Korean Food: 23 Best Dishes To Try in Korea

South Korea is an amazing country, a cultural melting pot shaped by various influences, including colonial powers and its unique landscapes. This combination has fostered distinctive customs, attitudes, and cuisine. If you haven’t yet had the chance to explore Korea, be sure to add it to your travel itinerary.

Traditional Korean Dishes

Korean cuisine prominently features grains, particularly rice. From kimchi fried rice to sweet rice cakes, Korean food embraces bold flavors and relies heavily on fermented ingredients. Seafood is also integral, influenced by the surrounding seas.

Many iconic South Korean dishes come with fascinating histories and cultural significance, showcasing adaptations from other cultures. Below, we highlight both traditional dishes and modern interpretations that have gained popularity.

1. Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl)

Bibimbap is one of the most recognized Korean dishes. While you may have tried it abroad, having it in Korea is an experience unlike any other. This rice-based meal includes assorted vegetables, a fried egg, and your choice of protein.

For an authentic experience, keep each ingredient sectioned in the bowl, allowing you to mix them before eating. The ideal bibimbap features blanched or sautéed vegetables cooked with sesame oil and soy sauce, along with marinated meat. We recommend sunny-side-up eggs topped with sesame seeds, spicy sauce, and scallions for added flavor.

The popularity of bibimbap means you’ll find variations with seafood, beef, or tofu, catering to a range of palates. Notably, each Korean region has its own unique twist on this delightful dish.

2. Bulgogi (Marinated Beef Barbecue)

Bulgogi is a must-try when visiting South Korea. Its name, which translates to “fire meat,” refers to the cooking method employed. Bulgogi features thinly sliced marinated beef or pork grilled to perfection.

This dish is relatively easy to recreate at home. Ensure to select the right meat cut—top sirloin works well, but you can choose another type as desired. Slice it thinly for tenderness, then marinate with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. Cooking over a hot grill ensures a delightful sizzle.

Originating from Northern Korea, bulgogi has now secured a place in South Korean cuisine, being popular in fast-food and barbecue establishments.

3. Korean Barbecue (Gogigui)

No discussion of Korean cuisine would be complete without mentioning Korean Barbecue, known as Gogigui. The experience of grilling your meal at the table adds to the fun and flavor.

At a Korean BBQ restaurant, you choose your meats, receive a variety of vegetables, and grill your dinner to your liking. This interactive dining method offers a delightful social atmosphere.

Although it may seem similar to bulgogi, keep in mind that bulgogi is a specific type of Gogigui, which broadly encompasses the culture of grilling meats in Korea.

4. Gimbap: Korean Seaweed Rice Rolls

If you’re a sushi lover, gimbap is a must-try. Often enjoyed as street food, gimbap is affordable and perfect for travelers on a budget. This dish includes various inventive fillings, such as beef, cheese, omelets, and even pork belly cutlet.

Gimbap, also spelled “kimbap,” combines “kim,” meaning seaweed, and “bap,” meaning rice. It likely originated during Japan’s colonial rule over Korea, although some argue it evolved from a traditional dish called Bokssam.

5. Kimchi

Kimchi stands as one of the most celebrated foods in South Korea. This dish is a mixture of spiced, fermented vegetables, typically including cabbage, carrots, green peppers, radish, and spring onions.

Histories of kimchi date back to ancient times, with records dating to the 1st century. Historically, pickling and fermenting were standard methods for preserving food before refrigeration. Interestingly, kimchi wasn’t always spicy; the use of chili peppers was introduced by Portuguese traders in the 15th century.

Kimchi acts as a versatile ingredient, finding its way into numerous dishes such as kimchi stew (kimchi jjigae), kimchi pancakes (kimchi jeon), and even kimchi fried rice.

6. Saengseon Jjigae (Spicy Fish Stew)

Seafood is a staple in South Korean cuisine, and stews are equally essential. Saengseon Jjigae combines both elements, making it a popular choice on restaurant menus across the country.

This savory fish stew typically contains white fish as well as prawns or other shellfish. If you find joy in seafood, this dish is for you!

While it may be complex to prepare at home, you’d start by cutting fish into bite-sized pieces, dusting them with flour, and pan-frying until crispy. The broth would require anchovy paste, kelp, chili paste, garlic, and soy sauce for a rich flavor profile.

7. Sundubu-jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)

If you prefer a meat-free option, Sundubu Jjigae offers a delightful alternative. Made primarily with soft tofu, this dish can also incorporate fish, kimchi, or beef.

This Korean stew, or jjigae, is a staple component of many meals, so don’t be surprised if it appears frequently on menus. Its origins trace back to ancient times, although modern variations have emerged in recent years.

8. Hotteok (Korean Sweet Pancakes)

Transitioning from savory to sweet, Hotteok is a delightful pancake filled with sweet syrup, often adorned with crushed peanuts or cinnamon. This popular street snack shines during the winter months, perfect for warming chilly commuters.

9. Gilgeori Toast

Looking for breakfast after overcoming jet lag? Gilgeori Toast is a go-to for young South Koreans, combining savory and sweet elements to create a filling and delicious dish.

Mainly made from egg, cabbage, and grated carrots, common additions include ketchup, mayonnaise, and even sugar. Its unique combination might raise eyebrows, but it truly works!

10. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

Another beloved street food is Tteokbokki, featuring soft, cylindrical rice cakes that differ vastly from the crunchy variety you might expect. They’re delightfully chewy and incredibly satisfying.

