Yongsan Izakaya Zikgak Table Honest Review — Ceviche, 13 Aged Sashimi & Okinawa Draft Beer Under $50

I came back to Yongsan Izakaya Zikgak Table (@zikgak_table) after two years. The ceviche from my first visit had stuck with me ever since, and when plans landed me in Yongsan this May, my feet naturally took me there. The verdict up front — the multinational-cuisine izakaya I'd recommend first to anyone hunting for a Yongsan Station gem. A rare spot where not a single dish disappoints.

What is Zikgak Table

Zikgak Table is a multinational-cuisine izakaya on the second floor of a building, 500m on foot from Yongsan Station Exit 1. A menu that ages and ferments seasonal ingredients while moving freely between Japanese, Southeast Asian and Latin stylesis the signature character. With around 9,400 Instagram followers (@zikgak_table), it's already known in the Yongsan area as 'a place you can't get into without a reservation'.

Seating & Atmosphere

There's bar seating, hall tables, and private rooms. The weekend evenings were packed two years ago, and they're still packed now. Book ahead whenever possible— I strongly recommend it. The interior blends warm wood tones, indirect lighting, and hanging plants, working well for dates, casual dinners, and special occasions.

Parking Guide — Including the Prugio Summit CU Hack

If you're planning to enjoy a drink at the izakaya, public transit is the easiest option, but for those who drive, here are the three parking options to know. the third option is by far the smartest pickis.

5 Dishes We Ordered — Honest Review

We ordered 5 dishes total for two on this visit. Heads up — the prices on the menu differ slightly from what's floating around online, so treat the numbers below as rough references. I'll focus on giving you accurate details on the menu lineup and the flavors instead.

1. Okinawa Draft Beer (9,000 KRW)

A glass of draft beer is a given at an izakaya. Zikgak Table rare Orion draft beer (Okinawa beer)— so naturally it was my first order.

Speaking as someone who loves beer foam, let me be honest — places that pour a rich, dense foam are surprisingly rare. Zikgak Table's foam is fine and firm — every sip wraps the palate softly. Orion's signature light sweetness and crisp finish pair beautifully with their multinational menu.

2. Ceviche (18,000 KRW) — Still My #1 Pick After 2 Years

Ceviche originated as a marinated raw-fish dish from Peru and Latin America, and Zikgak Table's version is aged flounder sashimi + a tangy-sweet umami sauce — that's the combo.

I fell for this single plate on my first visit two years ago, and since then I've tried making it at home and ordered ceviche at almost every other izakaya and restaurant I came across. And yet — Zikgak Table still beats them all. The flounder is aged just right, springy in texture, and the sauce balances citrus acidity, sweetness, and umami in exact proportion — one bite and your appetite snaps awake.

If it's your first visit I'd recommend ordering this first. There's no better appetizer.

3. Grilled Chicken Neck with Radish Somtam (19,000 KRW)

Somtam is a Thai-style green papaya salad, and here it's reinterpreted with radish— and served alongside grilled chicken neck. A dish that mixes Southeast Asian, Korean, and Japanese izakaya vibes on a single plate, true to the multinational concept.

The chicken neck is plump with savory seasoning soaked in — delicious enough on its own. The somtam strikes a fine balance of sourness, sweetness, and heat, and the radish's cool crunch cuts through the chicken's richness. Chicken + somtam + cilantroin one bite is the peak. If you love Southeast Asian food, you won't regret it.

4. The Nameless Pork Dish (~26,000 KRW)

I didn't snap a photo of the menu that day so I've forgotten the exact name — but it looks like a recent addition, but the execution is 100%. One look at the cross-section says 'pass' — thick and cooked just right, and the juices burst the moment you bite in.

The sweet, starch-thick soy sauce coats the pork like a glaze, and a layer of cabbage underneath rounds out the richness and texture. Adding one more must-order— make it this pork dish without question.

5. Aged Sashimi Platter (42,000 KRW) — Stunning From the First Look

Last up is the signature aged sashimi platter. Flounder · sea bream · salmon · abalone · abalone-liver sauce · scallop · sweet shrimp · tuna · amberjack · horse mackerel · shima-aji · buri-hara · rice-straw-smoked Spanish mackerel · mackerel. About 13 to 14 kinds in total.

The lineup may shift slightly depending on the day's catch, weather, and season, but the format gives one piece per person, so you can order it for 2 to 4 guests. Ours was 42,000 KRW for two. The price might look steep at first glance, but given the variety of fish and the quality of the aging, it's actually reasonable.

Unlike a typical sashimi place, everything is aged just enough, delivering springy texture and the distinct umami of aging. The tuna and salmon especially melt softly on the tongue. The straw-smoked Spanish mackerel carries an extra layer of aroma that pairs perfectly with wine, too.

Honest Take After Coming Back in 2 Years

The most common letdown at restaurants is exactly this: “the signature dish is great, but the rest is just okay.”— and Zikgak Table is genuinely different in this regard. Everything I ordered two years ago was good, and not one of the 5 dishes this time was a miss. A place that takes the ‘what should I order?’ stress off your shoulders — places like this are rarer than you'd think.

The vibe is calm yet warm — perfect for dates, small gatherings, or anniversaries — and on weekends you really can't get in without a reservation, so book ahead. If a friend asks me for a Yongsan Station recommendation, I'd point them to Zikgak Tableas the top pick.

Visit Info at a Glance

Routes That Pair Well Around Yongsan Station

• ✅ Before the Meal : Light shopping and a stroll at Yongsan Station I-Park Mall → 7 PM reservation at Zikgak Table
• ✅ After the meal, : Round 2 at a wine bar or dessert cafe on Yongri-dan-gil (10–15 min walk)
• ✅ Late Night : Night walk along the Hangang Bridge (10 min by taxi / 5 min by car)
• ✅ Date Course : Dinner at Zikgak Table → night view by the Prugio Summit CU → cafes near Sinyongsan Station

Related Posts

Coming back after a long while and still walking away satisfied — Yongsan Izakaya Zikgak Table. The multinational-cuisine concept isn't just a buzzword — you can feel the care and balance packed into every dish. If you're looking for a satisfying meal with drinks near Yongsan Station, don't think twice — book a table first. Chances are you'll want to come back two or three more times. 🍶