Bonggeum

Bonggeum is a comfortable Sinsa option for drinks and dinner, but its menu stands apart from a typical Japanese izakaya. The kitchen builds the meal around distinctive Korean dishes, making the experience feel both familiar and unexpected.

The mackerel sushi is the must-order: it tastes notably different from the versions usually served at Japanese izakayas, and everyone at the table was impressed. The grilled pork neck is tender and well seasoned, with a flavor that recalls marinated ribs and keeps you reaching for another bite.

The fried sweet potato is another good dish to share, with a sweet-and-sour-pork-like quality. An open kitchen bar and cozy window seats round out the setting.