Winter Seafood in South Korea

Top 10 Winter Seafood in Korea

In winter, the cold waters of the Korean coast offer some of the freshest and most flavorful seafood. Winter is the perfect season to enjoy seafood that’s rich in flavor and packed with nutrients. Here are the top 10 winter seafood dishes in Korea.

 

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1. Oysters (굴)

• Description: Oysters, known as the "milk of the sea," are in season during winter, offering a creamy and rich taste.
• Recommended Dishes: Fresh oysters, oyster pancakes, oyster rice, oyster soup.
• Regions: Tongyeong, Geoje.

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2. Snow Crab (대게)

• Description: Snow crabs are at their best in winter, with sweet and tender meat.
• Recommended Dishes: Steamed snow crab, snow crab soup, snow crab porridge.
• Regions: Uljin, Yeongdeok.

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3. Abalone (전복)

• Description: Winter abalones are firm and flavorful, packed with nutrients.
• Recommended Dishes: Grilled abalone, abalone porridge, abalone sashimi.
• Regions: Wando, Jeju.

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4.  (과메기)

• Description: Semi-dried fish, such as mackerel or herring, is a winter delicacy. Its chewy texture and distinctive flavor make it a popular dish.
• Recommended Dishes: Semi-dried fish wraps, with spicy dipping sauce.
• Regions: Pohang.

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5. Mussels (홍합)

• Description: Winter mussels are plump and perfect for making rich broths.
• Recommended Dishes: Mussel soup, steamed mussels, mussel rice.
• Regions: South Sea, West Sea.

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6. Yellowtail (방어)

• Description: Winter yellowtail is known for its fatty, tender meat and rich flavor.
• Recommended Dishes: Yellowtail sashimi, grilled yellowtail.
• Regions: Jeju.

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7. Spanish Mackerel (삼치)

• Description: Winter Spanish mackerel is tender and savory, perfect for grilling or stewing.
• Recommended Dishes: Grilled mackerel, mackerel stew.
• Regions: East Coast, South Coast.

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8. Sea Urchin (성게)

• Description: Winter sea urchins are full of roe, offering a creamy and rich flavor.
• Recommended Dishes: Sea urchin bibimbap, sea urchin seaweed soup.
• Regions: Dokdo, Ulleungdo.

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9. Ark Shell (꼬막)

• Description: Winter ark shells are fresh and chewy, with a naturally sweet taste.
• Recommended Dishes: Ark shell salad, ark shell rice, ark shell stew.
• Regions: Beolgoyo.

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10. Octopus (문어)

• Description: Winter octopus is plump and tender, perfect for a satisfying bite.
• Recommended Dishes: Octopus sashimi, octopus salad, octopus soup.
• Regions: East Coast, South Coast.

Winter seafood in Korea offers fresh and nutritious options that highlight the flavors of the season. Which winter seafood dish is your favorite? 😊