Discover 3 strange but iconic Korean foods—grilled sea eel, fried frog legs, and fermented skate—that adventurous foreigners must try. Includes tips, locations, and cultural context.
🌶️ Why Try Weird Korean Food?
Korea is globally loved for its classics like kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap, but beneath the surface lies a world of truly bizarre, flavorful, and deeply cultural dishes. If you’re an adventurous eater visiting Korea, these unique foods offer more than a taste—they offer a story.
In this post, we explore 3 unforgettable Korean dishes that often shock foreigners but represent deep-rooted culinary traditions.
1. Grilled Sea Eel (Ggomjangeo Gui | 꼼장어구이)
📍 Best tried in: Hwang jae-beol Restaurant (황재벌), near Yangjae Station
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| Grilled Sea Eel, CC by noah1210 |
🐍 What is it?
Ggomjangeo (꼼장어), also called “hagfish”, is a boneless, eel-like sea creature with a soft, slippery body. It’s commonly marinated in spicy gochujang (chili paste) and grilled over charcoal for a smoky, sizzling experience.
😲 Why It Shocks Foreigners
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Live preparation: It’s often prepared alive, wriggling on the cutting board—a sight not for the faint-hearted.
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Texture: The skin is chewy yet oily, and the snake-like appearance can be unsettling.
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Flavor: The spicy marinade hides the natural taste, but the texture remains a surprise.
🍴 Why You Should Try It
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Rich, fatty flavor you won’t find in typical fish
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A chewy, almost meaty bite unlike anything else
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Salt-grilled (non-spicy) versions are also available
Tip: No reservations here—expect a wait after 6 PM.
2. Fried Frog (Gaeguri Twigim | 개구리튀김)
📍 Best tried at: Moran Traditional Market(모란시장), near Moran Station
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| Fried Frog, CC by heomonkey |
🐸 What is it?
A countryside delicacy made by deep-frying edible field frogs, commonly served whole—legs, body, and all. It’s crunchy, salty, and surprisingly similar to fried chicken in taste.
😲 Why It Shocks Foreigners
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Appearance: Frogs are served whole, often with limbs splayed out.
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Bones and organs: While legs are soft and tender, the body may contain small bones and entrails.
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Cultural gap: For many, frogs are not food.
🍴 Why You Should Try It
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The leg meat tastes just like chicken, but lighter.
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A true “badge of honor” for adventurous foodies.
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It’s a rare treat you won’t find in mainstream restaurants.
Tip: Plan your visit around the market’s 5-day cycle (every 5 days starting from the 4th).
3. Fermented Skate Sashimi (Hongeohoe | 홍어회)
📍 Best tried at: Andong-guksi Restaurant (안동국시), near Hanseong Baekje Station, Seoul
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| Fermented Skate Sashimi with Pork-belly and Kimchi, CC by baekster1 |
🐟 What is it?
Hongeo is fermented skate, a cartilaginous fish known for releasing ammonia as it ages. It’s traditionally eaten raw, sliced thin, and served in “sam-hap” style with kimchi and boiled pork belly.
😲 Why It Shocks Foreigners
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Powerful ammonia smell: Comparable to bleach or public toilets, it can cause nausea.
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Fermented raw fish: The concept alone is strange to many.
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Rubbery texture: Slightly chewy and sticky, with a tingle from the fermentation.
🍴 Why You Should Try It
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When eaten with kimchi and pork, the flavors balance into something extraordinary.
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A rite of passage among foodies in Korea
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Unlike any other fermented seafood in the world
Tip: This place is also well known for its noodle dishes, so it’s a great idea to try them.
🎒 Tips for Foreigners Trying Unusual Korean Foods
Don’t go alone — bring a local friend who can guide you through the experience
Start small — taste a bite first before committing to a full portion
Pair with soju or makgeolli — they complement the intense flavors and ease the shock
🌏 Why These Dishes Matter Culturally
These foods are more than just curiosities—they’re reflections of Korea’s regional identity, environmental adaptation, and historic eating culture.
By trying them, you’re not just eating—you’re sharing in Korea’s story.
💬 Final Thoughts: Dare to Taste, Dare to Understand
Trying these dishes might be challenging—but it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you want to experience Korea beyond K-pop and cafés, dive into the unexpected.
You’ll gain stories, memories, and bragging rights no ordinary tourist ever will.
Next time you’re in Seoul, don’t just play it safe—try the eel, crunch the frog, and breathe through the skate.