Chionoecetes opilios inhabit deep waters with the depth range of 200 to 400 meters. Its most popular habitats in Korea are the cold-water areas including the East Sea, north of Gyeongsangbuk-do and the coastal areas near Hamgyeongbuk-do. The southwestern Japanese Sea, the Sea of Okhotsk, the Sea of Kamchatka, and the Bering Sea are also home to this large-sized species. Male Chionoecetes opilios measure an average of 187 millimeter, and female counterparts 113 millimeter. Once hatched, females continue to grow for six to eight years and lives another three to four years, and males live thirteen to fifteen years, including all life stages. The main body shell, either of orange or of light brown color, has a rounded triangular shape. The four extremely long pairs of legs are situated right below the pair of pincers. The first nodes of the joint, which attach each leg to the main body, are huge, very staunch, and straight.

Chionoecetes opilios have earned the Korean nickname of Yeongdeok Daege, or large crab from Yeongdeok, due to the fact that they are caught mostly in the sea adjoining the Yeongdeok area.