Native Dining Korea

Decoding the Name: Moonlight Squid & Flatfish

How to Pronounce the Name(달빛오징어광어): Dal-bit Oh-jing-eo Gwang-eo

• Dal-bit: Moonlight
• Oh-jing-oe: Squid
• Gwang-oe: Flatfish

Years of Survival: 5+ Years 

I first visited this place on February 7, 2021, though the exact opening date is unknown.
The area around Seokchon Lake is incredibly competitive, with restaurants constantly opening and closing. However, this spot is always packed with locals every time I visit—a true testament to its proven quality.

Authentic K-Level: 4/5 

Sashimi culture exists in both Korea and Japan, but Korean sashimi is distinct for its Hwareo-hoe(Active Fish) style—meaning the fish is sliced immediately after being caught from the tank. This is why you’ll see large water tanks filled with live fish at the entrance of almost every Korean sashimi house.

Price Range: Approx. $22 per person 

You can eat your fill for about $22 per person. To put it another way, if you order enough to hit that $22 mark, everyone at the table is guaranteed to leave satisfied.

Ordering Difficulty: High 

The menu is written entirely in Korean, and orders must be placed verbally with the staff. There are no photos on the menu. If you cannot read Korean, I highly recommend preparing the names of the dishes you want to order in advance.

Ordering Tip (Simple Phrases for Ordering)

• “Gwang-eo Modeum juseyo” (I’d like the Assorted Flatfish, please.)
• “Wang-saewoo-twigim juseyo” (I’d like the King Prawn Tempura, please.)
• “Maeuntang juseyo” (Please bring the Spicy Fish Stew.)

Ordering Tip (The Must-Tries): Assorted Flatfish + King Prawn Tempura + Al-tang (Pollack Roe Soup)

• Flatfish (Gwang-eo): The representative white fish of Korean sashimi. Unlike tuna, it has a firm, translucent white flesh and is loved for its signature “chewy” texture. While you can order just the flatfish, I recommend the “Assorted Flatfish (Gwang-eo Modeum)” to enjoy a variety of seafood like sea squirt, abalone, shrimp, and octopus.
• The Contrast: The experience is peaked when you alternate between the cold, chewy sashimi and the hot, crispy King Prawn Tempura.
• The Finale: For Koreans, a sashimi meal isn’t complete without Maeuntang (Spicy Fish Stew). It’s a bold, savory soup made from the remaining fish parts, vegetables, and gochujang. Because it’s savory and spicy, it’s usually eaten with a bowl of steamed rice. That “searing” heat as it goes down your throat is so addictive that you’ll find your rice bowl empty before you know it.

Getting There: Subway

• From Jamsil Station: About a 15-minute walk. If the weather is nice, I recommend walking through Seokchon Lake to enjoy the view.
• From Seokchon Station (Exit 8): A quicker 6-minute walk.
• Address: 31 Baekjegobun-ro 39-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Personal Experience: 

Because it’s always crowded, I make it a rule to arrive before 6:00 PM. Any later, and you’ll likely face a wait. One of the staff members can be a bit cynical, but I’ve always attributed it to the sheer exhaustion of running such a successful, busy shop.