A Spring Outing to Garak Market

reply 0 hit 74 date 26-03-19 18:00

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As I feel the gentle breeze of spring, it truly seems like the season has arrived. On such days, seasonal foods that stimulate the appetite come to mind first. So today, I held hands with my eldest daughter and headed to Garak Market, filled with fresh seafood.

It had been a while since I had a heart-to-heart with my daughter, and the thought of enjoying delicious food made my steps light. Our destination was Yeongheung Fisheries, located within Garak Mall. From the entrance, the vibrant market atmosphere energized us.

Exploring the market, filled with fresh seafood, is always a joy. Moreover, being able to see and purchase items directly enhances the experience. Strolling around and checking out different stalls was delightful, and buying seasonal seafood to enjoy later was even better.

Upon arriving at Yeongheung Fisheries, we found tanks brimming with fresh seafood. Among them, the star of the day, the baby octopuses, were so lively that they seemed to shout, "I’m really fresh!" The owner greeted us warmly, making our shopping experience even more pleasant.

We decided to buy 1.5 kg of baby octopus, wanting to indulge a little. These baby octopuses were plump and sizable, a sign of their seasonality. The owner carefully selected the best ones for us, which instilled confidence in our purchase. With 1.5 kg, there was plenty for two, so we planned to enjoy half at a restaurant as shabu-shabu and take the rest home for the family.

We moved to a nearby dipping sauce restaurant with our purchased baby octopus. Once seated, a pot of cool broth and fresh vegetables were promptly set up for us. The shabu-shabu made with the baby octopus was the essence of freshness.

As the broth began to boil, I casually dropped in a few baby octopuses and waited for them to cook. Although the still-wriggling octopuses were a bit intimidating, the thought of enjoying them made me excited.

When the broth started boiling, I carefully added the cleaned baby octopus. The dipping sauce restaurant provided various vegetables and side dishes. The total cost was 30,000 won, including a 5,000 won table setting fee and 20,000 won for the shabu-shabu. It was great to enjoy freshly cleaned baby octopus right away.

The sight of the baby octopus blooming like flowers in the hot broth was so beautiful that my daughter couldn’t help but take photos. To avoid overcooking and making them tough, we cooked them just enough, and the moment they hit my mouth, the tender yet chewy texture was exquisite. The subtle sweetness that emerged with each bite made me think, "Indeed, seasonal food is the best medicine." The nutty flavor of the baby octopus's head was an unforgettable delicacy.

Garak Market is not just a place to shop! The newly organized Garak Mall has many great spots for taking photos. I wish I had known before going; I would have loved to stop by. Next time, I’ll definitely visit the rooftop garden for a coffee and a leisurely stroll.

The market retains its charming atmosphere while being comfortable for families. It felt more organized than before, and the well-maintained facilities made it enjoyable to explore.

For parking, we used the Garak Mall parking lot, which is spacious and has elevators throughout, making it convenient.

Here’s a tip! If you use the Garak Mall parking lot, you can receive parking discount vouchers based on your purchase amount. Just mention it to the owner at Yeongheung Fisheries, and they will kindly assist you. We received a parking voucher and parked for free.

Half of the 1.5 kg of baby octopus we bought was taken home for a small party for my younger daughter, who couldn’t join us. After briefly blanching them in boiling water, we enjoyed them with dipping sauce, and they disappeared quickly.

The freshness from the market was preserved, and even after just a quick blanch at home, they tasted just as good as in the restaurant. Dipping them in the sauce made me crave a drink. Splitting the 1.5 kg was a perfect choice, allowing us to enjoy it both out and at home.

Yeongheung Fisheries offers excellent seafood quality and a friendly owner, making for a satisfying experience. Besides baby octopus, they have king crabs, snow crabs, and various fresh fish, so my daughter and I promised to return for other seasonal seafood.

Before spring ends, why not visit Garak Market with someone special? You’re sure to have a happy day indulging in the chewy charm of seasonal baby octopus. My date with my eldest daughter was made even better with delicious food.