I recently had lunch at Hangangdong, a restaurant in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, that specializes in kaisen-don (seafood rice bowls). Located just a short walk from Sinyongsan Station towards the HYBE headquarters, it has steadily built a reputation among local office workers and residents. I visited during the lunch rush, and this review offers an objective look at the restaurant and its signature dishes.
Table of Contents
Location and Atmosphere
Hangangdong is situated on Hangang-daero, between Sinyongsan and Samgakji stations. The exterior isn’t flashy, but it gives a clean and tidy impression. The interior is quite cozy, with a limited number of tables.
Solo diners or pairs are typically guided to the bar seats facing the kitchen. While I waited for my meal, the notification sound from “Baedal Minjok” (a popular delivery app) was constantly going off. This suggested that the restaurant has a high volume of takeout and delivery orders in addition to its dine-in customers. Fortunately, it wasn’t a full house during my lunchtime visit, so I was seated immediately.
Location Info
- Name: Hangangdong (한강동)
- Type: Restaurant
- Known for: Kaisen-don (Japanese seafood rice bowl) made with aged sashimi
- Address: 1st floor, 56-1 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Menu and Ordering
The menu is straightforward, focusing on kaisen-don. The most representative dish is the “Hangangdong,” which shares its name with the restaurant. For fans of sea urchin, the “Uni-don” is also an excellent choice.
To keep it a reasonable lunch, I ordered the signature Hangangdon. The main draw of this dish is the chance to taste various kinds of aged sashimi in one bowl.
A Closer Look at the Signature ‘Hangangdong’
The Hangangdong I ordered was served neatly in a wooden bowl. Its most distinguishing feature is the use of sukseong-hoe, or aged sashimi. This preparation method gives the fish a soft yet firm texture, distinct from fresh raw fish.
Hangangdong Components
Aged Sashimi : A balanced mix of white-flesh and red-flesh fish is placed on top. The aging process enhances the umami of each fish, and the texture is exceptionally soft.
Seafood : In addition to the sashimi, a piece of steamed abalone and a single shrimp add variety.
Other Toppings : The rice underneath is lightly seasoned, and the bowl is garnished with egg and radish sprouts.
How to Enjoy
You can enjoy kaisen-don however you like. Mix a bit of soy sauce with wasabi and dip the sashimi directly, or mix everything together with the rice. Wrapping a bite in the provided gim (dried seaweed) offers another layer of flavor. For an even richer experience, adding uni (sea urchin) is a great option.
Final Thoughts
Hangangdong is well worth a visit if you’re looking to enjoy high-quality kaisen-don in the Yongsan area. Its key strengths are the soft texture of the aged sashimi and its clean, simple presentation. The atmosphere is well-suited for dining alone or in a small group.
While the price is on the higher side, it feels justified given the quality of the seafood and the well-prepared meal. In my experience, the seafood selection and overall satisfaction surpassed another restaurant I tried in the basement of the nearby Amorepacific headquarters. If you are looking for a solid kaisen-don specialist near Sinyongsan Station, Hangangdong is an excellent choice.