Hongdae Notes · 2026-10-17
How to Eat Ganjang Gejang (Soy Sauce Crab) for the First Time in Hongdae
Ganjang gejang is raw blue crab aged in seasoned soy sauce. Salty-sweet and silky, it is called the 'rice thief' in Korea because it makes you eat bowl after bowl of rice.
Eat it in this order
Squeeze the meat from the legs onto your rice first, then the body. Save the shell for last: put rice in it and mix with the roe and soy sauce. That last spoonful is the best part.
Worried it will taste fishy?
Well-aged ganjang gejang is not fishy. GEON, a soy sauce crab restaurant in Hongdae, focuses on a clean taste that keeps the natural sweetness of the crab, so first-timers enjoy it too.
What goes with it
Warm rice, seaweed and side dishes are all you need. If you like spice, add Yangnyeom Gejang (spicy marinated crab) and compare.
FAQ
Is ganjang gejang raw?
Yes. It is raw blue crab aged in seasoned soy sauce, which makes the meat soft and sweet.
Where can I eat ganjang gejang in Hongdae?
GEON is a soy sauce crab restaurant at B1, 16 Wausan-ro 29ma-gil, Mapo-gu. Open daily 11:00–22:00.