Sixth Sense: City Tour – Yoo Jae-suk's Favorite High-End Omakase in Gangnam, 이동자 (李東子)

Sixth Sense: City Tour – Yoo Jae-suk's Favorite High-End Omakase in Gangnam, 이동자 (李東子)

On March 6, 2025, the latest episode of Sixth Sense: City Tour (식스센스 : 시티투어) took viewers on another thrilling journey to uncover fake hotspots in the heart of Seoul. This week’s destination? The ultra-trendy streets of Gangnam, where hidden gems and luxurious dining meet. Among the spots featured, one in particular stood out — a sophisticated, high-end omakase restaurant that left Yoo Jae-suk and the cast completely impressed.

Nestled in the upscale neighborhood of Cheongdam-dong, the restaurant Lee Dong Ja (이동자, 李東子) delivers more than just exquisite Japanese cuisine — it’s a deeply personal and refined culinary experience. Run by former comedian-turned-chef Jin-Hwan Lee, this omakase spot is already making waves for its fusion of traditional Korean warmth with Japanese precision.

Let’s take a closer look at what made this place so unforgettable for the Sixth Sense crew and why it deserves a spot on your must-visit list.

The Story Behind 이동자 (李東子)

One of the most touching parts of this Sixth Sense episode was discovering that the omakase restaurant was created by none other than Jin-Hwan Lee — a name that might ring a bell for longtime Korean variety fans. Known for his comedic partnership with Son Heon-soo, Lee transitioned from laughter to ladles, now working as a professional chef with over 15 years of culinary experience.

The name of the restaurant, Lee Dong Ja (李東子), comes from his mother’s name. This homage isn’t just symbolic — it’s literal. Many of the ingredients used in the restaurant’s dishes are grown by his parents, including vegetables, fruits, fermented sauces, and kimchi. Every bite carries a bit of family tradition and homegrown care.

Opened in August 2024, Lee Dong Ja has quickly gained recognition for its blend of Korean and Japanese cuisine presented through an elegant omakase course. It’s a place where fine dining meets heartfelt storytelling.

Restaurant Highlights

1️⃣ A Perfect Blend of Korean & Japanese Flavors

Chef Lee’s signature style revolves around combining the subtle elegance of Japanese omakase with the depth and comfort of Korean cooking. Traditional Korean broths and fermented sides make cameo appearances alongside meticulously prepared sashimi, sushi, and charcoal-grilled delicacies.

Each dish feels intentional — like a conversation between two cultures. You might begin with a house-made jangajji (Korean pickled veggie) and finish with yuzu sorbet infused with locally grown perilla leaves. Seriously, it’s an edible poem.

2️⃣ Premium, Seasonally Selected Ingredients

Lee Dong Ja sources only the best: think tilefish (돌돔), longtooth grouper (다금바리), and white-spotted grouper (굵바리) — ingredients prized for their rarity and depth of flavor. The wasabi? Hand-ground right in front of you, imported from Shizuoka, Japan. Even the soy sauce and vinegar are crafted in-house or sourced from traditional Korean artisans.

And it gets better. The vegetables, fruits, kimchi, and soybean paste? Grown by Chef Lee’s own parents on their farm. That level of authenticity is something you can taste.

3️⃣ A Cozy, Private Dining Space

The restaurant’s interior is sleek, modern, and intentionally minimalist, allowing the food to take center stage. With seating for only 6 to 7 guests, it feels like a secret shared among friends. It's ideal for a romantic date, a milestone celebration, or an intimate business dinner.

You won’t hear loud chatter or clinking glasses here. Just the quiet rustle of chefs at work, soft music, and the sound of your own happy sighs ㅎㅎ

📍 Location & Reservation Info

Reservations are a must, and due to its limited seating, it’s recommended to book at least a week in advance. If you’re lucky, you might just sit at the same counter seat that Yoo Jae-suk did!

Final Thoughts

Lee Dong Ja (이동자) is not just a restaurant — it’s a heartfelt expression of culture, family, and fine dining. Every element, from the homegrown ingredients to the precision plating, reflects Chef Lee Jin-Hwan’s journey from comedy to cuisine. Watching him on Sixth Sense: City Tour was a reminder that passion can take many forms — and in this case, it tastes absolutely incredible.

If you're looking for a place that embodies the spirit of Korean hospitality with the finesse of Japanese omakase, Lee Dong Ja should be at the top of your list. Whether you're a food lover, a K-variety fan, or simply in search of your next special night out, this hidden gem in Cheongdam is waiting to blow your mind (and your taste buds).

And let’s be real... if Yoo Jae-suk loved it, it’s gotta be worth the hype ㅋㅋ