Tongyeong Food

Every town has its signature dish in Korea and Tongyeong is no exception. As expected, seafood rules in Tongyeong. Here are some of the specialties the boyfriend and I dipped into.

Kimbab and seafood kimchi.

There were posters everywhere advertising this simple ensemble of plain kimbab and heavily salted seafood kimchi. I have to say that the kimchi was a bit salty for my taste, but it balanced out a bit with the plainness of the kimbab. This meal cost 4,ooo won for two.

Before:

Assortment of barbecued fish.

After:

We followed our noses to this one! There were three different kinds of fish on this platter. Most of the locals were eating the fish was the soy sauce mixture you see to the left of the fish, but the owner thoughtfully served it on the side for us foreigners. The fish was great - the mackerel in particular. We ate until we were absolutely stuffed - and it cost us 15,000 won alltogether.

Seaweed with sesame and sweet and sour sauce.

Mystery crustacean.

Whelk

Langostine

Sashimi

Leaving Tongyeong without having a proper sushi meal was unimaginable so we ducked into one of the many restaurants serving sushi to get a taste. We ordered the a set for two and it was practically a banquet! The first course comprised of different kinds of seafood served raw or lightly cooked. There was enough to cover the table! Then came some hand rolls and sashimi. Some grilled vegetables followed, and lastly, a delicious fish bone soup. This was our most expensive meal in Tongyeong. It put us back 60,000 won, but was well worth the money!

The only downside to Tongyeong dining is how salty a lot of dishes tended to be. The soups were the only exception to the general saltiness of the food. I guess that's what happens when everything you eat comes from the sea!



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