With November here, the season for yellowtail, a quintessential winter sashimi fish, has begun.
Yellowtail grows fattier as the water cools, and each cut has a distinct flavor, from the back and belly to the navel and collar.
Restaurants specializing in large yellowtail, served in a variety of cuts, are especially popular with diners in winter.
For this guide, we selected 28 restaurants across South Korea: 12 in Seoul, four in Incheon, four in Busan, two in Daegu, two in Gangneung and four in Jeju.
Drawing on each restaurant’s menu and diner reviews, we looked beyond the yellowtail sashimi itself to practical considerations such as side dishes, atmosphere and whether takeout is available.
Winter yellowtail: The cut and preparation matter more than size
Yellowtail is often described as small, medium or large according to its size. Some restaurants generally classify fish weighing 7 kg or more as large yellowtail, though the criteria vary somewhat from place to place.
The back has relatively little fat, giving it a clean flavor and firm texture, while the fattier belly has a richer taste.
The navel cut has a distinctive springy texture, while the collar is prized because each fish yields only a small amount.
Aging time, slice thickness and accompanying dishes also shape the dining experience. That is why restaurants selling the same winter large yellowtail can offer such different experiences.
Seoul: From thick-cut sashimi to aged fish and generous spreads
In Seoul, you can choose a restaurant based on how you want to enjoy yellowtail sashimi.
Options range from specialists known for long lines to market-style sashimi restaurants and neighborhood spots suited to small groups.
01. Bada Hoesarang Yeonnam Main Branch — Thick-Cut Large Yellowtail with Texture to Match
Located at 60 Donggyo-ro 27-gil in Seoul’s Mapo District, Bada Hoesarang Yeonnam Main Branch is known for its thick-cut large yellowtail sashimi.
The yellowtail pairs well wrapped in seaweed with white kimchi or eaten with vinegared rice.
In winter, though, expect plenty of people waiting and a lively dining room. It is better suited to a visit with friends or a festive outing than a quiet meal.
02. Namhae Bada Macha — Aged Large Yellowtail Served by Cut
Located at 71 Hancheon-ro 78-gil in Seoul’s Seongbuk District, Namhae Bada Macha stands out for serving aged large yellowtail arranged by cut.
Diners can compare cuts such as the belly and navel cut, and there are also set menus with sea urchin roe or shrimp.
The richness of the yellowtail and the selection of cuts are well regarded, but it is worth bearing in mind the long waits at peak times and the relatively high bill before visiting.
03. Uri Bada Susan — A Balance of Sashimi and Accompanying Dishes
Uri Bada Susan, in Seoul’s Mapo District, is a sashimi restaurant in the Mangwon-dong area where diners can enjoy a generous spread.
Its large yellowtail comes with an array of dishes, including vinegared rice, egg dishes, tofu with kimchi and grilled fish.
Unlike specialty restaurants focused solely on the flavor of the yellowtail, it suits diners who value the quantity and variety of the whole meal. Given its relatively lively atmosphere, it is a good choice for a group of friends.
04. Baegildo — The Fun of Mixing and Matching Yellowtail Cuts
Located in Junggok Jeil Market in Seoul’s Gwangjin District, Baegildo draws attention for its selection of large yellowtail cuts.
It is known for serving yellowtail alongside flatfish, or with sushi rice, seaweed, aged kimchi and makjang for diners to combine as they like.
Diners can compare the richness of different cuts and vary their combinations of accompaniments. The restaurant is popular, so waits are possible at peak times; it is worth checking before visiting.
05. Hyeongje Sanghoe — Made-to-Order Sashimi at Noryangjin Fish Market
Hyeongje Sanghoe, on the first floor of Noryangjin Fish Market at 674 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, is more of a sashimi vendor within the market than a restaurant.
Customers can order an assortment of large yellowtail and other fish or have it packed for the number of people in their group, making it a good choice for those who want to compare different fish or take their order away.
06. Noryang Haejeon — A Generous Spread at a Neighborhood Sashimi Restaurant
Noryang Haejeon, in Seoul’s Dongjak-gu district, is a sashimi restaurant on a nearby side street, not inside Noryangjin Fish Market.
Alongside seafood dishes such as yellowtail sashimi and cold raw fish soup, it serves familiar accompaniments like corn cheese and grilled fish.
