Hidden Gem in Seongsu, GoroGoro: A Kaisendon Spot That Feels Like Japan

Finally Visiting the Seongsu Restaurant My Friend Kept Recommending

I know Seongsu is hot these days, but honestly, I couldn't tell which places were the real gems. However, a colleague kept recommending a place called GoroGoro, so I finally decided to visit over the weekend. It's a bit of a walk from Seongsu Station, but I felt oddly excited on the way there.

True to Seongsu's style, there's a hip vibe in the alleys, but GoroGoro Seongsu had a truly unique charm. From the exterior, I could tell, "Ah, this place is different."

An Atmosphere That Feels Like a Japanese Izakaya

The moment I opened the door, I was really surprised. Is this really Seongsu? It felt entirely Japanese. The sign was in Japanese, and there was even a Japanese vending machine at the entrance, making it fun to take photos.

The interior of the store also had the cozy feel of a Japanese izakaya. Sitting by the window, I could leisurely enjoy my meal while looking outside. There were many couples, and some people dining alone, making it seem like a comfortable place for a variety of people to dine.

Reservations Are a Must! Be Prepared to Wait

I went on a Saturday during lunchtime, and there were already two parties waiting. Fortunately, I had made a reservation, but if I hadn't, I would have waited quite a while. Seongsu's popular spots are very in-demand these days, so I recommend making a reservation!

It seems especially popular as a Seongsu date spot. I saw a lot of couples. The atmosphere is great, and the food is delicious, making it a perfect place for a date.

After Much Deliberation, I Went with the GoroGoro Special!

Looking at the menu, there were so many different kaisendon and eel rice bowls. Tuna belly, crab leg meat, uni, golden eye snapper, etc... Everything looked so delicious that I couldn't decide. After much deliberation, I ordered the GoroGoro Special. It includes tuna belly as a base with uni, crab meat, octopus, squid, conch, and salmon roe.

The basic side dishes were cubed radish kimchi, pickled radish, and white kimchi, all of which were clean and tasty. The clam soup, in particular, was refreshing and paired well with the kaisendon.

The Visuals Are Insane... The GoroGoro Special

The GoroGoro Special finally arrived! The visuals were no joke. Just looking at the photos made my mouth water. The creamy uni on top of the tuna belly, with the popping texture of the salmon roe... It was like a work of art.

They say the proper way is to place rice and seafood on seaweed, add a bit of wasabi, and dip it in soy sauce. The moment I took a bite, I couldn't help but exclaim. The uni was so fresh, with no fishy smell, and it was smooth and sweet.

The Fun of Wrapping in Seaweed

Following the chef's recommendation, I placed rice on seaweed, picked up a bit of seafood, and dipped it in wasabi and soy sauce, and it was really delicious. The harmonious blend of various flavors in my mouth was truly exquisite.

The popping texture of the salmon roe was fun, and the tuna belly was soft and savory, making me reach for more. The sweet and chewy shrimp was a perfect match with the salmon roe.

Finish with Ochazuke!

When I had about a third of the kaisendon left, the staff poured kelp sea bream broth, allowing me to finish with ochazuke. This was a delicacy among delicacies! The warm broth was savory and so delicious that I scraped the bowl clean.

It seemed even tastier than the ochazuke I had in Japan. Eating it with cubed radish kimchi gave it a different flavor.

Honest Overall Review and Value for Money

The kaisendon is in the high 20,000 won range, which is a bit pricey, but I think it's worth it. The seafood is fresh, and the portion size is just right for women.

However, it might be a bit lacking for big eaters. The portion isn't huge. But with the ochazuke, you can eat until you're full.

Nearby Places to Explore

Ttukseom Hangang Park and Seoul Forest are nearby, making it great for a walk after a meal. Highly recommended as a Seongsu date course! Especially Seoul Forest, which has different charms each season, making it a great place to visit any time of the year.

Final Words

Honestly, while there are many restaurants in Seongsu, it's not easy to find truly delicious ones. But GoroGoro Seongsu was really satisfying. It also helped ease my longing for a trip to Japan.

I highly recommend it to those who love kaisendon or want a special meal in Seongsu. I'm planning to go again next time, and I want to try the eel rice bowl then!

If you're looking for a great place to eat in Seongsu, give GoroGoro a try. You won't regret it!