Gusa Yeonnam [구사 연남], a delicious kaisen bout for lunch! Boiling crab & shrimp | Yeonnam-dong Restaurants [Mapo / Hongdae] HONGDAE, KOREA
![Gusa Yeonnam [구사 연남], a delicious kaisen bout for lunch! Boiling crab & shrimp | Yeonnam-dong Restaurants [Mapo / Hongdae] HONGDAE, KOREA](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogthumb.pstatic.net%2FMjAyNTA4MTlfMjMg%2FMDAxNzU1NTgwODkxMzI5.CNgX5axh047SR0AbKZ531DGYMcGgYPPxzdIaIvkn8mIg.SNN0-ahPDBr8OOmc74pN6raXYb0-2aj1uRC0cUNJLgUg.JPEG%2FKakaoTalk_20250819_130333692_04.jpg%3Ftype%3Ds3&w=3840&q=75)
Gusa Yeonnam: A Daytime Izakaya Experience with Sizzling Teppanyaki in Hongdae
There's a special kind of magic to exploring Seoul's alleys on a quiet weekday. The usual hustle and bustle fades away, allowing you to discover hidden gems at your own pace. It was on such a day that I found myself in Yeonnam-dong, a neighborhood known for its vibrant energy, in search of a unique lunch spot. My destination: Gusa Yeonnam (구사연남), a teppanyaki restaurant and izakaya that, unlike most, opens its doors during the day.
A Taste of Japan in the Heart of Yeonnam
Located just off the main street, Gusa Yeonnam welcomes you with a clean, inviting storefront and outdoor tables perfect for afternoon drinks. The restaurant is run by a chef who honed his skills in Japan, promising an authentic culinary experience that might just surpass what you'd find locally.
The interior is spotless and modern, with a fun, interactive touch: a highball size-up event is offered whenever the outdoor temperature hits 30°C (86°F). It’s these small details that make the dining experience memorable.
A Brief History of Teppanyaki
The performance-style teppanyaki we know today, where chefs cook dramatically on a large iron griddle in front of guests, has a surprisingly modern history. It's believed to have originated in 1945 at the restaurant Misono in Kobe, Japan. The key has always been the performance, and as you'll see, Gusa Yeonnam delivers a stunning visual feast.
Restaurant at a Glance
- Google Rating: A perfect 5.0
- Opening Hours: 12:00 - 22:00 (Break: 15:00 - 17:00)
- Location: 150-2 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Contact: 0507-1339-0911
According to NAVER AI analysis, Gusa Yeonnam is celebrated for its teppanyaki and izakaya menus. The Mentaiko Tamagoyaki (pollock roe omelet) and Yakisoba are standout favorites, while the Wagyu steak and fresh seafood dishes also receive high praise.
A Feast for Two
The menu offers fantastic value, especially the set menus. We opted for the two-person set, which included a spectacular array of dishes.
Our order:
- Kaisen Teppanyaki (카이센 한판): A grand seafood platter.
- Classic Yakisoba (클래식 야끼소바)
- Fukuoka-style Mentaiko Tamagoyaki (후쿠오카풍 명란 계란말이)
- A complimentary Homemade Cheese & Crackers for participating in a review event.
The meal started with a simple bowl of cabbage to cleanse the palate, which was so refreshing we refilled it twice.
The Star of the Show: Kaisen Teppanyaki
The Kaisen Hanpan arrived, and it was a showstopper. The platter was piled high with enormous tiger shrimp and a whole boiling crab, sizzling and aromatic from the teppan grill.
As a self-proclaimed crustacean killer, my eyes lit up. The crab and shrimp were cooked to perfection, incredibly juicy and packed with flavor. It was a dish that demanded a cold beer to accompany it.
Next came the Yakisoba, a classic Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that never disappoints. It was the perfect carb-loaded complement to the seafood.
More Culinary Delights
Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, the Fukuoka-style Mentaiko Tamagoyaki arrived. This wasn't just any rolled omelet. It was incredibly soft and fluffy, filled with just the right amount of savory mentaiko and gooey, melted cheese. It was, without a doubt, a must-order dish.
To finish, we enjoyed the homemade cheese and crackers. The cheese was so rich and flavorful that we had to ask the staff about it. It was the perfect final bite to a truly satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
Gusa Yeonnam is a standout restaurant that's perfect for a weekday lunch date or a lively evening gathering. The combination of delicious, high-quality food, a relaxed atmosphere, and friendly service makes it a place I'll be praising for a long time.
A Local's Guide: 3 Perfect Donggyo-dong Itineraries
While Gusa is in Yeonnam, it borders the equally charming Donggyo-dong. Here are three curated walking tours to explore the area.
Course 1: The Hidden Gourmet Tour
- Lunch: Start at Gusa Yeonnam.
- Tteokbokki: Head to Bungbung Honey Bee for some of the best spicy rice cakes loved by locals.
- Dessert: Finish at Woori Tteondugi, a famous taiyaki (fish-shaped pastry) shop with unique, chewy bread.
- Total Time: All spots are within a 15-minute walk.
Course 2: The Emotional Cafe Hop
- Coffee: Start at Imi Coffee Hongdae for excellent drip coffee with a view of the alleyways.
- Ambiance: Visit Before Blooming Hongdae, a beautiful cafe filled with flowers and plants.
- Sweets: Indulge in the photogenic desserts at Tien Mimi Hongdae Branch.
- Total Time: A leisurely 1-2 hours, with all cafes within a 5-10 minute walk of each other.
Course 3: The Alleyway Food Adventure
- Korean Food: Enjoy a clean, authentic Korean meal at Cheongwoon in the quiet Seogyo-dong area.
- BBQ: Savor delicious charcoal-grilled meat at Seogyo Garden Charcoal BBQ, a local favorite.
- Ramen: End with a light, comforting bowl of ramen at Matsue Ramen, tucked away in a secluded alley.
- Total Time: 2-3 hours, perfect for a relaxed evening of eating and strolling.
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