Ojingeo Twigim (Fried Squid)

Ojingeo twigim (오징어 튀김) is fried squid Korean-style: squid is cleaned, cut into rings or left as whole bodies stuffed with filling, coated in a light batter, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The result is tender, sweet squid inside a crunchy, airy crust. It is one of the most popular items in the Korean twigim (튀김, fried snacks) category, sold alongside eomuk, hotteok, and various other fried treats at street food stalls and traditional markets. Gangneung on the east coast is particularly famous for its ojingeo twigim. The city's proximity to rich East Sea squid fisheries means the squid used is exceptionally fresh and large. Gangneung's Jungang Market and the area around Gyeongpo Beach are known destinations for people who travel specifically to eat ojingeo twigim. There are several popular variations. The classic is ring-shaped twigim. Another is ojingeo sundae (오징어순대) — whole squid bodies stuffed with a mixture of tofu, vegetables, and rice noodles, battered and fried. This version has a particularly satisfying bite as the filling provides a contrasting soft interior to the crispy squid exterior.