The appeal is being able to sit down and finish a meal without picking out sashimi at the market and moving to another restaurant, making it a good place for a group to share sashimi and soup dishes.
07. Jamae Susan Gangnam Branch — A Pub-Style Sashimi Restaurant for Seafood Gatherings
Jamae Susan, in Seoul’s Gangnam-gu district, is a place to enjoy seasonal yellowtail and a variety of seafood dishes with drinks in the Gangnam area.
It also offers accompaniments such as aged kimchi and gim, or dried seaweed, that pair well with rich yellowtail.
It is a lively place to enjoy drinks and seafood, with the advantage of serving seasonal yellowtail in Gangnam, though its prices tend to be somewhat high.
08. Gangnam Bomulseom — Yellowtail Cuts and Seasonal Seafood
Gangnam Bomulseom is a sashimi restaurant in Yeoksam-dong, Seoul’s Gangnam-gu district. Its strength lies in serving a selection of yellowtail cuts alongside seasonal seafood.
Some cuts are served lightly seared, offering a flavor different from raw sashimi.
It is worth considering for a meal featuring several kinds of seafood, but it is best to check the menu options and prices beforehand.
09. Daechan Hoejip — A Sashimi Restaurant for Groups in Jonggak
Located in the basement at 10 Ujeongguk-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Daechan Sashimi Restaurant is a good choice for gatherings of office workers in the Jonggak area.
Diners can enjoy a classic group meal with sashimi such as large yellowtail and olive flounder, side dishes, and spicy fish stew to finish.
Its range of menu options is an advantage when dining with a group whose tastes differ.
10. Jinho Sashimi Restaurant — a Gangbuk sashimi restaurant with plentiful side dishes
At 33 Dobong-ro 98-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, Jinho Sashimi Restaurant offers generous meals built around large yellowtail and a variety of other dishes.
Diners can order yellowtail and olive flounder together, then continue the meal with grilled fish, fish roe rice or spicy fish stew.
It is better suited to a gathering where diners share a variety of dishes over a long meal than one focused on a single plate of yellowtail.
11. Hyehwa Seafood — seasonal sashimi for small groups
Located at 259 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Hyehwa Seafood is a good place near Daehak-ro to enjoy seasonal sashimi in a relatively small group.
Diners can choose sashimi according to their group size, and side dishes such as steamed egg and corn cheese are also served.
It is a good option for guests who want yellowtail even with a small party, but in winter they should check how much is available to order that day and whether there is a wait.
12. Bada Hoe Pocha — a relaxed sashimi gathering in Jayang-dong
At 5-3 Jayangbeonyeong-ro 12-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Bada Hoe Pocha is a neighborhood sashimi restaurant with the feel of a pocha, or casual Korean drinking spot, as its name suggests.
Diners can pair a menu featuring large yellowtail and olive flounder with hot soup or mushroom dishes to keep the meal going.
It suits guests who want to share seasonal sashimi in a more relaxed setting than a formal seafood restaurant. Yellowtail may sell out early depending on supply, so those visiting later should check availability.
Incheon: Takeout-focused seafood shops and neighborhood sashimi restaurants
The four spots in Incheon can be divided by purpose: takeout or dining in.
For market-style seafood shops, the key is a selection suited to eating at home; for street-stall-style restaurants, side dishes and atmosphere matter more.
13. Hun Susan — an Okryeon-dong specialist in sashimi takeout
Located at 43 Dokbae-ro 40beon-gil, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, Hun Susan is a seafood shop focused on takeout.
It draws customers looking for large yellowtail in winter, and you can ask about the thickness of the sashimi slices and the selection of cuts when ordering.
It is a good choice for ordering yellowtail to eat at home or getting enough for a large group.
14. Dwaejine Hoe Pojangmacha — a meal that goes from sashimi to spicy fish stew
At 101 Gyeyang-daero, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon, Dwaejine Hoe Pojangmacha is a street-stall-style sashimi restaurant where diners can enjoy sashimi alongside a hot soup dish.
Diners can order sashimi such as yellowtail and flounder with familiar accompaniments like aged kimchi and seaweed, then finish the meal with spicy fish stew. It suits evening gatherings where the group wants to order a variety of dishes to share.
