Any country’s cuisine contains bizarre, strange, exotic, difficult to understand, and even “scary” foods. Korea, of course, is no exception. Aside from the well-known dishes such as spicy rice cakes, kimchi, kimbap, fish cake, fried chicken, pork soup, and so on, the food of the land of Kimchi also includes some incredible dishes. Some of this country’s dishes will astound visitors with their presentation and flavor. However, if you succeed in the challenge, you will find them very tasty. Would you dare to pick up your chopsticks and try it after reading through these 19 dishes? So, do you want to try some Korean strange food (Korean strange food) and Korean exotic food? Let’s take a look at our list of the top 13 weird Korean foods that we dare you to try, including unusual Korean foods and weird Korean snacks, to find out the answer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sannakji (Live Octopus Sashimi)

Many visitors to South Korea consider live octopus sashimi to be a must-try dish. When diners see the chopped octopus tentacles still twitching and wriggling alongside many sauces, they will be concerned.

If you can pry them off the plate and into your mouth, you will definitely have an unusual taste. Just remember to chew carefully, because there have been reports of tentacles clinging to the esophagus and causing danger to diners, with some even dying as a result.

Without chewing properly, the suckers on their tentacles can adhere to the diner’s throat, causing suffocation. The tentacles are chopped and sprinkled with sesame in a safer version of this dish, but diners are still advised to be cautious when eating.

 

According to the feedback of the eaters, this marinated live octopus sashimi is very delicious and extremely match with draught beer.

Live octopus is a favorite dish in Korea, but it is also a deadly specialty if not eaten properly. In particular, small octopus is dip in sauce and eat whole when it still alive.

Ganjang Gejang (Raw crab marinated in Soy Sauce)

Fresh sea crabs are cleaned and soaked in ganjang soy sauce or a spicy sauce. This dish is so popular in Korea that in Seoul there is a whole street that sells this dish.

Gejang is a type of jeotgal (salted fermented seafood) made by marinating fresh crab in ganjang (soy sauce) or powder chili sauce and then eating it raw. For a long time, salty soy brine has been used as a crab preservation method.

 

Although this preservation technique is no longer necessary due to convenience, the food is still loved for its flavor, and there is even a street dedicated to serving this dish in Seoul’s Sinsa-dong neighborhood.

 

Another version of gejang crab is yangnyeom gejang, which often uses peeled crabs and sauces with red chili powder.

Dakbal (Chicken feet)

Dakbal, or chicken feet, has long been a main dish in among dishes around the world, including Hong Kong, Peru, Kenya and even the South of America.

 

 

 

Similarly, in Korea, chicken feet are steamed, grilled, boiled, or fried before being soaked in a thick, spicy sauce made from gochujang and sesame. The best place to enjoy it is in a pochangmacha (tent) with a cold bottle of soju wine.

Small crabs with soft shells that diners can eat whole are typically chosen for marinating. Hard shell crabs can also be processed in some areas. When you’re done eating the crab meat, don’t pour out the sauce. Let’s eat it with some white rice; you’ll get a great taste.

Dwaeji Ggupdaegi (Grilled pig skin)

In Korea, no parts of pig are wasted, even skin. So it’s no surprise that dwaeji ggupdaegi (grilled pork skin) is served at many BBQ restaurants.

 

Usually when grilled, pork skin will create a little bit toughness in the texture but its rich, attractive flavor makes the dish more interesting. As an added bonus, the collagen content of pig skin is said to make your skin smoother and softer.

Beondegi (Crunchy Stir-fried Silkworm Pupae)

Beondegi, or grilled silkworm pupae, will surely awaken your senses with its unmistakable aroma and unforgettable taste. A combination of delicious flavors lasts after you finish eating.

This snack is a popular street food enjoyed by children and also in cans. Science has shown that these foods contain a type high-quality protein, low-fat that can boost energy.

Stir-fried silkworm pupae are sold a lot at street food stalls. Even, this dish is so loved by Koreans that they also produce canned pupae for those who do not have time to cook or buy by themselves.

Beongdegi is one of the most exotic street foods in Korea. Larvae of silkworms will be cleaned and steamed, grilled, or fried. The flavor is also unremarkable, and it is a little difficult to eat for those who are unfamiliar with it.

Gaebul (Urechis unicinctus, or penis fish)

As a peninsula, Korea offers a variety of seafood. But nothing is more unusual than gaebul (urechis unicinctus), a strange seaworm that gives it the nickname “penis fish”. They look like sea worms with a weird look and wiggle on the plate.