Ichon is the gathering place of Seoul’s Japanese population, but many a visitor has trekked out that direction only to be a little confused: Instead of sushi joints and izakayas, there seems to be a swank European-style cafe on every corner, stylish Italian restaurants in between, and the occasional American-style pie place just to spice it up. But as this video clearly lays out, sushi reigns supreme in the minds of many when we think of Japan:

So where to scratch our sushi urge in Ichon? Look no further than Yeolhae. This second-floor hideaway hosts some very talented sushi chefs who take their fish seriously. The restaurant has several private rooms for you and your guests, but the small counter is where all the action is.

sushi chefs

The selection of fish isn’t as extensive as it is at some restaurants, but the fish here is so fresh it’s practically swimming, and expertly prepared. The salmon here  especially stands out, with none of the mushiness that sometimes develops with poorly cut or stored fish. And unlike many places, their tamago (omelet) is house made, with a prominent sake and mirin tang behind the sweetness.

sushi

salad

The accouterments of the deal are no joke, either. The salad bites that accompany the set menu are tart and refreshing, including a silky seaweed, juicy squid, and a beautifully bite-y Korean-style jellyfish.  Korean sides like a smooth white kimchi sit side by side with brilliantly sour Japanese ostukemono (assorted pickles) and fresh, real wasabi.
daegu tang

In addition to their sushi and sashimi, Yeolhae has an extensive mixed menu of Japanese and Korean foods from rice bowls to tempura to soups.  Their daegutang (대구탕:  pacific cod soup) does a great job of balancing the spice with depth and richness from the seafood.  The albap (알밥:  rice with roe – usually flying fish roe) pops with briny bits and finds a bit of sweetness too from the vegetables.  Tempura likewise is well-made with excellent ingredients, if just a tad heavy on the batter.  Finish off your meal with a little fried corvina and a small plate of fruit, and you’ll be well sated.
fried corvina

Yeolhae is a tad on the expensive side, with rice bowls starting at 12,000 won, lunch sets at 22,000won, and dinner sets beginning at 35,000 won. One of their more elaborate sushi plates can easily run over 100,000 won, but the quality here is enough to justify the expense. Unless you’re dining with a big group, try and sit at the counter so you can chat with the chefs, who will point you towards the best catch of the day.  Patrons here tend to be a bit older, a fact reflected in the drink menu which tends heavily towards whiskey, scotch, and traditional alcohols from around Asia.  If you’re adventurous, try the sake infused with roasted fish fins for a strangely satisfying savory tipple.
To get to Yeolhae, take exit 4 from Ichon Station and walk straight out the exit to the main street. Turn left and go one block, and Yeolhae will be on the right hand side of the street on the second floor, above the Mr. Pizza.