An Introduction to South Korea's Coastal Cuisine: Delicious Seafood Dishes at the Best Restaurants
If you’re looking for fresh seafood and delicious cuisine, Korea is the perfect place to visit. With over 5,000 miles or 8,000 kilometers of coastlines, South Korea is one of the best places to find an abundance of fish and seafood. It’s no wonder that seafood is so popular in Korea and it’s easy to see why South Korea’s coastal cuisine is one of the most popular types of cooking.
From the raw fish dishes served with sesame oil dressing to the steamed fish and soups, Korea's coastal cuisine offers delicious and unique dishes that will leave you wanting more. This article will take you on a culinary adventure on the East and West coast, introducing to you some of the most popular restaurants that serve fresh seafood and fish dishes. Let’s take a look!
The West Coast: Busan, Gyeongju, and Sokcho
The West Coast offers some incredible scenery and beautiful cities, and these cities are also some of the best places to try out Korean cuisine.
When it comes to Busan, the food scene is one of the best in Korea. With its pleasant harbor, beaches, and fresh catch of the day, it's easy to understand why Busan is the epicenter of seafood cuisine. One of the most popular restaurants in the city is Geumhongsaeng, which serves up plenty of freshly caught seafood in traditional Busan style. Whether you’re looking for raw fish with sesame oil dressing and roasted herbs or steamed fish bowls and soups, the restaurant has it all.
Another popular restaurant in Busan is the Jagalchi Fish Market, where you can try some exciting seafood dishes. It’s the best place to sample some of the fresh catches of the day, and you’ll be tantalized by the many different kinds of seafood on offer. Whether you choose the classic jjajangmyeon with seafood, or you opt for spicy stew with fish, you’re sure to find something delicious.
When it comes to Gyeongju, the seafood is just as good and unique recipes can be found in the city’s famed Chilbo market. This popular street market can provide a great variety of seafood dishes, from fresh raw fish to spicy seafood porridge and delectable steamed fish. If you’re looking for a more luxurious and sophisticated dining experience, Hanji Jeonnga is the place to go. Here you can try out some unique dishes like grilled conch and steamed abalone.
The last place we’ll take you to on the West Coast is Sokcho, a city renowned for its delicious seafood. The main dish of the area is jogaetang, a stew made from boiled cod and other types of fish. Other dishes include fried mackerel and braised monkfish, and you can find fantastic seafood dishes all over the city. One of the best restaurants in Sokcho is called Jogae-jeon, which serves up delicious grilled fish and other seafood dishes in a traditional Korean style.
The East Coast: Jeju Island, Uljin, and Pohang
Let’s head over to the East Coast now to explore some of the amazing seafood cuisine found there.
The number one place to try out East Coast seafood has to be Jeju Island. From the fishing villages to the seafood markets, Jeju Island is a food lover’s paradise. One of the most popular restaurants on the island is Bada Jib, which is renowned for its traditional Jeju style seafood. From braised abalone to grilled octopus, there's something to please every palate. The restaurant is also famous for its grilled fish soup which is one of the island’s favorite dishes.
A little further up the coast is Uljin, where locals and visitors come to enjoy some of the freshest seafood found anywhere in the world. Uljin is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the country, besides Bada Jib. The city has a vibrant fish market as well as a number of restaurants where you can find delicious Korean seafood delicacies. Some popular dishes to try at any of these restaurants include steamed crab, boiled black anni sauce, and grilled mackerel.
Pohang is located slightly further up the coast and is another must-visit spot for seafood lovers. Here you can find some of the freshest catches of the day, and the seafood is often served with a variety of sauces and spices to bring out the best flavor. Some of the most popular restaurants in Pohang are Chungsam, which serves a variety of dishes made from crab and black anni. The restaurant also offers a range of raw fish dishes such as yellowtail carp and mackerel.
Conclusion
Korea’s coastal cuisine is one of the best in the world and visitors can expect to find a range of delicious dishes at any of the coastal cities. Whether you’re looking for a traditional diner-style restaurant or a luxurious and sophisticated seafood-style restaurant, Korea has something to offer. With this guide, you’ll be able to experience some of the most delicious seafood recipes Korea has to offer.
So, if you’re a seafood fan, then head on over to the East and West Coast of South Korea and enjoy some of the best seafood cuisine in the world. Bon appetit!