Korean Dictionary
How to say "Sea Squirt" in Korean
“Sea Squirt” in Korean is 멍게 (pronounced "meongge").
멍게
meongge
Usage & Context
Meongge (sea squirt) is a Korean seafood delicacy with a unique, intensely oceanic flavor. It is often eaten raw with a vinegar-based sauce and is considered a specialty of coastal regions.
Example Sentence
멍게는 바다 향이 강해 호불호가 갈린다.
Meongge has a strong ocean flavor so opinions are divided.
How to use 멍게 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Sea Squirt” is 멍게, romanized as meongge.
Usage tip
Use this word with ordering phrases, taste descriptions, and polite requests when speaking in a restaurant.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 멍게.
Pronunciation Guide
멍게 is pronounced 'MEONG-geh'. '멍' sounds like 'mong' in 'monger' or 'mung' in 'mung bean' but with a slightly more open 'o' sound. '게' sounds like 'geh' as in 'get' but with a softer 'g'.
More Example Sentences
Describing the appealing characteristic of meongge.
멍게는 특유의 바다 향이 정말 매력적이에요.
Meongge's unique ocean scent is truly charming.
Explaining the common way to eat meongge.
신선한 멍게는 초장에 찍어 먹으면 맛있어요.
Fresh meongge is delicious when dipped in chojang.
Sharing a personal experience of acquiring a taste for meongge.
처음에는 멍게 맛이 좀 특이했지만, 이제는 즐겨 먹어요.
At first, meongge tasted a bit unique, but now I enjoy eating it.
Cultural Context
Meongge, or sea squirt, is a distinctive Korean seafood delicacy known for its intense, briny, and slightly bitter 'ocean' flavor. It's often an acquired taste for foreigners due to its strong aroma and unique texture, but it's highly prized by Koreans, especially in coastal regions like 통영 (Tongyeong). It's typically eaten raw with a spicy-sweet vinegar gochujang sauce (초장, chojang) and is a popular 'anju' (drinking snack) with soju.
Editorial note
We test food and dining words like 멍게 inside ordering situations, because the natural Korean phrase often includes a polite request ending.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
멍게 비빔밥
sea squirt mixed rice
신선한 멍게
fresh meongge
멍게 맛이 강하다
meongge has a strong flavor
Related Expressions
해산물
haesanmul
seafood
초장
chojang
spicy-sweet vinegar gochujang sauce
바다 향
bada hyang
ocean scent/flavor
소주
soju
Korean distilled spirit (common pairing)
More Korean Food & Dining Words
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