoedapbap) or spicy iced raw fish soup. By evening, it fills up with groups unwinding over fresh sashimi and drinks. Tucked deep in the alleys, finding it for the first time adds a fun touch of urban exploration.

The restaurant has a cozy vibe that works great for small groups or intimate hangouts. If you are exploring around Chungmuro or Euljiro and want to soak in the retro Korean raw fish house experience, we highly recommend dropping by in the evening to order a plate of fresh sekossi.

👥 Why Locals Love It

• 🏮 Cozy alley-pub atmosphere — Experience the unique old-school alley vibe of Inhyeon Market combined with classic Korean seafood joint culture.
• 🐟 Uniquely savory sekossi — Thinly sliced with the bones intact and super fresh, offering a texture and richness you will not find in the middle of the city.
• 🥬 Generous and neat spreads — Served with meticulously crafted special dipping sauces, fresh wrapping greens, and crisp side dishes that pair perfectly with the raw fish.
• 🍻 The ultimate spot for after-work drinks — A tried-and-tested neighborhood hideout where Chungmuro office workers kick back with sashimi and a casual drink.
• 🦪 Abundant seafood and varied dishes — Beyond sekossi, you can enjoy a wide range of fresh catches like scallops and clams, plus squid and octopus plates.

📍 Tips for Foreign Visitors

• 🐟 What is sekossi? — Fish sliced thinly with the bones left in for a nutty, delightfully crunchy texture. If you are not a fan of bones, we recommend ordering regular sliced fish instead.
• 🥬 How to enjoy wrapped sashimi — Place a piece of sashimi with the special seasoned paste onto a perilla or lettuce leaf and wrap it up for the ultimate flavor combination.
• 🗺️ Finding the spot — Since it is tucked away inside Inhyeon Market, keep your map handy (Toegyero 41-gil 11-14) as you navigate your way there.