Braised Hairtail (갈치조림): what it is and how to order it in Korea
Whole hairtail fish, cut into pieces and simmered in a sweet-spicy soy and chili sauce with radish and potato until the sauce thickens. Its silvery, tender flesh soaks up the seasoning beautifully, and it is a favorite Jeju and Busan-style comfort dish.
Say it to order
갈치조림 주세요
Galchijorim juseyo
Quick facts
How to eat it
Pull the tender meat off the bone with your chopsticks and eat it with rice, spooning some sauce over. Scoop the soft radish and potato too.
Do
- Share the pot with others at the table.
- Use chopsticks to lift the fish meat and rice.
Don’t
- Don't leave the fish bones on the table; place them on a side plate.
- Don't stab or push the fish around the pot too much; the pieces fall apart easily.
Local tips
- Many places serve it for two people, so order a shared portion.
- Watch for small bones and pull the meat away carefully.
- Ask for extra sauce and rice at the end; the leftover sauce is perfect for mixing into rice.
Goes with
- Kimchi
- Lettuce wraps
- Soju
- Makgeolli
- Steamed rice
Where to try it in Seoul
Questions
- How do you order Braised Hairtail in Korean?
- Say “갈치조림 주세요” (Galchijorim juseyo).
- Is Braised Hairtail spicy?
- Yes — about 3 out of 5 on the spice scale.
- How much does Braised Hairtail cost in Korea?
- Usually ₩12,000–28,000.
- How do you eat Braised Hairtail?
- Pull the tender meat off the bone with your chopsticks and eat it with rice, spooning some sauce over. Scoop the soft radish and potato too.
Find Braised Hairtail near you
Jinjja shows real local places, what to order and how to say it — in your language.