Incheon

1. Popular Seafood Dishes in Incheon

Incheon offers a variety of seafood dishes that highlight the freshness and quality of its marine produce. Here are some must-try dishes:

a. Hoe (Raw Fish)

• Description: Similar to Japanese sashimi, "hoe" is thinly sliced raw fish, often served with dipping sauces like gochujang (spicy red chili paste) mixed with vinegar or soy sauce with wasabi.
• Popular Fish: Flounder (광어, gwangeo), rockfish (우럭, ureok), and halibut.
• How It’s Served: Typically accompanied by side dishes (banchan), lettuce or perilla leaves for wrapping, and a spicy fish soup (매운탕, maeuntang) made from the leftover fish parts.

b. Jjukkumi Bokkeum (Spicy Stir-Fried Baby Octopus)

• Description: A fiery dish made with tender baby octopus stir-fried in a spicy gochugaru (red chili powder) sauce. It’s often served with rice or noodles.
• Where to Try: Many seafood restaurants in Incheon specialize in this dish.

c. Ganjang Gejang (Soy Sauce Marinated Crab)

• Description: Known as the "rice thief" (밥도둑, bapdoduk) because it pairs so well with rice, this dish features raw crab marinated in soy sauce and spices.
• Variations: Spicy marinated crab (양념게장, yangnyeom gejang) is another popular option.

d. Grilled Shellfish (조개구이, Jogae Gui)

• Description: A communal dining experience where clams, scallops, and other shellfish are grilled at your table. Often served with melted butter, garlic, and cheese.
• Experience: This is a fun, interactive way to enjoy seafood with friends or family.

e. Hwae Dupbap (Raw Fish Bibimbap)

• Description: A rice bowl topped with fresh raw fish, vegetables, and a spicy gochujang-based sauce. It’s a lighter, refreshing option for seafood lovers.

f. Steamed King Crab (대게찜, Daege Jjim)

• Description: A luxurious dish featuring large, sweet king crabs steamed to perfection. Often served with dipping sauces and side dishes.

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2. Local Seafood Markets

Incheon is home to several bustling seafood markets where you can experience the freshest catches of the day. These markets are not only great for purchasing seafood but also for dining on-site.

a. Sorae Fish Market (소래포구 종합어시장)

• Overview: The most famous seafood market in Incheon, located in the Sorae Port area. It’s a vibrant market where you can buy fresh seafood and have it prepared on-site.
• What to Expect: Live fish tanks, rows of shellfish, crabs, octopus, and more. Vendors will clean and prepare your seafood for a small fee.
• Dining Tip: Many restaurants around the market will cook your purchased seafood for you. Try the grilled shellfish or raw fish platters.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning for the freshest catch or evening for a lively atmosphere.

b. Incheon Complex Fish Market (인천종합어시장)

• Overview: A large indoor seafood market near Incheon Port. It’s less touristy than Sorae but offers a wide variety of seafood at reasonable prices.
• Dining Options: Many stalls have attached restaurants where you can enjoy freshly prepared seafood.

c. Yeonan Pier Seafood Market (연안부두 어시장)

• Overview: Located near Incheon Port, this market is known for its fresh seafood and proximity to ferry terminals. It’s a great spot to enjoy raw fish and other seafood dishes.
• Specialty: Affordable hoe (raw fish) platters and seafood stews.

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3. Typical Costs

Seafood in Incheon is generally affordable, but prices can vary depending on the type of seafood and the dining experience.

• Raw Fish Platters (Hoe): ₩30,000–₩80,000 for 2–3 people, depending on the type of fish.
• Grilled Shellfish: ₩20,000–₩50,000 per person, depending on the variety and quantity.
• Soy Sauce Marinated Crab: ₩20,000–₩40,000 per serving.
• Steamed King Crab: ₩70,000–₩150,000, depending on the size.
• Seafood Stews (Maeuntang): ₩10,000–₩20,000 per person.

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4. Dining Etiquette

When dining on seafood in Incheon, it’s important to be mindful of Korean dining customs:

• Sharing: Korean meals are typically communal, so expect to share dishes with your group.
• Chopsticks: Use chopsticks to pick up food, and avoid sticking them upright in rice (a gesture associated with funerals).
• Wrapping: For dishes like raw fish, use lettuce or perilla leaves to wrap the fish with garlic, ssamjang (spicy dipping sauce), and other condiments.
• Drinking: If you’re offered soju (a popular Korean alcoholic beverage), accept it with both hands and pour for others as a sign of respect.
• No Tipping: Tipping is not customary in South Korea, as service charges are usually included in the bill.

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5. Must-Visit Seafood Restaurants and Areas

Incheon has a variety of seafood restaurants and neighborhoods that are worth exploring:

a. Chinatown and Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village

• While primarily known for its Chinese-Korean cuisine, this area also has seafood restaurants offering unique fusion dishes.

b. Sorae Port Seafood Street

• A must-visit for seafood lovers. The street is lined with restaurants specializing in raw fish, grilled shellfish, and seafood stews.

c. Yeonan Pier Restaurants

• Many restaurants near Yeonan Pier serve fresh seafood at reasonable prices. Try the raw fish platters or spicy seafood stews.

d. Ganghwa Island (강화도)

• Located near Incheon, Ganghwa Island is famous for its oysters, clams, and other shellfish. It’s a great day trip for seafood enthusiasts.

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6. Cultural and Practical Considerations

• Freshness: Koreans place a high value on the freshness of seafood. Many restaurants have live tanks where you can select your seafood.
• Spice Levels: Korean seafood dishes can be quite spicy. If you’re sensitive to spice, ask for “덜 맵게 해주세요” (deol maepge haejuseyo), which means “please make it less spicy.”
• Seasonality: Some seafood is seasonal. For example, blue crabs are best in spring and autumn, while oysters are a winter delicacy.
• Language Barrier: While many seafood markets and restaurants cater to tourists, English may not be widely spoken. Learning a few basic Korean phrases or using a translation app can be helpful.
• Hygiene: Seafood markets can be bustling and messy. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for wet floors.

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7. Unique Cultural Experiences

• Seafood Festivals: Incheon hosts various seafood festivals throughout the year, such as the Sorae Port Festival, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, cultural performances, and activities.
• Mudflats: Incheon’s coastal areas, like Ganghwa Island, offer mudflat experiences where you can dig for clams and learn about the local marine ecosystem.

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Incheon’s seafood scene is a true delight for food lovers, offering a mix of traditional flavors, fresh ingredients, and unique dining experiences. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets or enjoying a meal at a seaside restaurant, you’re sure to have a memorable culinary adventure. Bon appétit—or as they say in Korea, 잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgetseumnida)!