A Taste of Unagi Donburi in Seochon: A Visit to Haemok Gyeongbokgung Branch
Easy-to-Find Location Near Gyeongbokgung Station
I recently visited Haemok Gyeongbokgung Branch, which newly opened in Seochon, Jongno-gu. This Japanese restaurant, famous for its Nagoya-style eel덮밥 (grilled eel over rice), Hitsumabushi, is already well-known among many people, from its main branch in Haeundae to various other locations. It wasn't hard to find, located on the main street of Tongui-dong, about a 5-minute walk from Exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station.
The sleek and luxurious exterior caught my eye, and the Michelin mark visible on the signboard also stood out. The interior was decorated with warm, wood-toned interiors, creating a cozy atmosphere. Even during lunchtime, the tables were spaced generously, allowing for a relaxed meal, and there were quite a few customers dining alone. Although they manage wait times through the Tabling app, I was able to enter immediately without waiting when I visited around 11:30 AM on a weekday. (Actually, I was planning to visit Manrijiha in Gwanghwamun, which is famous for eel dishes, but Naver reservations were fully booked, and when I checked by phone, they said there were no seats available for the day, so I urgently changed my destination to Haemok. Contrary to my worries, there was no wait, and I was able to enjoy a satisfying lunch.)
Hitsumabushi, A New Experience of Eel덮밥
Haemok's signature menu is, without a doubt, Hitsumabushi. It's a Nagoya-style eel덮밥, characterized by a unique way of enjoying various flavors from a single menu. After ordering, the staff kindly explained how to eat it.
**First**, enjoy the original flavor of eel and rice on their own. The charcoal-grilled eel was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the savory seasoning harmonized well with the rice, making it delicious enough on its own.
**Second**, adding toppings such as green onions, wasabi, and seaweed flakes, which are provided, adds a new dimension of flavor. In particular, the wasabi helped to balance out the richness of the eel, leaving a clean aftertaste.
**Third**, pouring warm broth over it to enjoy it as ochazuke reveals yet another charm. The deep flavor of the broth and the eel harmonized, making me feel warm inside.
**Fourth**, finish the last bite in your favorite style from the first three steps. Hitsumabushi was truly special, allowing me to experience several different flavors from just one dish.
Meticulous Service and Side Dishes
The side dishes that came with the Hitsumabushi were also neat and delicious. Additional seasonings such as *sansho* (Japanese pepper) and *shichimi* (seven spice blend) are provided upon request, and I chose *sansho*. I was impressed by how well the unique, slightly spicy aroma of *sansho* went with the eel sauce. This kind of thoughtful consideration seems to add to Haemok's appeal.
Also, the Manila clams in the miso soup added to the deep flavor of the broth and enhanced the satisfaction of the meal. Each of the side dishes harmonized well with the main dish, increasing the overall perfection of the dining experience.
A Meal Fit for a Special Day
Haemok Gyeongbokgung Branch offers more than just a place to eat; it provides an experience. You can feel the care put into each dish, and thanks to the kindness of the staff, I was able to have a pleasant time. Hitsumabushi, in particular, is a highly recommendable menu item thanks to the fun of eating it in various ways and its deep flavor.
If you are considering a place for lunch or dinner near Gwanghwamun or Seochon, I recommend Haemok Gyeongbokgung Branch. You can experience authentic eel dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Next time, I'm planning to visit in the evening and try other menu items with drinks. If you want a special meal in Seochon, be sure to visit Haemok!
