[서울역 근처 한식 맛집] 어슬 서울

[kagy]

Aseul Seoul brings innovation to classic Korean ingredients with view to match

Aseul Seoul (Hong Yoo/ The Korea Herald)

Located just five minutes from Seoul Station, Aseul Seoul is a modern Korean dining spot offering a sophisticated blend of traditional flavors and contemporary techniques. Chef Lee Young-won, who previously worked at a Michelin 2-star restaurant, opened this restaurant in December 2024.

The name Aseul comes from the Korean word “aseulnyeok,” meaning the dim, dusky time just after sunset.

This inspiration is evident in the restaurant’s lighting, which creates a warm and cozy ambiance. Situated on the 13th floor, Aseul Seoul also offers a stunning view of Seoul’s skyline, where diners can watch the twilight sky shift in color.

Stepping into Aseul Seoul, customers are greeted by an elegant, yet intimate space. The restaurant’s interior merges traditional Korean and modern elements, notably featuring a traditional roof tile-inspired central light fixture.

Korean liquor is on display at Asseul Seoul. (Hong Yoo/ The Korea Herald)

Aseul Seoul’s atmosphere is perfect for a range of occasions, from a romantic dinner to a business meeting or family gathering.

The restaurant also has an impressive selection of traditional Korean liquors including makgeolli and cheongju for pairing with meals.

The dishes at Aseul Seoul are a carefully crafted fusion of traditional Korean ingredients and culinary techniques from elsewhere. The menu features options ranging from bite-sized appetizers to hearty main course and desserts.

Yukhoe milljeonbyeong tacos served at Aseul Seoul (Hong Yoo/ The Korea Herald)

A standout appetizer is the Yukhoe milljeonbyeong taco (9,000 won), which reimagines Korean raw beef by wrapping it in a chewy, grilled wheat crepe. The beef is dressed with a tangy fish roe sauce, guacamole and sour cream, creating a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Shrimp and songhwa mushroom jeon served at Aseul Seoul (Hong Yoo/ The Korea Herald)

Another highlight is the shrimp and songhwa mushroom jeon (7,000 won). The dish pairs crispy shrimp patty with earthy songhwa mushrooms deep-fried to perfection.

Scallops and shrimp with pine nut sauce (Hong Yoo/ The Korea Herald)

The scallops and shrimp with pine nut sauce (22,000 won) is a refreshing appetizer that combines boiled shrimp and scallops with the rich, nutty flavor of pine nuts. This dish, inspired by a traditional Joseon-era recipe, is reinterpreted with the addition of fresh strawberries.

Seasonal fish stone pot rice (Hong Yoo/ The Korea Herald)

Aseul Seoul’s main offerings also stand out. The seasonal fish stone pot rice (34,000 won for two) features seasonal fish―mackerel in this case―cooked with rice in a stone pot. It’s served with a soy-based sauce and clam broth, making it a satisfying and comforting dish. This hearty meal comes with three side dishes and a rich soup, making it a perfect choice for a well-rounded, traditional Korean meal.

Octopus pistachio pasta (Hong Yoo/ The Korea Herald)

Aseul Seoul’s signature dish is the Octopus pistachio pasta (28,000 won), a creative fusion of a typical Korean seafood ingredient with fresh flavors. The dish features tender octopus legs, paired with a creamy pistachio pasta. The nuttiness of the pistachio complements the octopus caught from the country’s southern sea, creating a rich and unexpected combination that offers a unique take on pasta.

For drinks, Aseul Seoul offers an extensive selection of traditional Korean drinks. One standout is the Nerd Basil Sparkling Makgeolli (28,000 won), a fizzy, refreshing drink made with basil. The herb’s fragrance pairs perfectly with the refreshing makgeolli, making it an excellent choice to accompany the meal.

While the food and ambiance at Aseul Seoul are exceptional, the service leaves some room for improvement. Some guests have noted that the staff lack in-depth knowledge of the menu and struggled to explain the dishes in detail.