Why You Should Eat Ganjang Gejang—Soy Sauce Marinated Raw Crab In Korea

What is Ganjang Gejang?

Ganjang gejang is a delicacy made by marinating fresh crabs in a soy sauce-based brine. Unlike other Korean dishes, it’s not grilled, stir-fried, or steamed—it’s raw. It’s not really raw when you eat it though as it’s been cured in the soy sauce marinade’s high sodium that preserves the crab.

The process transforms the crab into a flavorful, jelly-like texture, perfect for savoring bite by bite. Ganjang gejang holds a special place in the hearts of umami seekers with its deep, savory notes.

How to Eat Ganjang Gejang Like a Pro

Don’t be intimidated by the fact that it’s raw or the process of eating it—ganjang gejang is an experience worth diving into. I’ll admit, the first time I was served this dish, I didn’t know where to start and found it quite awkward to eat. Once you learn some pointers though, it gets easier and more enjoyable, trust me.

1. Start with the crab legs: Grab a leg, give it a gentle twist to remove it, and suck out the jelly-like flesh. It’s a satisfying burst of flavor in each bite. You can use scissors that are usually on the table to cut the legs into smaller, manageable pieces.
2. Next lightly bite the shell: After the ends of the legs, move on to the fuller ends. You’ll put the entire piece into your mouth and bite down lightly while sucking to get out the big pieces. Don’t bite too hard or you’ll end up with shell in your mouth.
3. Save the body shell for last: The shell houses the crab’s roe and intestines. My husband shows off above how to best eat it: mix rice directly into the shell, mix it all around, and then scoop out every last bit of deliciousness.
4. Balance the saltiness: If the soy sauce flavor feels strong, pair it with rice or wrap it with dried seaweed (gim or gamtae) for a perfect bite.
5. Don’t waste the sauce: The leftover soy sauce marinade can be kept and used to elevate other dishes, like drizzling over a fried egg or rice bowl.

Tips for First-Timers

• Timing is everything: The spring and autumn are the best seasons to try ganjang gejang. However, you can find delicious options year-round, as many restaurants freeze crabs for consistent quality.
• Freshness first: Restaurants usually prepare the crab for you on-site, but if you order takeout, be prepared to cut and portion the crab yourself. It’s a hands-on experience that adds to the fun!
• Go local: While Michelin Guide-approved spots have put ganjang gejang on the global foodie map, smaller local restaurants often offer equally amazing versions at a slightly lower price point. Expect to pay around 35,000–50,000 KRW ($30–$40) per serving.

Gebangsikdang (게방식당): Created by fashion marketer Bang Geon-hyuk and his parents, seasoned veterans of the marinated crab trade, the restaurant draws a trendy crowd with its modern design and extensive menu of raw crab dishes. For those who prefer a hassle-free option, they offer crab flesh and roe served over warm rice, eliminating the need to deal with shells.

• Address: 17 Seolleung-ro 131-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울 강남구 선릉로131길 17)
• Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:30am ~ 9:00pm (Breaktime: 3:00pm ~ 5:30pm)

Jinmi Sikdang (진미식당): For over a decade, this modest yet bustling restaurant has specialized exclusively in raw soy-marinated crabs. Each day, the freshest local blue swimmer crabs from the west coast are prepared using the kitchen’s signature soy sauce marinade. Only a limited quantity is made daily to ensure freshness, so latecomers might find the crabs sold out.

• Address: 186-6 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 마포대로 186-6)
• Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12:00pm ~ 8:00pm (Breaktime: 3:30pm ~ 5:00pm)

Hwa Hae Dang (화해당): This is the first Seoul location of the renowned Taean County restaurant from Korea’s west coast. Aptly named “Flower Crab House,” the restaurant specializes in soy sauce-marinated blue crab, celebrated for its naturally sweet meat. Each spring, local crabs are harvested at peak freshness, flash-frozen, and prepared in Taean before being sent to Seoul.

• Address: 15 Gukhoe-daero 62-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울 영등포구 국회대로62길 15)
• Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00am ~ 9:00pm (Breaktime: 3:00pm ~ 5:30pm)