Sea Cucumber (해삼): what it is and how to order it in Korea
Haesam is a spiny, sausage-shaped sea creature from Korea's coastal waters, usually eaten raw as sashimi or lightly cooked in hot pot. Its texture is crisp and chewy with a clean, briny taste that Korean diners value as a delicacy.
Say it to order
해삼 주세요
Haesam juseyo
Quick facts
How to eat it
Dip the thin slices in gochujang sauce or sesame oil with salt, then chew slowly. Eat it fresh while the texture is still crisp.
Do
- Pour drinks for others before filling your own glass.
- Use chopsticks to take slices from the shared plate.
Don’t
- Don't leave the slices sitting out for long.
- Don't start eating before the host or elders begin.
Local tips
- Eat it soon after it arrives, since the texture softens quickly.
- Sea cucumber is often sold alongside other raw seafood, so ask the price per portion before ordering.
Goes with
- Makgeolli
- Soju
- Garlic
- Fresh lettuce
- Soju-friendly seafood platter
Where to try it in Seoul
Questions
- How do you order Sea Cucumber in Korean?
- Say “해삼 주세요” (Haesam juseyo).
- Is Sea Cucumber spicy?
- No. Sea Cucumber isn’t spicy.
- How much does Sea Cucumber cost in Korea?
- Usually ₩20,000–43,000.
- How do you eat Sea Cucumber?
- Dip the thin slices in gochujang sauce or sesame oil with salt, then chew slowly. Eat it fresh while the texture is still crisp.
Find Sea Cucumber near you
Jinjja shows real local places, what to order and how to say it — in your language.