Seafood Hot Pot (해물탕): what it is and how to order it in Korea
A bubbling, red-tinged pot of clams, mussels, shrimp, squid and fish in a spicy, savory broth, often finished with noodles or rice. It is a beloved late-night dish made for sharing around the table.
Say it to order
해물탕 주세요
Haemultang juseyo
Quick facts
How to eat it
Pick out shellfish with the tongs or spoon and dip into the shared pot. Ask for rice or noodles to add to the broth once the seafood is gone.
Do
- Use the provided scissors or tongs to cut and lift shellfish from the shared pot.
Don’t
- Do not leave closed shellfish in the pot; they are safe to discard if they never open.
Local tips
- Shells can take a while to open, so start with the broth while the shellfish cook.
- Ask for noodles or rice near the end and they will cook right in the leftover broth.
Goes with
- Rice
- Banchan
- Kimchi
- Soju
- Beer
Where to try it in Seoul
Questions
- How do you order Seafood Hot Pot in Korean?
- Say “해물탕 주세요” (Haemultang juseyo).
- Is Seafood Hot Pot spicy?
- Yes — about 3 out of 5 on the spice scale.
- How much does Seafood Hot Pot cost in Korea?
- Usually ₩35,000–64,000.
- How do you eat Seafood Hot Pot?
- Pick out shellfish with the tongs or spoon and dip into the shared pot. Ask for rice or noodles to add to the broth once the seafood is gone.
Find Seafood Hot Pot near you
Jinjja shows real local places, what to order and how to say it — in your language.