Winter Delicacies on the East Coast: Dulmuk and Sand Eel Catches Rise
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
Fish catches of winter specialties on South Korea’s East (Donghae) coast—doromuk (도루묵, a small silvery fish often grilled or stewed) and yangmiri (양미리, sand eel-like fish)—have increased in recent weeks. Weekly landings (Nov. 26–Dec. 2) rose sharply: yangmiri to 162 tons (up 67%) with sales value up 21%, and doromuk to 89 tons (up 98%) with value up 56%. Doromuk landings have risen for five consecutive weeks; year-to-date doromuk (200 t) exceeds last year while yangmiri (531 t) remains below the 3-year average. Local ports like Jumunjin and Sokcho are busy sorting catches, and nearby seafood restaurants emit the savory aroma of yangmiri grilled over charcoal. Authorities noted increasing catches of yangmiri, doromuk and red snow crab (붉은대게) centered around Sokcho and Gangneung. The article also recounts a folk story about doromuk’s name and describes its mild, non-fishy flavor enjoyed in stews, grilling, braises and fermented dishes.
