Fish Cake Soup (어묵탕): what it is and how to order it in Korea
A bubbling broth of flat fish cakes, radish, and green onion, simmered until the fish cakes soak up the savory stock. It is a cheap, warming street-food classic, especially on cold nights.
Say it to order
어묵탕 주세요
Eomuktang juseyo
Quick facts
How to eat it
Take a fish cake and a bit of radish with your chopsticks and dip them in the broth before eating. Sip the soup from the bowl between bites.
Do
- Use the ladle or tongs provided to take fish cakes from the shared pot.
- Pour soju for others and let them pour for you.
Don’t
- Don't stick your chopsticks straight into the communal pot.
- Don't leave the pot untouched while it is still boiling and unattended.
Local tips
- Hot sauce and mustard are often on the table for adding heat.
- Ask for extra broth refills; many places give them free.
Goes with
- Makgeolli
- Soju
- Rice
- Kimchi
Where to try it in Seoul
Questions
- How do you order Fish Cake Soup in Korean?
- Say “어묵탕 주세요” (Eomuktang juseyo).
- Is Fish Cake Soup spicy?
- Yes — about 1 out of 5 on the spice scale.
- How much does Fish Cake Soup cost in Korea?
- Usually ₩12,000–18,000.
- How do you eat Fish Cake Soup?
- Take a fish cake and a bit of radish with your chopsticks and dip them in the broth before eating. Sip the soup from the bowl between bites.
Find Fish Cake Soup near you
Jinjja shows real local places, what to order and how to say it — in your language.