(Getty Images Bank)
(Getty Images Bank)

When traveling to Korea, one of the most intriguing culinary experiences you might encounter is sannakji.

This dish offers a bold challenge, even for the most enthusiastic raw seafood lovers, as freshly sliced octopus is served so “fresh” that the pieces are still wriggling on the plate.

It sticks to your tongue and the inside of your mouth, forcing the eater to quickly increase their chewing speed in a frantic attempt to tame it before swallowing it down. While the sensory experience can be overwhelming, the taste itself is surprisingly enjoyable. Many describe it as savory and chewy, with a generous amount of sesame oil enhancing the flavor.

Sannakji has long been considered a special treat in southern coastal regions, prized for its unique taste and high nutritional content, including protein, taurine and calcium.

To enjoy sannakji, simply pick up a piece of the live octopus with chopsticks, dip it in sesame oil and eat it in one bite.

Are you a culinary daredevil? Sannakji might just be the adventure your taste buds have been waiting for.

(Sannakji, live octopus, Korean-style live octopus dish, chewy raw octopus, fresh sannakji delicacy)