Taehwa
태하
About
Intimate counter-seat izakaya between Gunja and Junggok, serving delicate aged sashimi dishes and thoughtful pairings in a quiet setting.
Tucked along Neungdong-ro between Gunja and Junggok stations, Taeha is an intimate neighborhood izakaya defined by its deliberate calm. Run single-handedly by its chef-owner, the dining room centers around a ten-seat counter illuminated by soft, low-slung lighting. An explicit house rule forbidding loud singing or rowdiness sets expectations early: this is a space tailored for quiet solo pours, low-whisper dates, and unhurried drinking sessions. The open kitchen layout lets guests observe the chef’s meticulous prep, framed by an imposing lineup of sashimi knives and an assortment of sake cups ready for service. The food moves beyond standard bar fare, pairing classic Japanese technique with rich, comforting touches. A standout signature is the perilla oil red sea bream somen (*deulgireum chamdom somen*). Delicate strands of wheat noodles slick with fragrant wild perilla oil and black sesame sauce are topped with clean slices of raw sea bream and fresh tomato, balancing rich nuttiness with the gentle chew of the fish. Raw fish is a pillar here—the assorted sashimi platter showcases pristine cuts alongside sweet sea urchin—yet the kitchen shows equal finesse across cooked and assembled plates. The avocado tuna seaweed taco wraps seasoned sushi rice, rich diced tuna, and creamy avocado inside crisp nori sheets, turning familiar raw-bar elements into a textural finger food. From the heat comes deep-fried toothfish (*mero*) dressed in a savory sauce, alongside tender grilled sablefish with no trace of gaminess. Even the smaller bites leave an impression: the savory bacon potato salad, studded with crisp pork, has developed an almost cult following among regulars who add it alongside pints of draft Asahi, yuzu highballs, or cold sake carafes. As a no-kids establishment requiring alcohol orders, Taeha remains a focused sanctuary for quiet, deliberate dining in Gwangjin.
Menu
- Perilla Oil Red Sea Bream Somyeon₩18,000
- Avocado Tuna Seaweed Taco₩25,000
- Bacon Potato Salad₩9,000
- 은대구구이₩18,000
- 모듬회(2인)₩38,000
- 정통 카레와 독일 소세지₩20,000
- 스지 오뎅탕₩35,000
- 오이 참깨 무침₩7,000
Local tips
- Book in advance through CatchTable.
- Counter seating only for around 10 guests; great for solo dining or quiet dates.
- Alcohol order is mandatory; no kids allowed.
- Parking is available behind the building.
Details
- Gunja Station
Opening hours
- Sunday
- 18:00–01:00
- Monday
- —
- Tuesday
- 18:00–01:00
- Wednesday
- 18:00–01:00
- Thursday
- 18:00–01:00
- Friday
- 18:00–01:00
- Saturday
- 18:00–01:00