Welcome to your K-local food trip! The highlight of this culinary journey is Yeosu "Pike Eel"—a nourishing, high-protein delicacy harvested from Yeosu's summer waters.

Although pike eel is caught throughout Korea’s southern coast, Yeosu is particularly well-known for producing abundant, high-quality pike eel. Gyeongdo Island in Yeosu alone is home to more than 30 fishing boats dedicated to catching pike eel, and the waters between neighboring Dolsando and Geumodo islands are renowned as prime habitats for this delicacy. In Yeosu, fishermen traditionally catch pike eel using a method known as "Junak," a type of longline fishing. This method involves attaching around 100 baited hooks to a single fishing line, strategically designed to take advantage of the pike eel’s powerful bite.

Late Joseon scholar Jeong Yakjeon described the pike eel in his book "Jasan-eobo" as having "a snout as long as a pig’s, uneven teeth like a dog’s, and teeth and bones so hard that it could easily bite and swallow a person." In fact, the Korean name "Gaetjangeo" is believed to derive from "Gae" (meaning "dog"), referencing the eel's notably sharp teeth. You should be especially cautious when handling pike eels, as their bites can cause injuries.

Though pike eel is enjoyed throughout the year, it’s especially favored in summer as a nourishing, stamina-boosting dish. Pike eel is exceptionally nutritious, with protein making up 67% of its nutritional content. It is also rich in amino acids and compounds that enhance its savory umami flavor. It's also about 26% lower in calories compared to chicken, making it an excellent choice if you're looking for something lighter.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy pike eel is as "shabu-shabu," a Japanese-style hot pot dish. When freshly prepared pike eel is briefly dipped into boiling broth for about ten seconds, the gelatin in its skin reacts to the heat, creating a beautiful flower-like shape. Eating freshly cooked pike eel placed atop thin slices of raw onion creates a delightful harmony of crisp, refreshing onion and the eel's deep umami flavor, providing an unforgettable culinary experience.

This summer, why not take a culinary trip to Yeosu, and experience the rich, savory flavors and nutritional benefits of fresh pike eel?