This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at one of Jeju’s sought-after summer foods: chilled raw fish soup, or mulhoe. This spicy, refreshing dish is served with ice and is perfect for people on the go in this hot summer weather.


Even in Jeju’s relatively temperate island climate, August brings with it sweltering days and tropical nights. Fortunately, there are some traditional foods that are both delicious and refreshing.

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Spicy, chilled soup with slices of fresh raw fish

Of all the summer dishes Jeju has to offer, one of most popular you’ll find is served ? not surprisingly ? with ice. Mulhoe is a chilled bowl of spicy soup, with slices of raw fresh fish as the main ingredient.

It is a favorite delicacy on Jeju, and like many of the foods we have here, it is both delicious and nutritious, being rich in protein and calcium.

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Damselfish and mitra squid ‘mulhoe’ are most popular

There are a number of varieties of sliced fish that are used, including sea cucumber and turban shell mulhoe. However, the ones that come to most people’s minds are jari (or damselfish) mulhoe and hanchi (mitra squid) mulhoe.

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Sliced parsley, cucumber and carrot accompany the raw fish

Preparing this dish requires fresh sliced parsley, cucumber, carrot, and sesame leaves. The broth also has a touch of vinegar and a dash or two of red pepper paste for a crisp flavor.

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Todd Thacker

This light, refreshing dish is perfect for people on the go during the summer months. If you’re visiting Jeju on vacation this season, be sure to put mulhoe on your culinary bucket list.

Todd Thacker KCTV