Lee Soo-geun's Haegakpo on 'Jjanhanhyeong': Taste, Nutrition, and How to Eat It

Recently, comedian Lee Soo-geun's appearance eating Haegakpo on the YouTube channel 'Jjanhanhyeong' has significantly boosted public interest in this traditional dried seafood. Although the name Haegakpo might be unfamiliar, it refers to 'dried crab leg jerky' made by steaming and drying the leg meat of snow crabs or red snow crabs, known for its concentrated crab flavor.

Haegakpo is a processed seafood product made from dried crab leg meat, with a history dating back to Heo Gyun's 『Domundaejak』 in the mid-Joseon Dynasty. While raw crab meat is rich in protein and low in fat, the drying process can increase sodium content, making it important to check the product's nutritional information. It offers a rich umami taste unique to crab as you chew, with textures varying from crispy to chewy depending on the drying level. Products with shells are typically enjoyed by extracting the meat, while boneless versions can be eaten as snacks or used to enhance the flavor of dishes like ramen, porridge, and broths.

Bloggers widely recommend Haegakpo as a distinctive snack or beer accompaniment, noting its intense crab flavor that sets it apart from dried squid or filefish jerky. Products like 'Hon-ge Pure Meat Jerky' are highlighted for being 100% red snow crab with 0g sugar, making them suitable for diet snacks, and gaining popularity for their cute character packaging. Lee Soo-geun's broadcast appearance has brought Haegakpo to a wider audience, fostering new discovery and interest in this traditional dried seafood.