Travelogue around Asia Pacific: Going to Uljin for Snow Crabs

Seoul - Woke up at 8am to get ready for the KTX (high speed train) to Daegu city. YJ met me at the Hotel and we travel via taxi to KTX station and booked the 10:30am train. It cost 51,900won per person as we chose 1st class seating. It is much comfortable, free internet and also you can do much work on the train. The coach train is too cramp without much leg room to do anything so your 2 hrs train ride is idle time. I am typing this and updating the blog whilst on the train.

I had Bibimbap for breakfast and chose hot because the weather is freezing cold. Young Jin likes the cold dish of Bibimbap. Bibimbap means 'mixed meal'.

Cold Bibimbap

My Hot Bibimbap

The KTX train left on time and immediately took out my notebook to get on line. The Internet access is free but very slow as everyone is using the same narrow 2G bandwidth pipe. The train ride is smooth and looking out of the window, the trees are shades of brown as it is still winter.

I have to shut down my notebook as it will be 6 minutes left before we reach our Daegu station.

@ Daegu

YJ and I waited along the road for our channel partner to turn up. Moments later they arrive and decided to move to Uljin, which is 2 and half hours by car. This is the season of the Snow Crab. The scenary was beautiful dotted with many mountains. I think it would look much lovelier in spring when the leaves and flowers are in full bloom.

It was a long and tiring journey and I dozed off for a few minutes on the way to Uljin.

I found out about Snow Crab by accident when I entered what's happening in Korea in the month of March - and out popped 'Snow Crab Festival'. So, here we are...
Crab Nutrition Facts

As a member of the crustacean family, any variety of edible crab is known for its high nutrient content.
Crab, a shellfish, used to have a bad reputation for having a high cholesterol content. As more and more research has been done into this subject, however, this myth has been proven invalid. Shellfish, overall, are known to have higher cholesterol content than most fish. However, if you eat it in moderate quantities – as is recommended – you will find crab and other shellfish to be extremely good for you. This includes king crab legs, snow crab legs, and all types of crab.

Crab is known to be very low in fat and a heart-healthy food. Crab is also an excellent source of protein, and, to top it off, contains few calories. Crab is a good source of chromium, which is known to help lower the levels of “good” cholesterol in our bodies. In turn, this lowers the risk of both heart and circulatory disease. Chromium also helps diabetes by stabilizing glucose levels. In addition, crab contains selenium, which is known to aid in the prevention of cancer.

Crab meat contains vital amounts of essential fatty acids, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorous. These nutrients are all important for a well-balanced nutritional diet. The conclusion? Crab is a nutrient-rich powerhouse.

Snow crab festival 2011

A row of restaurant selling Snow Crabs

Red colour Snow Crab

Blue-green Snow Crab

When we arrive Uljin, we were very excited because we will be having snow crabs for lunch and we were so hungry. The best season to eat Snow Crab is in the month of March.

Cook catching our Snow Crab meal

Into the basket

We ordered 6 crabs (4 large and 2 small) plus 3 types of raw fishes. The raw fishes and sea squirt came soon and we chowed into itimmediately.

So delicious Sashimi

The lady is preparing our Snow Crab

The lady waiter cuts up the legs and body of the Snow Crab

So delicious Snow Crab legs

When you eat the Snow Crab legs it's so delicious and sweet. The Blue-green Snow crab taste much better than the red crab. Of course, the price is different too. The Blue-green Snow crab is larger and cost Won20,000 and Red Snow Crab cost half the price.