Jinjak Kakii: Where To Eat Oysters in Bukchon
Last Updated on January 15, 2026
Did I find the largest oysters in Seoul? I think I did! While seafood is usually something I look for when I’m visiting the coasts of Korea, when presented with oysters, my husband will tell you I can’t pass them up. Jinjak Kakii (진작 카키), a restaurant serving some of the biggest, freshest oysters I’ve ever eaten, is now on my list for where to eat in the Bukchon Hanok Village and it should be on yours too!
On the quieter side of the touristy downtown area of Seoul, it is near two other favorites, Salt House Deli and London Bagel Museum. Jinjak Kakii has oysters from Tongyeong, Korea and combined with the dark, moody interior, it’s definitely a great date spot in Seoul.
Looking for the best oyster spot in Seoul? Jinjak Kakii should be on your radar:
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Basic Info
Address: 38 Changdeokgung 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 창덕궁1길 38 진작카키 안국점)
Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:30am ~ Midnight (Break time: 3:00pm ~ 5:00pm; Saturday – Sunday: 11:30am ~ Midnight
Reservations: Recommended especially for the weekend, but it was also busy on a weekday when I went. You can make a reservation via Creatrip.
The Atmosphere
The restaurant is designed with a dark, modern interior that feels both sophisticated and cozy. It’s quiet enough for conversation, with just the right touch of romance, making it a great date night spot. Between the oysters and moody ambiance, it’s a nice little getaway from Seoul’s hustle and bustle. The staff were also professional and attentive and happy to explain the menu.
What We Ate
Fresh Shucked Oysters
The definitive star of the show, I was stunned by how huge the oysters were when they arrived to our table. As an oyster connoisseur of sorts, these were definitely the largest oysters I’ve ever eaten. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I could eat them in one bite… but I’ll have you know you can indeed.
The oysters come from Tongyeong, the capital of oysters in Korea, and are shucked to order so you get the clean, briny taste of the ocean. Honestly, if I wasn’t polite, I wouldn’t have shared.
Fun Fact: South Korea is the second-largest oyster producer in the world after China and around 80% of Korean oysters come from Tongyeong, a coastal city on the southern coast. From there, they’re exported globally to the US, Japan, Canada, Hong Kong, and even the EU.
Sweet Pumpkin Gnocchi
A Korean twist on gnocchi, topped with rich sweet pumpkin puree and crispy pumpkin chips. This was creamy and comforting, and just a little unexpected. The gnocchi seemed to have been pan fried for a crispier exterior. I usually boil my gnocchi so the texture is softer and chewier so this dish wasn’t exactly what I expected, but it was good.
Giant Futomaki Roll
This oversized sushi roll has eel, shrimp, tempura, burdock root, and other fresh ingredients wrapped up in kelp and is far too big for one bite, but it’s fun trying. It was a nice seafood addition to the oysters.
What We Drank
Soola Gukhwaju
I was excited to see this on the menu. Soola Gukhwaju is a yakju made from glutinous rice and chrysanthemum flowers. Ever since writing about the traditional food that one should eat in every month of the year in Korea, I’ve been on the lookout for this. This bottle from Soolawon was sweet and dry and a great pairing for the seafood dishes.
It was thought that drinking chrysanthemum liquor, with its fragrant aroma and fine color during the Mid-Autumn Festival would ensure a long and healthy life. So, of course we enjoyed the bottle in honor of the season.
They have a great menu of interesting Korean options as well as wines.
If you’re in the Anguk/Bukchon area of Seoul and feel that oyster urge, you’ll definitely want to keep Jinjak Kakii in mind. They have creative Korean-inspired dishes and a great atmosphere. Check it out.
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