Would You Try Hongeo? Korea’s Fermented Skate Challenge There are daring foods… and then there’s hongeo (홍어회). This pungent Korean delicacy is made from skate that ferments in its own uric acid, yes, basically in its own pee, which gives it a powerful ammonia odor that hits your nose before it reaches your plate. So why do people eat it? And more surprisingly, why do they come back for more? If you’re looking to push your culinary boundaries while traveling in Korea, this is the ultimate challenge. What is Hongeo? A fermented skate dish originally from Mokpo, Jeolla-do. It is known for its intense smell and chewy texture. How To Eat It - Try hongeo samhap (홍어삼합): a triple stack of hongeo, boiled pork belly, and aged kimchi. - Pair it with makgeolli or soju to cut the sting Pro tip: Don’t wear clothes you want to wear soon after, the smell will linger. What Does It Taste Like? Sharp, rubbery, and aggressively aromatic. First-timers might gag, second-timers will sweat, but by the fourth round… you might just crave it. It‘s more about the cultural experience than the flavor I think. Where To Try Hongeo in Seoul 📍 Yeongdeungpo Hongeo Alley (a street full of hongeo spots) - Grandma’s Hongeo House (할매홍어집) – 200-20 Singil-ro - Skate, Don’t Cry (홍어야울지마라) – 200-22 Singil-ro - No. 1 Skate Specialist (원조1번지홍어전문) – 200-20 Singil-ro Ready to say you survived Korea’s strongest dish? Hongeo isn’t for everyone, but it’s a badge of culinary bravery you won’t forget. Follow @thesoulofseoulblog for more adventures in Korea. #홍어 #홍어삼합보쌈 #hongeo #koreanfood #koreandelicacy #notforbeginners