South Korea is famous not only for Kimchi, Bulgogi, or Gimbap, but also for a vibrant live food culture that is both intriguing and sometimes a challenging experience for international tourists.
At restaurants, seafood stalls, or local markets, visitors can explore unique dishes, from live octopus (Sannakji), penis fish (Gaebul), sea cucumber, to fermented skate (Hongeo). These are traditional, appealing, and flavorful dishes for locals, yet an unforgettable challenge for first-time international tourists.
One of the popular dishes is Hweh – raw sliced fish. The chefs take fresh fish directly from the tank, slice it thinly, and serve it on a platter with side dishes to balance the flavor. Ảnh Dichoi
Unlike Japanese sashimi, Hweh is usually dipped in the sweet and spicy Gochujang sauce, and then wrapped in a sesame leaf (ssam) before eating. The fresh, chewy, rich flavor offers a uniquely unforgettable culinary experience. Ảnh Dichoi
More distinctive is Hongeo – fermented skate, famous for its strong ammonia smell. The fish is marinated for a month and eaten raw when thinly sliced. Ảnh Open passports
The pungent ammonia smell makes many tourists hesitant, but for Koreans, Hongeo is a specialty dish they become "addicted" to. This dish clearly shows the difference and uniqueness in the traditional cuisine of the land of Kimchi. Ảnh NPR
Another live food experience is Gejang – raw crab marinated in soy sauce. Fresh crabs are marinated in soy sauce or spicy chili powder sauce, then served whole. Ảnh MIA
When eating, diners usually mix white rice with the crab roe inside the shell to enjoy the harmonious salty-sweet flavor. Gejang is considered a delicious and refreshing dish, especially popular during hot weather. Ảnh MIA
If you want a thrill, Sannakji – live octopus is the top choice. The wriggling tentacles on the plate can stick to the throat if not eaten carefully, so Koreans usually dip Sannakji in sesame oil to reduce the risk. Ảnh Baophunu
In addition to the chopped version, some restaurants also serve whole live octopus (Sebalnakji), allowing diners to wrap the tentacles with their hands or chopsticks and eat them immediately. This dish is famously unique but extremely popular with the Korean people. Ảnh Baophunu
A less challenging but still unique dish is Gaebul – penis fish or spoon worm. Resembling worms, Gaebul is often served with Chogochujang sauce or spicy Kimchi. Ảnh Cultura Colective
This dish is available year-round but is best around October, making it an unmissable raw specialty for tourists who love culinary exploration. Ảnh Cultura Colective
Sea cucumber – or raw sea cucumber is a specialty dish of the beautiful Jeju Island. After soaking in salt and cleaning the internal organs, the sea cucumber meat is sliced into bite-sized pieces, served on a plate, and enjoyed with a rich dipping sauce. The chewy, juicy texture stimulates the taste buds, creating an unforgettable dining experience. Visitors can find this dish at seafood markets, along the coast, or at local restaurants on the island. Ảnh Hungryworks
