Discover Toriaezu Sejong, a hidden gem in Naseong-dong's bustling food street. Indulge in perfectly charcoal-grilled yakitori and refreshing draft beer in a cozy, authentic izakaya setting. Perfect for dates or solo dining!
When I was preparing to move to Sejong City, I spent a whirlwind of time traveling back and forth between Jeju Island and Sejong.
My biggest worry was a suspected leak in my new home, but thankfully, it was resolved much more smoothly than anticipated. With that weight lifted, I felt incredibly lighthearted and decided it was the perfect night to enjoy a relaxed drink.
This was where we originally planned to go
That led me to the bustling Naseong-dong Food Street in Sejong.
The place we originally intended to visit had a long wait. As we looked around, a friendly owner caught our eye and, thanks to his kind guidance, we luckily snagged the last available seats at Toriaezu Sejong.
To cut to the chase, if you're looking for a fantastic bar in Sejong to savor skewers bursting with authentic charcoal flavor and enjoy a refreshing draft beer, this spot will definitely hit the mark.
Key Highlights at a Glance
Category
Details
Location
1F Star Tower, 125-16 Naseong-ro, Sejong City
Signature Dishes
Charcoal Yakitori, Grilled Rice Balls, Draft Beer, etc.
Features
Charcoal-grilled to order, choice of sauces (Teriyaki, Salt, Spicy), counter seating, outdoor seating available
Recommended For
Those seeking a great bar in Sejong, dates or second-round gatherings, solo diners
Toriaezu Sejong: Location and Atmosphere
Toriaezu Sejong is conveniently located on the first floor of Star Tower, right in the heart of Naseong-dong Food Street.
With a variety of restaurants and bars clustered nearby, it's an ideal spot for a second round after dinner, or a perfect primary destination if you're just looking for a casual drink.
Stepping inside, the first thing you'll notice is the inviting counter seating.
We opted for the counter seats, and it was a fantastic choice. Watching the owner grill each skewer over charcoal right before our eyes made the waiting time fly by, adding to the overall experience.
On pleasant days, they also have outdoor seating, which I imagine would create a wonderful ambiance for enjoying a light beer.
Our Dining Experience: Menu Review
As someone who absolutely loves grilled skewers, I ordered a variety of options.
What I particularly appreciated was that the skewers are grilled over charcoal immediately upon order and served sequentially. This ensures that every bite is enjoyed at its absolute peak flavor and warmth.
Complimentary Appetizer
The basic appetizer is simply cabbage served with a savory miso dipping sauce.
While it seemed unassuming at first, the crisp cabbage dipped in miso was surprisingly addictive, keeping our hands busy until the skewers arrived. It was a perfect, light start to the meal.
Negima & Chicken Thigh
With the first bite, a subtle charcoal aroma permeated, and the chicken remained incredibly juicy and tender.
The Negima, in particular, with the sweet addition of green onions, was the perfect companion to a cold draft beer.
Chicken Heart, Butt, and Skin
Chicken heart can sometimes be a hit-or-miss for people due to its distinct flavor, but here, I believe it would be a definite hit for anyone!
Negima, chicken skin, chicken butt
The chicken heart boasted a delightful chewy texture, while the chicken skin was wonderfully crispy on the outside with just the right amount of tenderness and fat inside, making it an incredibly satisfying snack with drinks.
The chicken butt also impressed with its rich, savory flavor.
Toriaezu Tsukune
Tsukune (Chicken Meatball)
Tsukune is one of Toriaezu's signature dishes, and for good reason.
Dipping the soft chicken meatball into a rich egg yolk created a perfect harmony of flavors with the sweet sauce. This was personally the most memorable dish of the night for me.
Grilled Rice Balls
After enjoying several skewers, I craved something more substantial, so we ordered the grilled rice balls.
The exterior was beautifully grilled over charcoal, creating a crispy, almost 'nurungji' (scorched rice) like texture, while the inside remained perfectly moist.
The sweet tare sauce combined with the subtle smoky aroma made this an excellent dish to round off our meal.
Helpful Tips Before You Visit
We also enjoyed many other types of grilled skewers.
Toriaezu's skewers are typically served with teriyaki sauce.
However, you can customize your order by marking your preference on the order sheet for each item, choosing between salt-grilled or spicy seasoning.
I personally prefer salt-grilled, so most of my choices were prepared that way. If you like variety, I highly recommend trying different sauces for a diverse tasting experience.
Is Toriaezu a Recommended Bar in Sejong?
Our visit to Toriaezu was entirely by chance, but it turned out to be an izakaya that exceeded our expectations and left a lasting impression.
Most importantly, the skewers, grilled fresh over charcoal with every order, were served perfectly warm, with a delightful natural smoky aroma that paired wonderfully with the draft beer.
The atmosphere is perfect for quiet conversations, making it ideal for dates, a casual drink after work, or even comfortable solo dining.
📍 Toriaezu Sejong 1F Star Tower, 125-16 Naseong-ro, Sejong City
If you're looking for a bar with a great vibe in Sejong, or an izakaya in Naseong-dong where you can truly enjoy authentic charcoal yakitori, I highly recommend Toriaezu Sejong.
The fact that I discovered this place feeling relieved after my house issue was resolved might have made that draft beer taste even better, but even putting emotions aside, both the food and the ambiance were truly satisfying.
Next time I visit, I'm eager to try all the other types of skewers I missed out on!
Where is Torieaez Sejong Branch located in Naseong-dong, Sejong City?
Torieaez Sejong Branch is located on the 1st floor of Star Tower, in the heart of the Naseong-dong food alley. It's a convenient location for a second round after an initial meal, or for starting with a drink, as it's surrounded by various restaurants and bars.
Can I change the sauce when ordering charcoal-grilled yakitori at Torieaez Sejong Branch?
Yes, you can. Skewers are typically served with teriyaki sauce, but you can change it to salt-grilled or spicy seasoning for each desired menu item on your order form.
Which skewer menu item is particularly recommended at Torieaez Sejong Branch?
Tsukune is one of Torieaez's signature dishes. When you break an egg yolk and dip it together, the tender meatball blends wonderfully with the sweet sauce. The writer mentioned it was the most memorable dish they had that day.
What types of seating are available at Torieaez Sejong Branch?
Inside the restaurant, there are counter seats where the owner grills skewers right in front of you. On nice days, outdoor seating is also available, creating a great atmosphere for a casual beer.