Hongdae Bada Hwesarang - Waiting Experience at One of Seoul's Top 3 Amberjack Restaurants

The Famous Restaurant I've Seen All Over Instagram, Finally!

I've been seeing Bada Hwesarang in Hongdae so much on Instagram lately that I got curious! My friend kept insisting that we should definitely go since it's amberjack season. To be honest, I was a bit scared because I heard rumors about the extreme waiting times, but I mustered up the courage to try it this weekend.

It's about an 8-minute walk from Hongdae Entrance Station Exit 2? It was easier to find than I thought. But as soon as I arrived, I saw the massive line! The line extended all the way to the other side of the traffic light. This must be the famous Bada Hwesarang waiting line, I thought, haha.

The Reality of Waiting, and Some Tips!

I arrived around 1 PM on Saturday, and there were already 65 groups waiting. If you register your phone number at the Catch Table machine in front of the store, you'll get a notification on KakaoTalk when it's your turn. It was really convenient!

Some tips I learned while waiting:

• Weekdays from 3-5 PM are relatively less crowded
• If you want to do an open run, you need to line up from 1 PM
• The second branch has more seats than the first, so the turnover is faster
• Takeout is available, and you can order by phone!

In the end, we waited for about an hour and a half. It was cold, but chatting with my friend made the time pass faster than I expected.

Finally Entering! What's the Atmosphere Like Inside?

The inside was smaller than I expected. The tables were packed so tightly that it felt a bit chaotic. But seeing the lively fish in the aquarium made me feel the freshness, and my expectations went up!

The staff were moving around busily, but they were still kind enough to explain the menu when we ordered. The basic side dishes were pickled ginger and radish, but I skipped the ginger since I'm not a fan.

The Dilemma of Choosing a Menu, and Ordering!

Looking at the menu, amberjack sashimi was obviously the main dish. We were three people, so we ordered three servings of amberjack sashimi (70,000 KRW) and spicy fish stew (7,000 KRW). At first, we thought about ordering two servings and something else, but the staff suggested ordering according to the number of people.

We were also curious about the sea pineapple, so we ordered one additionally. The price was on the higher side, but considering the quality of amberjack in Seoul, it seemed inevitable.

The Famous Amberjack Sashimi Finally Appears!

Wow... it was really thick! The Bada Hwesarang amberjack sashimi I had only seen in pictures was finally in front of me! The crimson color was so pretty, and the glistening oil made my mouth water just by looking at it.

From the first bite, I was moved. The expression 'melts in your mouth' was spot on. The unique savory and slightly sweet taste of amberjack filled my mouth, making me truly happy. Especially the belly part was so... indescribably tender!

Dipping it in chogochujang balanced the rich taste of the amberjack, so it wasn't greasy at all. I also tried it with wasabi and soy sauce, and each had its own charm.

The Hidden Taste, Even the Spicy Fish Stew!

We ordered the spicy fish stew because it felt incomplete to only eat the amberjack sashimi, and it was a pleasant surprise! The broth made from amberjack head was really rich and spicy, perfect for cleansing the palate after the sashimi.

My friend said, "I'll come back just for this," haha. The amberjack sashimi is the main attraction, but the spicy fish stew is a taste you can't ignore!

Honestly, Some Disappointments

Of course, there were some disappointments. Since the store is small, it was a bit noisy being so close to the next table. And because of the long waiting time, they said there's a 2-hour time limit. It was a bit difficult to eat leisurely?

Also, the amberjack we received had a bit too much back meat, which was slightly disappointing. We should have asked for more belly meat, but we didn't know at the time. Next time, I'll definitely ask for more belly meat!

How's the Value for Money?

The total was a little over 100,000 KRW for three people. Considering the quality of amberjack you get in Seoul, I don't think it's a bad price. It's not exactly cheap, but considering the freshness and taste, it's reasonable?

Especially since there are many places where similar quality amberjack is even more expensive. It's definitely satisfying for a special occasion!

Practical Visit Tips!

• Reservation: No reservations! Only on-site waiting
• Recommended Time: Weekdays from 3-5 PM, or prepare for an open run from 1 PM
• Parking: Use the paid parking lot across from the store
• Takeout: Phone orders available! If you dislike waiting, takeout is recommended
• Tip: Ask for more belly meat in advance

Nearby Places to Explore

There are many cafes around Bada Hwesarang due to the nature of Hongdae. Especially if you head towards Yeonnam-dong, there are many pretty cafes, making it perfect for a post-meal walk and coffee. Mangwon Hangang Park is also nearby, so it's great for a walk if the weather is nice.

And Hongdae's Walking Street is about a 10-minute walk away, making it a perfect location to go for a second round with young friends!

Honest Overall Review

Although the waiting time is long and the store is a bit chaotic, the taste of the amberjack is truly commendable! There aren't many places in Seoul where you can enjoy amberjack of this quality.

Especially during the amberjack season in winter, it's definitely worth visiting at least once. I'm planning to go again next winter. Just be prepared for the wait, or consider taking it home to enjoy leisurely!

If you love amberjack, it's a must-visit at least once. I think it's worth the wait! 🐟