Korean Eating: Wait… I’m eating mud? Korean Loach Soup Actually

There have been a few times in Korea when I was glad that I wasn’t told what I was eating until after I was done eating it and chuotang (추어탕) was one of those times. Usually the issue is just with translations though in my experience. Who wants to hear they’re eating the cow’s third stomach? The translations are just never as appetizing as the dishes that are served.

With chueotang however, it isn’t the translation that’s the issue, it’s just the name of the fish. Called mud fish stew or loach fish soup, this Korean soup looks like mud but is so so good and healthy too. If you’re looking for a delicious Korean soup that most tourists don’t know about but locals love, then this is the one for you. 

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking. These funds go to maintain the site. Thank you for your support.)

---

What is chuotang?

Chuotang, or chueotang, is mud fish stew. Considering the word mud and that the stew arrives and it’s a muddy brown color, it’s not surprising if you think it’s actually made from mud. It also would not have been surprising to me if there was in fact mud in it, probably “healthy” mud though.

A few years ago I was given ggomak (꼬막) or cockles, to eat at a party. A bowl full of these small shells arrived with dirt and sand all over them. I assumed they hadn’t been washed or prepared yet only to look around and see everyone devouring them… that dish still hasn’t grown on me. Back to the loach fish soup at hand though…

Luckily, chuotang does not actually have mud in it. The mudfish, or loach fish, is crushed up in its entirety and boiled with leaks, green onions, cabbage, garlic, soybean paste and red pepper paste. It has a very familiar taste, yet it’s hard to say exactly what it is. It has a minty or an all spice taste and at times the bite can be a little gritty, ground up fish after all, but it’s worth it.

The soup is filling, but not heavy. As is the norm in Korea, the soup is served with rice and side dishes. Our local stop, a Chunhyanggol Namwon Chueotang (춘향골남원추어탕) just up the street, also offers up fried stuffed green peppers. This restaurant is a branch and can be found all around Korea.

---

How healthy is loach fish soup?

Loach fish soup is mighty healthy. The dish is high in protein, iron, calcium, vitamin A and unsaturated fat. It helps in lowering cholesterol and helps with constipation. It’s good for energy and stamina. There’s nothing bad about this soup, except for maybe the color. The next time you see chuotang on the menu, give it a try. You won’t be sorry.

The dish can range in price, but expect to pay around W6,000 – W9,000 for some mudfish goodness. Enjoy. This is just one of the most appetizing and maybe not so pretty dishes that you find in Korea.

Another great delicacy that you can only eat in the winter is gwamegi. If you don’t know what it is, check it out and then plan to eat it this winter. And if you want to go all out, head to Gwangjang Traditional Market and you can have everything from handmade noodle soups to dumplings, bean sprout pancakes and more. The Korean delicacies abound. I hope you can try them all.

---

Did you like this post? Pin It!