15. Cheongna Susan — thick-cut yellowtail and familiar side dishes
Located at 20-1 Seunghak-ro 236beon-gil, Seo-gu, Incheon, Cheongna Susan is a sashimi restaurant popular with customers seeking large yellowtail in the Cheongna area.
Its spread features thick-cut sashimi accompanied by seasoned sushi rice, steamed egg, corn cheese and other sides.
The yellowtail is also good eaten sushi-style with seaweed and rice, making it a good fit for customers who want plenty of side dishes as well as sashimi.
16. Singsing Hoe Yechan — a place to enjoy fish that change with the seasons
At 5-3 Munhwaseo-ro 4beon-gil, Namdong-gu, Incheon, Singsing Hoe Yechan is a sashimi restaurant serving a variety of seasonal fish rather than specializing in yellowtail.
It is a good choice for diners who enjoy fish that vary by season, such as Spanish mackerel, croaker and silchi.
If you’re looking for more than just yellowtail, Singsing Hoe Yechan is a good choice for a variety of seasonal seafood.
Busan: Differences in slicing styles and specialty dishes
Busan’s yellowtail restaurants differ not only in the thickness of their sashimi and selection of cuts, but also in their other dishes.
Some even serve yellowtail in different ways, such as yellowtail gimbap, adding variety to the dining experience.
17. Cheongchun Hoetjip — A Daeyeon-dong sashimi restaurant serving different cuts of large yellowtail
Located at 19 Suyeong-ro 250beon-gil, Nam-gu, Busan, Cheongchun Hoetjip serves sashimi made from various cuts of large yellowtail in winter.
Its platters let diners compare fatty cuts with relatively lean ones, and there are other dishes to enjoy alongside the sashimi.
It’s well suited to a group that includes someone trying yellowtail for the first time: diners can discuss the differences between cuts as they eat.
18. Heuksando Hoetjip — How the thickness of sashimi changes its texture
Located at 20 Daeyeong-ro 85beon-gil, Seo-gu, Busan, Heuksando Hoetjip attracts diners interested in the thickness and shape of its sashimi slices.
Thicker slices have a more pronounced chew, while thin slicing changes how the fat feels as it spreads across the palate.
Here, you can discuss your preferred texture before ordering. With accompaniments such as jeon and fish cake soup, it also offers a satisfying traditional sashimi-restaurant meal.
19. Kalmannaneun Pujimhan Hoetjip — A sashimi restaurant near Pusan National University known for its knife work and freshness
Located at 79 Jangjeononcheoncheon-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, Kalmannaneun Pujimhan Hoetjip draws attention for how its sashimi is prepared and served.
Popular for its freshness and affordable prices, it also has long lines, so it’s worth checking how much time you have before visiting.
20. Uri Pocha — The specialty of yellowtail gimbap
Uri Pocha, on Gwangil-ro in Busan’s Suyeong District, is a good choice for diners who want to add a few specialty dishes to a yellowtail sashimi meal.
A popular order pairs long slices of large yellowtail with yellowtail gimbap and sea cucumber innards. Diners often praise the combination of the sashimi’s flavor and the gimbap.
A sensible approach is to order the basic large yellowtail sashimi first, then add gimbap and other dishes according to the size of your group.
Daegu: Yellowtail and Seasonal Sashimi in a Relaxed Setting
Both Daegu restaurants focus on sashimi, but one offers a course-style meal while the other serves a variety of seasonal fish.
21. Dongin Hoe Restaurant — A Neatly Presented Seasonal Sashimi Course
Dongin Hoe Restaurant, at 63-2 Dongdeok-ro 26-gil in Daegu’s Jung District, serves large yellowtail alongside neatly prepared dishes.
Its meal format, with buckwheat noodles and small dishes served in succession, sets it apart from a typical sashimi restaurant.
The restaurant is not large, so consider making a reservation. Large yellowtail is a seasonal item, so check whether it is available before ordering.
22. Hupo Hoe Susan — A Meal for Comparing the Flavors of Different Fish
Hupo Hoe Susan, at 172 Deuran-ro in Daegu’s Suseong District, offers a range of seasonal fish, including large yellowtail.
The fish on the sashimi platter are identified by type, making it easier to compare their different flavors.
