Did you know that Korea is a peninsula surrounded by the ocean on three sides? That means seafood isn't just a "luxury" here—it is a way of life.
From the busy fish markets of Busan to the quiet haenyeo (diver) villages of Jeju, fresh catch is everywhere. But if you have only tried Sushi, you are in for a surprise. Korean seafood is spicy, savory, and full of bold flavors. Here are the top 5 seafood dishes that you simply cannot miss.
Pronounced: Gal-chi Gu-i
This is the "King" of grilled fish in Korea.
- What is it? A long, thin, silver fish grilled until the skin is crispy and golden.
- The Taste: The meat is incredibly white, fluffy, and delicate—it almost melts in your mouth.
- Where to eat it: Jeju Island is famous for serving massive, meter-long Galchi. It’s a visual masterpiece!
Pronounced: Hae-mul Pa-jeon
This is the ultimate comfort food, especially on rainy days.
- What is it? A savory pancake packed with green onions (Pa), squid, shrimp, and clams, pan-fried until crispy.
- The Texture: Crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside.
| 💡Pro Tip: Dip it in the soy-onion sauce provided. It pairs perfectly with Makgeolli (rice wine). |
Pronounced: Go-deung-eo Jo-rim
If you love spice, this is for you.
- What is it? Fresh mackerel simmered slowly in a rich, spicy soy-red pepper broth with big chunks of Korean radish (Mu).
- The Secret: The radish at the bottom absorbs all the flavor and is often considered the best part of the dish!
Pronounced: Go-deung-eo Jo-rim
Forget soy sauce and wasabi—this is the Korean way to eat raw fish.
- What is it? Fresh raw fish (Hoe) tossed in a tangy, spicy red chili sauce with fresh vegetables like cucumber and pear.
- The Vibe: It is cold, refreshing, and spicy. It is absolutely perfect on a hot summer day.
Pronounced: Jo-gae Gu-i
This isn't just a meal; it's an experience.
- What is it? You sit at a table with a grill in the center, and fresh scallops and clams are cooked right in front of you until they pop open.
- The Taste: Warm, smoky, and salty like the ocean.
- Where to eat it: Head to coastal cities like Incheon, Busan, or Yeosu for the freshest experience.
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Walking into a fish market can be loud and chaotic! Learn these words to find what you want.
- 생선 (Saeng-seon) — Fish (General term for food)
- 회 (Hoe) — Raw Fish / Sashimi
- 해물 (Hae-mul) — Seafood
- 매운탕 (Mae-un-tang) — Spicy Fish Stew (Usually eaten after raw fish!)
- 시장 (Si-jang) — Market
Seafood restaurants in Korea often have menus on the wall with no pictures—just the names of fish written in Hangul. Don't miss out on the best meal of your life just because you couldn't read "Galchi."
Start our free "Hangeul Basics" course at InWorldKorea.com. We’ll teach you how to read the menu so you can order the freshest catch like a local.
