Fisherman Kim's Cheongna Review 2026: Fresh Sliced Cuttlefish Sashimi

Cheongna's Must-Visit Seafood Spot

Fisherman Kim's Urban Fisherman Cheongna Branch

Photos/Words ©Minimanimu

Hey there, fellow food explorers!

This is Minimanimu, your guide to uncovering the best dining experiences.

As the weather heats up, we're officially entering prime seafood season here in Korea. While many flock to coastal towns like Sokcho for their famous squid markets, there's a particular delicacy that truly shines in early summer: cuttlefish. It's not just high in protein and low in fat; it offers a uniquely thick and delightfully chewy texture that sets it apart from regular squid.

But what if you could savor this exquisite cuttlefish, expertly sliced into delicate sashimi, without making the long trip to the coast? I recently discovered a fantastic and budget-friendly seafood restaurant in Cheongna that gets its fresh catch directly from Yeonan Port daily: Fisherman Kim's Urban Fisherman Cheongna Branch. I'm excited to share my honest, self-funded review, including essential parking and waiting information, so you can plan your visit!

Fisherman Kim's Urban Fisherman Cheongna Branch Operating Information

Is Parking Available at Fisherman Kim's Urban Fisherman Cheongna Branch?

Yes, parking is available at the underground parking garage for the building where Fisherman Kim's Urban Fisherman Cheongna Branch is located.

Guests receive up to 3 hours of complimentary parking. After 3 hours, the charge is ~$2 per 60 minutes, with a daily maximum of ~$15.

Reservations & Waiting at Fisherman Kim's Urban Fisherman Cheongna Branch

This spot is a popular choice for group dinners and family gatherings in Cheongna, offering convenient reservations through Naver or by phone.

We visited around 7:00 PM on a weekday and, despite some office groups enjoying their dinner, we were able to get a table immediately without any wait. If you're planning to visit during peak dinner hours or on a weekend, I highly recommend making a reservation in advance through Naver to secure your spot.

Exterior / Interior

The restaurant is conveniently located just across the alley from Cheongna Homeplus and Lotte Mart, and very close to the Cheongna Canal Way. This makes it an ideal spot for a meal before or after shopping, or a leisurely stroll.

The bright yellow signboard is easy to spot from a distance. The aquariums at the entrance are meticulously clean and well-maintained, assuring you of the freshness of their seafood.

Inside, you'll find a clean and inviting space primarily set up with four-person tables. These can be easily combined to accommodate larger groups, making it perfect for anything from a small gathering to a big company dinner.

Menu & My Order

A major draw of Fisherman Kim's Urban Fisherman Cheongna Branch is its commitment to freshness and affordability. They receive live fish directly from Yeonan Port every single day! Their menu boasts a wide variety of options, including fresh sashimi, set menus, cold raw fish soup (mulhoe), and grilled dishes.

Here's what we ordered:

·Sliced Cuttlefish Sashimi (market price): ~$42

·Fresh Fish Sushi (10 pieces): ~$9

·Seafood Ramen: ~$5

·Soju: ~$4 * 2 bottles

·Table Setting Fee: ~$1 * 2 people

My Review

Once your order is placed, your table is neatly set with paper cups, soy sauce, chojang (spicy vinegared gochujang sauce), sauce dishes, and an opener. Then, the complimentary side dishes arrive!

The generous spread of banchan includes seaweed soup, beondegi (silkworm pupae, a unique Korean snack), macaroni salad, white kimchi, garlic/chili peppers, wasabi, and makjang (a savory dipping sauce).

One side of the restaurant features a clean and well-stocked self-service bar, meaning you can refill your favorite side dishes without any hesitation!

And here's a fantastic bonus: the seaweed soup and beondegi are kept warm in rice cookers, so you can enjoy endless, piping-hot refills whenever you like!

Finally, the star of the show arrived after a short wait! This is the sliced cuttlefish sashimi, perfectly in season during early summer. The pristine white cuttlefish flesh is beautifully plated alongside a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, making for an absolutely stunning presentation!

The accompanying vegetable salad includes crisp cabbage, lettuce, perilla leaves, radish sprouts, spicy green chilies, and a delightful pop of flying fish roe.

To enjoy, simply pile a generous spoonful of the crunchy, tangy vegetable mix onto your spoon, then top it with a thin, wide slice of the translucent cuttlefish sashimi. Pop it all into your mouth for a burst of flavor!

Being in season, the cuttlefish offered a subtle, sweet, and savory umami flavor that spread with each bite. The texture was absolutely exquisite – chewy and incredibly elastic!

While the unique sweetness and texture of the cuttlefish are delightful, you might find yourself wanting a palate cleanser after a few bites. That's where the refreshing, crisp white kimchi comes in! Wrap a slice of cuttlefish sashimi in the white kimchi for a clean, refreshing taste that resets your palate beautifully.

We also ordered the fresh fish sushi as a side dish, and it came with 10 pieces, thoughtfully divided into two different types of sashimi. The amount of wasabi was just right, and the fish slices were substantial, offering a truly satisfying bite.

For just ~$5, the Seafood Ramen was an incredible deal! It was packed with a variety of seafood like shrimp, blue crab, and clams, resulting in a wonderfully refreshing broth. The portion was incredibly generous, feeling like more than one serving of ramen noodles, making it a hearty and satisfying way to end our meal.

Overall Verdict

If you're looking for a fresh and affordable sashimi restaurant in Cheongna after shopping at Homeplus or Lotte Mart, or enjoying a stroll along the Cheongna Canal Way, I wholeheartedly recommend Fisherman Kim's Urban Fisherman Cheongna Branch.

✔️ Conveniently located near Canal Way, with free parking support

✔️ Fresh sashimi directly from Yeonan Port & unlimited refills at the self-service bar

✔️ Exquisite cuttlefish sashimi with a delightful texture, paired with a tangy vegetable mix

Why not stop by this cool and clean Cheongna seafood spot to enjoy some chewy, in-season cuttlefish sashimi with a refreshing glass of soju?