Incheon Baendaengi

The Gwanghwado and Incheon areas are known for their plentiful catches of baendaengi (large-eyed herring). After a little street started specializing in serving baendaengi some 30 years ago, the fish has continued to grow in popularity.

Located in Guwol-dong, across from the Incheon Culture & Arts Center, Baendaengi Street has expanded, and so has the variety of dishes served. Visitors can try baendaengi prepared sashimi-style, roasted, or in a spicy soup. For this particular species of herring, locals believe the flavor is best in March and April when they grow to their largest size. Salted Baendaengi also makes an excellent side-dish for Korean meals.

*Baendaengi is one of many types of small prey fish referred to as ‘Soeo’ for their fierce struggle in fishing nets. Soeo have internal organs that are proportionally smaller than other species of fish and are known for their feisty nature. These attributes are thought to signify a stress-filled life, which is why many Koreans refer to narrow-minded or hot-tempered people as ‘baendeangi.’