South Korea’s rich coastal waters make seafood a major part of the country’s culinary heritage. From fresh sashimi to steaming pots of spicy seafood stews, Korean seafood dishes offer a wide variety of flavors and textures that highlight the freshness of the ocean. Seafood specialty restaurants, known as haemul-jip, are a must-try for anyone looking to explore Korea’s coastal cuisine. Whether you’re in the bustling fish markets of Busan or enjoying a meal by the beach in Jeju, these seafood dishes will introduce you to a delicious and integral part of Korean food culture.
1. Hoe (Korean Sashimi)
Hoe refers to raw seafood, and it’s one of the most popular ways to enjoy fresh fish in Korea. Unlike Japanese sashimi, which focuses on subtle flavors, Korean hoe is often eaten with bolder accompaniments like gochujang (spicy red pepper paste) or chojang (vinegar red pepper sauce).
- How It’s Served: The fish, often flounder, halibut, or snapper, is thinly sliced and served on a platter with various dipping sauces and vegetables. After eating the raw fish, a bowl of spicy fish stew (maeuntang) made from the fish bones is usually served to finish the meal.
- Must-Try Tip: Visit seafood markets like Jagalchi Market in Busan or Noryangjin Market in Seoul, where you can choose your own fish and have it prepared fresh on the spot.
2. Haemul Tang (Spicy Seafood Soup)
Haemul tang is a flavorful, spicy seafood soup made with a variety of fresh seafood such as shrimp, crab, clams, and mussels, along with vegetables, tofu, and gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes). This hearty stew is perfect for seafood lovers who want a warming, comforting meal packed with flavor.
- How It’s Served: The ingredients are simmered together in a pot and served piping hot at the table, often still bubbling. The broth is spicy, savory, and packed with umami from the seafood, creating a rich, layered flavor.
- Must-Try Tip: Pair haemul tang with a side of rice to balance the heat, and don’t forget to sip the flavorful broth as you enjoy the seafood.
3. Jogae Gui (Grilled Clams)
For a more hands-on seafood experience, jogae gui (grilled clams) is a popular dish that’s both fun to eat and delicious. This dish features a variety of fresh shellfish—such as clams, scallops, and mussels—grilled over an open flame right at your table.
- How It’s Served: The shellfish are placed on a grill, and you can watch them cook as their shells pop open. Once cooked, they’re typically dipped in soy sauce or spicy sauces for extra flavor.
- Must-Try Tip: Some seafood restaurants offer a full shellfish platter with various types of shellfish, octopus, and shrimp for a more indulgent experience.
4. Jeonbok Juk (Abalone Porridge)
Jeonbok juk is a specialty from Jeju Island, where the waters are famous for their abundance of abalone. This nourishing porridge is made with rice and tender abalone, simmered together to create a smooth, comforting dish that’s often eaten as a health food or a light meal.
- How It’s Served: Jeonbok juk has a delicate flavor, allowing the fresh taste of abalone to shine through. It’s served in a large bowl and is usually accompanied by small banchan (side dishes) like kimchi or pickled vegetables.
- Must-Try Tip: If you’re visiting Jeju Island, make sure to try this dish at one of the local seafood restaurants, where the abalone is caught fresh.
5. Nakji Bokkeum (Stir-Fried Octopus)
For those looking for something spicy and bold, nakji bokkeum is a popular dish made with octopus stir-fried in a spicy sauce. The dish is known for its tender, chewy texture and fiery flavor, which is balanced by stir-fried vegetables and noodles.
- How It’s Served: Nakji bokkeum is served hot from the pan, and it’s usually enjoyed with a bowl of rice or mixed with glass noodles (japchae). The spice level can be adjusted, but it’s traditionally served with a good amount of heat.
- Must-Try Tip: Some restaurants offer nakji bibimbap, where the spicy stir-fried octopus is served on top of rice for a satisfying meal.
6. Ganjang Gejang (Marinated Crab in Soy Sauce)
For a truly unique seafood experience, try ganjang gejang, raw blue crab marinated in soy sauce. This dish is often referred to as “rice thief” because the delicious sauce and tender crab meat pair so well with rice that you can’t stop eating it.
- How It’s Served: The crab is served in its shell, soaked in a flavorful soy sauce marinade. You can scoop the crab meat out with a spoon, or mix it with rice to soak up all the marinade.
- Must-Try Tip: Ganjang gejang can be quite salty, so it’s best enjoyed with a large bowl of rice and a variety of side dishes to balance the flavors.
Conclusion: Dive Into Korea’s Seafood Delights
Korean seafood offers a wide range of textures and flavors, from spicy stews to delicate raw fish dishes. Whether you’re grilling shellfish by the beach or savoring a bowl of abalone porridge, seafood in Korea is fresh, flavorful, and an essential part of the country’s culinary identity. For seafood lovers, Korea’s seafood specialty restaurants provide an unforgettable dining experience that highlights the best of what the ocean has to offer.