Here’s a beloved old-school spot near City Hall Station in Seoul where you can enjoy super fresh yukhoe (Korean beef tartare) and hearty saengtae spicy fish stew—the restaurant is called “Busan Galmaegi.” The name says Busan, but it’s actually right in the middle of Seoul, which makes it even more memorable!
Their yukhoe and beef sashimi are made only when the owner can secure top-quality fresh meat, so depending on the day, you might not be able to order them. But that also means you can trust that they serve it only when the ingredients are truly at their best.
The real highlight here is the saengtae soup / saengtae spicy stew. They say it comes with an impressive 40 years of know-how, and the portions are generous. Even the small size of the spicy stew is said to be enough for three people to share.

The stew arrives topped with plenty of minari (water parsley) and minced garlic, and underneath you’ll find lots of vegetables and chunks of saengtae fish. The broth is clean, clear, and refreshing, letting the natural flavors of the ingredients shine. You can dip the fish in soy sauce if you like—just be careful of any small bones.
If you’re looking for a truly satisfying spicy fish stew in Seoul, make sure to add Busan Galmaegi near City Hall Station to your list!
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