Dried Seaweed (Miyeok)

Is this edible?

Yes! Dried seaweed (miyeok) is a deeply loved ingredient in Korean cuisine, most famous for miyeok-guk (seaweed soup), the traditional soup served to new mothers after childbirth and eaten on birthdays throughout life to honor your mother.

What does it taste like?

Mild, slightly sweet, and subtly oceanic — much more delicate and pleasant than you might expect from seaweed. The texture when rehydrated is silky, slippery, and pleasantly chewy. Think of it as a savory sea vegetable rather than 'fishy seaweed.'

Where to buy

Korean grocery stores (H Mart, Lotte) sell dried miyeok in bags. Also available at any Asian grocery store. Look for 'wakame' at Japanese stores — it is the same species. Regular supermarkets may carry it in the Asian food aisle.

How to prepare

Soak dried miyeok in cold water for 10-15 minutes. It expands dramatically — a small handful becomes a large bowl of seaweed. Drain, squeeze out excess water, and cut into bite-sized pieces if the strands are long.