Seonggyeong Junchi Hoejip 선경준치횟집

Seongyeong Junchi Hoejjip is a long-established raw fish restaurant in Ongeumrestraurant-dong, Mokpo, Jeonnam Province, specializing in junchi (gizzard shad) sashimi. The restaurant was featured on the TV program Pungja's Revisit as the top pick in Mokpo. The signature junchi hoe-muchim arrives as bone-in sashimi sliced in the sekoshi style, tossed with onions, cucumber, and a tangy dressing, then served alongside a bowl of rice with sesame oil for mixing into a fragrant, savory-sour rice bowl. The bones are fine enough to chew through without discomfort, and the resulting bibimbap-style creation delivers a satisfying blend of nutty and tart notes. Byeongeo (butterfish) hoe-muchim uses the same dressing base but offers a softer texture than the junchi. The true standout, however, is the braised conger eel with a sweet-savory glaze that matches the eel perfectly, making it an excellent companion for drinks. Six to seven side dishes arrive with the meal, and refills come readily. The menu extends to grilled hairtail and monkfish dishes as well, and the kitchen distinguishes itself by using fresh, unprocessed monkfish rather than frozen. The building is a converted residential house with low ceilings and a somewhat hidden entrance that can confuse first-time visitors. Solo dining is accommodated, though parties of two or more must order the same menu item. Reservations are strongly recommended given the consistently long waits. The location requires a vehicle to reach comfortably, but both the value and the quality of the seafood justify the trip.