Trying Soondae-guk(순대국) in Yeosu for the first time was quite the treat. Soondae-guk (순대국) is a hearty soup that reminds me of comfort food. It's something that people typically eat on rainy days, so it has become my go-to meal on such days or when I crave something comforting. Although I had previously tasted this delicious dish, the local variations here in Yeosu are really something special. It's fascinating to see how each region puts its own unique spin on the fillings inside the sausage. This diversity in preparation has made exploring Soondae-guk(순대국) unlike anything I have tried back in the States.
In the Jeolla-do province, where I am currently studying abroad, Soondae (순대) is often enjoyed with different side dishes known as Banchan (반찬). The sausage is typically served with a sauce made from pepper paste mixed with vinegar (고추장과 식초). This sauce provides a sour and spicy flavor that enhances the rich, hearty taste of the Soondae (순대). This serving method is quite popular in the region as it balances the fatty richness of the sausage with the acidity and heat of the sauce. During my visit to Gangwon province last month, I tasted the local version of Soondae(순대), which became my favorite. In Gangwon, they serve their soondae (순대) with salted shrimp (젓갈), which is the perfect Banchan (반찬)!
