South Korea can either be a haven for K-pop enthusiasts, a pilgrim site for martial artists, or simply the most exciting destination in East Asia. But regardless of the diverse personal interests, everyone can agree that it is one of the few places on earth with strange local dishes.
How strange? Well, some of their menus seemed too unusual to pass as an edible fare. Anyone who thought 'kimchi' (fermented spicy cabbage) is radical has only scratched the surface. Here is a list of the strange Korean dishes probably not suitable for the weak stomach.
Gaebul
Among the list of odd foods of South Korea, the 'live spoon worms' seem like the eeriest dish of all. Not only is this bizarre Korean seafood served raw, it resembles an uncircumcised male human genitalia. Despite the decent seafood flavor, this dish packs a spoonful of revulsion at first sight.
Bosintang
The one excuse that gave a horrible stereotype for Asians as dog-eaters points to this particular Korean dish. Stewed dog meat may not exactly be disgusting, but throughout many world cultures, this type of dish is just downright morally offensive. In South Korea, however, they only serve dog meat stew exclusively from government sanctioned dog farms.
Sannakji
Another type of bizarre Korean seafood worth noting is a 'live octopus' (no kidding). This type of dish is mildly repulsive only because the chopped tentacles are still moving. In some Korean bistros, a live octopus can be served whole but it goes with a very bold warning label. This food is so dangerous that it can potentially kill a diner with a very weak (lazy) jaw.
Beondegi
One of the strangest things that people can think of eating is an insect. Guess what? South Korea serves a bowl full of boiled 'silkworm larvae.' This dish is a popular street food that goes well with alcoholic beverages. After all, a strange and potentially disgusting food can become tolerable when the upper digestive tract is on fire.
Bokjili
Another potentially deadly type of Korean dish is 'blowfish soup.' Blowfish is a highly toxic sea creature that can kill a person in a few minutes. But with painstaking preparation, this luxury fare caters to the peculiar cravings one can get from a non-alcohol form of 'intoxication.'
