The Charm of Korean Cuisine: Must-Try Foods in Korea
Korean cuisine, known as Hansik, is a perfect blend of flavors, colors, and textures, offering a unique culinary experience that captivates both locals and visitors alike. From fiery and bold flavors to mild and savory dishes, Korean food is diverse and deeply rooted in history and culture. If you’re visiting Korea, here are some must-try dishes that will introduce you to the authentic flavors of Korean cuisine.
1. Kimchi – The Heart of Korean Cuisine
Kimchi is Korea’s most iconic dish, a fermented vegetable side dish that accompanies almost every Korean meal. Made primarily from napa cabbage or radish, it is seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce.
Why You Should Try It: Kimchi is not only flavorful but also packed with probiotics, making it great for digestion and overall health.
Where to Try It: Almost every Korean restaurant serves kimchi, but for a unique experience, visit a Kimchi Museum or participate in a Kimchi-making class to learn the traditional preparation process.
2. Bibimbap – A Colorful and Nutritious Meal
Bibimbap, meaning “mixed rice,” is a visually stunning dish that combines warm rice, assorted vegetables, marinated meat (usually beef), a fried egg, and gochujang (Korean chili paste).
Why You Should Try It: It’s a balanced meal packed with nutrients, offering a perfect combination of textures and flavors.
Where to Try It: The city of Jeonju is known as the birthplace of bibimbap, and you can find many famous restaurants serving Jeonju-style bibimbap.
3. Korean BBQ – The Ultimate Meat Lover’s Feast
Korean BBQ is a social dining experience where diners grill their own meat (beef, pork, or chicken) at the table and enjoy it with an array of side dishes, sauces, and lettuce wraps.
Popular BBQ Options:
- Samgyeopsal – Thick-cut pork belly, grilled and wrapped in lettuce with garlic, chili, and ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce).
- Bulgogi – Thinly sliced marinated beef, cooked with a sweet and savory soy-based sauce.
- Galbi – Marinated beef or pork ribs, grilled to perfection.
Where to Try It: Head to Mapo or Hongdae in Seoul, where you’ll find some of the best Korean BBQ restaurants.
4. Tteokbokki – Spicy and Addictive Street Food
Tteokbokki, a beloved Korean street food, consists of chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. Often paired with fish cakes and boiled eggs, it’s a must-try for those who love bold flavors.
Why You Should Try It: It’s an addictive combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors that make for the perfect snack.
Where to Try It: Visit Gwangjang Market in Seoul or Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town, a neighborhood dedicated to this famous dish.
5. Sundubu-jjigae – A Warm and Spicy Tofu Stew
Sundubu-jjigae is a spicy, hearty stew made with uncurdled tofu, vegetables, seafood or meat, and a flavorful broth seasoned with gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes). It is often served with a raw egg that is mixed into the bubbling hot stew.
Why You Should Try It: It’s rich, warming, and deeply satisfying, perfect for chilly days.
Where to Try It: Chodang Sundubu Village in Gangneung is famous for its silky soft tofu dishes.
6. Jjajangmyeon – The Comfort Food of Korea
Originally influenced by Chinese cuisine, jjajangmyeon is now a beloved Korean dish consisting of noodles smothered in a rich, savory black bean sauce with diced pork and vegetables.
Why You Should Try It: It’s the ultimate comfort food, enjoyed on special occasions like Moving Day in Korea.
Where to Try It: Some of the best jjajangmyeon can be found in Incheon’s Chinatown, where the dish first became popular in Korea.
7. Haemul Pajeon – Crispy Seafood Pancake
Haemul Pajeon is a savory pancake made with a batter of flour, eggs, and green onions, filled with a generous amount of seafood like shrimp, squid, and clams. It is typically enjoyed with makgeolli (Korean rice wine).
Why You Should Try It: It’s crispy, savory, and pairs perfectly with traditional Korean alcohol.
Where to Try It: Busan’s Gukje Market or local markets around Insadong in Seoul offer fantastic versions of this dish.
8. Samgyetang – The Traditional Ginseng Chicken Soup
Samgyetang is a nourishing soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, jujube, and ginseng, simmered to create a rich and hearty broth.
Why You Should Try It: It is traditionally eaten in the summer to combat heat fatigue, following the Korean belief of “fighting heat with heat” (이열치열).
Where to Try It: Visit Tosokchon Samgyetang in Seoul, a famous restaurant specializing in this dish.
Experience the Best of Korean Cuisine
Korean food is rich in history, diverse in flavors, and full of surprises. Whether you’re indulging in a bowl of bibimbap, savoring spicy tteokbokki, or enjoying the social experience of Korean BBQ, every dish tells a story. Exploring Korea through its cuisine is one of the best ways to understand its culture and traditions.
For more information about Korea’s best food spots and travel destinations, check out ETAPORTAL. Also, if you’re planning a trip to Korea, applying for KETA is simple and convenient, so be sure to prepare in advance!
