Must-Try Fresh Seafood in Korea This Winter: Blowfish Soup Rice & Spicy Crab Soup

Text & Photos /A Beginner’s Wife in Korea

On November 13th, the first snow of the year fell in the Seoul area. Besides marking the arrival of winter, the first snow also carries a romantic legend—locals say that couples who watch the first snow together will either get married or find happiness. Another belief is that making a wish upon seeing the first snow can make dreams come true. This year’s first snow arrived four days earlier than last year. Though the snowfall wasn’t heavy, as the climate shifts into winter, ingredients change with the seasons. Korean winter eating habits differ slightly from Taiwan’s concept of winter nourishment. Korea emphasizes summer tonics more, so winter meals in Korea typically feature seasonal produce, warming soups, and dishes that boost stamina. As a country surrounded by the sea with countless nearby islands, Korea enjoys abundant seafood, especially in winter when it’s in peak season. Here are some must-try dishes if you’re looking to enjoy fresh, plump seafood in Korea this winter.

Spicy Crab Soup

From November onward, crabs enter their peak season. The crab meat is plump and rich, with plenty of roe. Simmered in a spicy broth with vegetables, the soup absorbs all the essence of the crab—deliciously savory and flavorful.

Restaurant Info
?衷衬 桐皑?腊裳
Address: District?? Pengluo ?衷? ?衬呼 区腊宫 409-1
Phone: 032-937-3996

Seafood Hot Pot

Located near Taeyuan Port in Incheon, which boasts abundant seafood, the seafood hot pot restaurant near the harbor uses a broth infused with chili powder and vegetables as its base, topped with a generous variety of seafood—fish roe, crab, abalone, scallops, clams, octopus, squid, shrimp, and more. Just the variety alone makes it feel like great value.
The tender, juicy seafood pairs perfectly with Korean chili paste, bringing out the natural sweetness of the ingredients. The rich, flavorful broth is savory yet not greasy, with a slight spiciness that stimulates the appetite.

Restaurant Info
Steamed Snail Scoop
Address: District? ?? Pillow 7? 27-207
Phone: 032-886-1454

Salt-Baked Shrimp

Located on Daebu Island (??衬) in Ansan, Korea, which is also famous for a certain Korean variety show,<青春不败2>From November to December, it’s the peak season for grass shrimp. During this time, the island is packed with foodies drawn by the aroma. The restaurant sprinkles coarse sea salt on aluminum foil, places live shrimp that are still jumping around onto a preheated iron pot, and covers it with a lid to prevent the shrimp from jumping out. To be honest, it’s a bit of a startling sight—watching the live shrimp struggle in the pot is a bit cruel. After a few minutes, once the shrimp turn red, you can first cut off the heads and then continue simmering them in the pot. The slightly charred shrimp heads taste a bit like shrimp chips. The salt-baked shrimp are simply seasoned with sea salt, fully showcasing the natural flavor of the ingredients—the shrimp meat is sweet, juicy, and firm.

Their handmade seafood knife-cut noodles are also highly recommended, tasting like homemade noodles your mom would make, with a rich, sweet, and savory broth full of seafood.

Restaurant Info
??衬 ?肇?腊
Address: ??衬 湃腊萝 茶菩? ??迟 683
Phone: 032-886-3765

Oysters

From September to December, oysters are in peak season—plump, round, sweet, and juicy, with no fishy smell at all, but rather a subtle fragrance. Korea has even created three unique ways to enjoy oysters.

1. Raw Oysters: While raw oysters are usually served with lemon to reduce fishiness and enhance flavor, Koreans prefer to dip them in a spicy vinegar sauce.

2. Oyster Soup Rice: Using seaweed as a base to enhance umami, adding vegetables that sweeten the broth. Once the broth boils, plump, juicy oysters are added last, followed by an egg to complete the dish.

3. Crispy Fried Oysters: These oysters are deep-fried at high temperatures. A gentle bite releases juice and spreads a buttery aroma.

Store Information
Coke Market or Noryangjin Market

Pufferfish
Pufferfish meat is rich in protein and other nutrients, offering great health benefits along with a delicious taste. Despite fears due to its toxins, when prepared by a licensed professional chef, it can be safely enjoyed.

▲ Pufferfish Sashimi
Pufferfish can be prepared in various ways, such as sashimi or in a pufferfish soup with rice.

▲ Pufferfish Soup with Rice
The texture of pufferfish meat is between that of fish and chicken, with a notably springy and firm quality.

Store Information
Address: ?腊萝 ??? 稽俘迟 181-39
Phone: 051- 752-8251

Eel (Himono-style)

Eel helps improve blood circulation and has anti-aging and anti-wrinkle benefits. It’s also said to have yang-invigorating effects, making it especially popular among male customers. This popular shop in Paju cleans and debones the eel, then grills it with salt or sauce. The meat is tender and very tasty. This store only serves eel and vegetables; side dishes, soup, and rice should be brought by the customer.

Store Information
?勾宫?菩
Address:?? ?赛萝 心?呼 ?肇宫 4-1(?? ?赛萝 心?呼 缉?杠 1196)
Phone: 031-942-8400

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