Welcome to your K-local food trip! The highlight of this culinary journey is Mokpo "Skate," a delicacy that perfectly embodies the Korean proverb "Gojingamrae," meaning "Sweetness Follows Bitterness," reflecting how initial hardships lead to rewarding pleasures. Are you ready to discover the hidden culinary treasure behind its uniquely pungent flavor?

Just as the old proverb says, "Enduring Bitterness Leads to Sweetness," appreciating the true flavor of skate requires a bit of patience. Skate is a saltwater fish belonging to the ray family, commonly found in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do. Mokpo is famous for hosting Korea's busiest skate auctions, where skate caught near Daecheongdo Island in Incheon is brought in and traded at the local fish market.

While skate is widely enjoyed throughout the Jeollanam-do region, skate caught near Heuksando Island is considered the best of all. Most skate caught in the waters around Heuksando Island is transported to Mokpo Fish Market. It's said that long ago, people transporting skate from Heuksando Island to Mokpo Port accidentally discovered the unique flavor created when the fish naturally fermented during the extended journey at room temperature.

But how can skate stay fresh even at room temperature? The secret lies in the unique structure of its body. Cartilaginous fish like skate, rays, and sharks naturally store urea in their bodies, which helps prevent excessive salt from entering their systems. After the skate dies, the urea breaks down, producing the fish's distinctive pungent aroma and sharp flavor.

To balance the skate’s strong aroma and distinctive flavor, it is traditionally served alongside well-aged kimchi and tender boiled pork. Together, these three ingredients create "Hongeo Samhap," a beloved delicacy unique to Jeolla Province.

Why not savor the distinctive, pungent flavor of skate and experience for yourself why it's such an irresistible delicacy in Korea? Visit Mokpo and indulge in this unique culinary experience, savoring a delicacy infused with generations of local history and tradition.