Rather than ordering a large quantity of yellowtail alone, this is a good choice for a meal exploring the varieties of seasonal fish and the characteristics of different cuts.
Gangneung: Takeaway Sashimi from Jungang Market to Enjoy at Your Accommodation
The two shops in the basement of Gangneung Jungang Market are geared toward takeaway orders. If you plan to pick up sashimi during your trip and eat it at your accommodation, bear in mind that they differ from typical sashimi restaurants where you can dine in.
23. Gangneung Gogo Sashimi Restaurant — Takeaway Yellowtail Paired with Other Fish
Gogo Hoetjip, in basement stalls 9 and 10 of Jungang Market at 21 Geumseong-ro, Gangneung, Gangwon Province, offers takeout sashimi made with various fish, including yellowtail.
It is a convenient option for travelers who want to buy food to accompany the sashimi separately at Jungang Market, then take it back to their accommodation.
24. Eunchong Hoetjip — A Jungang Market takeout shop with plenty of combination options
Eunchong Hoetjip, in basement stalls 41 and 42 of Jungang Market at 21 Geumseong-ro, Gangneung, Gangwon Province, offers takeout combinations of fish such as yellowtail and flounder.
Its takeout selections and freshness make it popular, but many reviews also report long waits after ordering.
After deciding whether to order only yellowtail or mix it with other fish, it is best to ask about the condition of the sashimi available that day and the pickup time.
Jeju: Enjoying yellowtail prepared in different ways in Moseulpo
The Moseulpo area of Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju, is home to many restaurants serving winter yellowtail. Beyond sashimi, you can enjoy it grilled, braised or in soup.
25. Budu Restaurant — Yellowtail sashimi and Jeju-style fish dishes in Moseulpo
Budu Restaurant, at 62 Hamo Hanggu-ro, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju, has long served seasonal fish near Moseulpo Port.
Alongside its winter specialty of large yellowtail sashimi, the restaurant offers dishes such as mackerel sashimi and braised fish, making it a good choice for groups that include both yellowtail sashimi fans and diners seeking Jeju-style fish dishes.
It suits travelers who want to try other Jeju dishes alongside a plate of yellowtail.
26. Donbangseok — One yellowtail, served in several dishes
Donbangseok Susan, at 22-13 Hamo Hanggu-ro, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju, specializes in set meals that use different parts of the yellowtail.
After thick-cut yellowtail sashimi, diners can enjoy braised innards, grilled fish, sashimi bibim noodles and seaweed soup, experiencing yellowtail both raw and cooked.
27. Hanggu Restaurant — A Moseulpo meal centered on yellowtail sashimi
Hanggu Sikdang, at 64 Hamo Hanggu-ro, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju, is a restaurant in Moseulpo that draws diners looking for yellowtail sashimi in winter.
Jeju’s official tourism information portal, Visit Jeju, also features it as a place to enjoy winter yellowtail and seasonal seafood dishes.
You can make a meal of yellowtail sashimi alongside a variety of Jeju-style side dishes.
28. Miyeongine — A mackerel sashimi specialist with a winter yellowtail menu
Miyeongine, at 42 Hamo Hanggu-ro, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju, is a restaurant well known for its mackerel sashimi and mackerel soup.
Rather than calling it a yellowtail specialist, it is more accurate to describe it as a Jeju fish sashimi restaurant that also serves yellowtail sashimi in season.
It is a good choice if you want to try mackerel sashimi and enjoy yellowtail in winter.
What matters when choosing a yellowtail restaurant can vary
Bada Hoesarang and Namhae Bada Macha appeal to diners interested in thick-cut yellowtail and aged sashimi made from different cuts, while Uri Bada Susan and Jinho Hoetjip suit groups looking for a variety of side dishes.
Gangneung Gogo Hoetjip and Eunchong Hoetjip are options if convenient takeout is a priority, while Jeju Donbangseok and Hanggu Sikdang stand out for serving yellowtail in several dishes.
Yellowtail’s fat content varies by season and fish, and even at the same restaurant, the dining experience can differ depending on the fish delivered that day and how it is prepared. It is worth considering your preferred cuts, the selection of side dishes, the size of your party and whether you plan to dine in.
