The physicochemical properties of sun-dried and cyclic freeze-thaw dried Alaska pollack were analyzed to compare the 2 drying processes. The moisture content and water activity of sun-dried Alaska pollack were higher than cyclic freeze-thaw dried and 1 year-aged cyclic freeze-thaw dried Alaska pollack (hwangtae). The relatively low temperatures used in cyclic freeze-thaw drying retards lipid oxidation compared to sun drying based on the acid and peroxide values, and the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in the dried fish. The water holding capacity of cyclic freeze-thaw dried Alaska pollack aged for 1 year (hwangtae) under ambient conditions at the drying location was higher than that of sun-dried Alaska pollack. The swelling of myofibrilar filaments during cyclic freeze-thaw drying may be responsible for the softening of the dried muscle protein. Aging the cyclic freeze-thaw dried Alaska pollack for 1 year contributed to an increased yellowish color of the hwangtae.