Local Recs: Raw Marinated Crab in Korea
I followed a recommendation from Chef Kimchi and ended up at Seosan Crab Restaurant she rated highly.
Every bite was full of umami, and the marinated crab meat was perfectly seasoned — flavourful without being too salty. I was also pleasantly surprised that it came with about 5 pieces of spicy marinated oysters (my first time trying!), and they were so good.
They even gave two types of seaweed, both pairing beautifully with the crab and oysters.
One thing to note: please make a reservation. They won’t allow walk-ins even if there are empty tables. Thankfully, they offered takeaway, so I still got to try it. If only I had another bowl of rice… another portion of the crabs… and all the banchans!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price: 💰💰
If you're curious about Korean raw marinated crab dishes, one thing to know is that this delicacy, often called 'ganjang gejang,' is marinated in a special soy sauce blend that infuses the crab meat with deep umami flavors. At Seosan Crab Restaurant, the experience goes beyond just the crab—their menu also includes delicious side dishes, or banchans, that perfectly complement the main dish. Make sure to savor the spicy marinated oysters they serve as a unique appetizer; it was my first time trying these, and they were delightfully flavorful. Reservations are strongly recommended as the restaurant does not accept walk-ins, even if tables appear available. Luckily, takeaway is offered, so you can still enjoy their signature soy sauce crab. When I dined there, I wished I had ordered extra servings of rice to enjoy with the crab and all the banchans. This combination truly highlights the rich and balanced flavors that Korean seafood cuisine offers. If you find yourself near Busan or Seoul and want to try other marinated crab specialties, places like Keunkiwajip and Hongilpum are popular options that showcase regional variations of this beloved dish. Exploring different restaurants will deepen your appreciation for how this unique food is celebrated across Korea.
