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On a breezy spring day that feels like an invitation, EBS1’s Korea Travelogue — Offal Road Part 5 — heads to Pohang. The episode dives into the rich, almost foie-gras–like taste of anglerfish liver and samples a spread of fresh seafood while spending the night in town.
◈ ‘Korea Travelogue’ Offal Road Part 5 — So Delicious It Hurts
Every fish offal has its own charm, but the organ locals call “ae” — the fish liver — is especially memorable. Anglerfish liver, often dubbed the sea’s foie gras, is a rare delicacy even among fishermen.
Singer Rama traveled to Pohang in spring to chase that singular flavor. Together with No Jong-woong (Captain No), who runs a one-night, two-meal homestay serving the day’s catch, Rama set out to sea to taste a variety of anglerfish dishes.
The tasting began with a rare treat: a single slice of anglerfish tail sashimi — the only anglerfish cut commonly eaten raw. Then they chased the real star: boiled anglerfish liver. When fresh, its nutty, savory richness snaps awake an appetite dulled by winter.
In Pohang’s fresh spring air, Rama savored the distinctive taste of anglerfish ae alongside a bounty of local seafood. Staying overnight allowed a fuller taste of the region’s flavors — the sea’s gifts and the season’s mood, all in one.
Why anglerfish ae is prized as a marine delicacy
Anglerfish ae refers to the liver of the anglerfish and has long been a coastal specialty in Korea. Like other fatty organs, it offers a silky texture and deep, savory complexity. Those qualities have kept it on the radar of food lovers.
Anglerfish dwell in deep water and tend to have relatively large livers. Because liver spoils quickly, rapid processing and proper storage after capture are crucial. That’s why anglerfish ae is often enjoyed close to where it’s caught, and refrigerated handling is essential throughout distribution.
In Korea, people typically blanch anglerfish ae in boiling water and serve it as sliced boiled meat, or add it to braised anglerfish dishes and stews. Heat melts the fat and releases the ingredient’s characteristic depth. In Japan, the same ingredient is known as ankimo; chefs often salt and marinate it with sake before steaming.
Nutritionally, anglerfish ae contains both protein and fat. The liver stores fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, which can make it nutrient-dense — but that same concentration means moderation is wise.
Take a few precautions when consuming it. First, because liver tends to be high in fat and cholesterol, enjoy it in small portions rather than large helpings. Also, if the liver isn’t fresh, it can pose food-safety risks as well as taste problems, so always confirm freshness.
Additionally, pregnant people or anyone with a medical condition that requires dietary control should be cautious with liver consumption. Although liver is rich in nutrients, it can concentrate certain compounds, so consider your health status before eating it.
Limited in supply, demanding in freshness, and distinctive in flavor, anglerfish ae has earned its place as a specialty offal ingredient. The best way to enjoy it is fresh, properly handled, and in reasonable amounts.
EBS ‘Korea Travelogue,’ the essence of Korean-style documentaries since 2009
EBS’s long-running show ‘Korea Travelogue’ documents Korea’s nature, people, and local life. Since its debut in August 2009, it has aired continuously and become one of EBS’s signature programs.
The series frames each week around a theme and presents a five-part sequence, with each episode running about 30 minutes. Producers focus each installment on a specific region, season, or lifestyle to give viewers a layered look at daily life and nature across Korea.
Rather than relying on flashy staging, the program aims to capture scenes as they are, using calm narration and visual storytelling. That approach helps portray local residents’ lives and landscapes authentically.
Through ‘Korea Travelogue,’ EBS has continually showcased Korea’s diverse local cultures and natural environments — from mountain and fishing villages to island communities and city life — sustaining long-term broadcasting with broad subject matter.
The show continues to air regularly on EBS 1TV, keeping a consistent format while offering new weekly themes that document many facets of Korean society.
EBS1’s ‘Korea Travelogue’ airs Monday through Friday at 9:35 PM KST. Check the EBS1 ‘Korea Travelogue’ website under Preview for broadcast details.
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