To prepare Tteokbokki, boil the rice cakes and fish cakes until tender. Then incorporate a red pepper sauce made from gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, and sugar, simmering until thick and flavorful.

Varieties abound, from curry to cream sauce. This unique and satisfying dish is especially popular on the streets of Seoul, making it a must-try for visitors.

11. Soondae (Korean Blood Sausage)

Soondae might sound similar to a dessert, but it’s actually a blood sausage akin to what you might find in an Irish breakfast. Typically crafted from steamed intestines filled with various ingredients, it’s not for the faint-hearted, but adventurous eaters should certainly give it a try.

12. Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)

Japchae exemplifies Korea’s affinity for sweet and savory combinations. Made with glass noodles, it features mushrooms, carrots, spinach, and other vegetables. Once reserved for royalty, it has become a popular dish for celebrations like weddings.

Nothing beats the taste of glass noodles stir-fried in sesame oil, garnished with toasted sesame seeds. You can even try making it at home!

13. Gyeranppang (Egg Bread)

If you adore rich flavors, Gyeranppang is your ideal treat. Translating to “egg bread,” this street snack consists of a sweet bread loaf containing a whole egg. You can add toppings like ham, cheese, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

14. Nakji Bokkeum (Spicy Octopus)

Nakji Bokkeum caters to adventurous eaters, as it’s a spicy dish made from stir-fried octopus. This dish is relatively new to the South Korean diet, emerging around the mid-1900s, and is now immensely popular.

15. Yaksik (Sweet Rice)

Wrapping up the savory dishes, Yaksik is a sweet treat made from steamed rice, honey, and dried fruits, often enhanced with cinnamon and soy sauce. Dating back to the 13th century, it is traditionally enjoyed during Jeongwol Daeboreum and at weddings.

16. Hangover Stew (Haejangguk)

Haejangguk, or Hangover Soup, is a traditional Korean remedy believed to cure the aftereffects of a night of drinking. This hearty soup combines pork bones, bean sprouts, Napa cabbage, and various spices like garlic and ginger.

While making this at home may prove challenging, a good recipe exists for those adventurous enough to try. You’ll often see locals indulging in this dish post-celebration, affirming its abilities to alleviate hangovers.

17. Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly)

Samgyeopsal features grilled pork belly slices, aptly named to denote its three layers of meat and fat. It’s typically paired with various side dishes, such as lettuce leaves, sliced garlic, and ssamjang (spicy soybean paste).

To prepare, cut the pork belly into thin pieces, marinate in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and sesame oil, and grill until crispy and cooked. Enjoy wrapped in lettuce with garlic and ssamjang for the full experience.

18. Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi Fried Rice is a popular quick meal made by stir-frying cooked rice with kimchi and assorted ingredients. This dish often serves as an easy meal or a side dish while accompanying other Korean favorites.

Utilize leftover rice for better texture. Chop kimchi into small pieces and combine with diced veggies before stir-frying in oil. Additionally, it’s common to top this dish with a fried egg for a creamy touch.

19. Steamed Mandu Dumplings (Jjinmandu)

Jjinmandu are Korean dumplings, typically filled with meat and vegetables. They share similarities with Chinese and Japanese dumplings but possess a unique flavor and texture.

To make these dumplings, prepare a filling of ground pork or beef mixed with vegetables and seasonings. Fill circular wrappers, seal them, and either steam or boil until fully cooked. Jjinmandu is often served with a soy sauce dipping sauce.

20. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)

Kimchi Jjigae is a beloved Korean stew featuring fermented kimchi, pork, tofu, and various vegetables. It’s a traditional dish served primarily in winter, with roots tracing back to the Joseon Dynasty when families would ferment their own kimchi.

To create this dish, chop kimchi, add sliced pork and tofu, and incorporate vegetables and broth to simmer until done. The result is a hearty, spicy stew celebrating the tangy flavors of fermented kimchi.

21. Korean Fried Chicken

Korean fried chicken, popularly referred to as KFC, features a crispy, crunchy batter coated around juicy, tender chicken. A key component that sets it apart is the double-frying method, which results in its signature crunch.

After cooking, this dish comes dressed in sweet and spicy sauce made from chili paste, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. You can find Korean fried chicken almost anywhere in South Korea, making it a must-try street food.

22. Jjajangmyeon (Noodles in Black-Bean Sauce)

Jjajangmyeon is a popular Korean-Chinese dish comprising wheat noodles topped with black bean sauce and vegetables. Steamrolled into Korean culture, this dish was introduced by Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century.

Creating Jjajangmyeon starts with frying diced pork belly with onions and black bean paste. Once the vegetables soften, cooked noodles are topped with the thick, savory sauce and garnished with sliced cucumber and sesame oil for flavor.

23. Samgyetang (Chicken Ginseng Soup)

Samgyetang is a traditional Korean soup that features a whole young chicken cooked with ginseng, jujubes, and medicinal herbs. Often consumed during summer months, it’s believed to boost immunity and increase stamina.

To prepare Samgyetang, stuff a young chicken with glutinous rice and herbs, then boil in water until cooked. The resulting soup is rich and flavorful, famous throughout Korea for its delightful nutritional benefits.

Discovering South Korean Cuisine

South Korea is a culturally rich destination, and its cuisine beautifully reflects this diversity. With countless dishes to explore, the selections above represent just a few highlights. For more travel insights, feel free to delve into additional resources for planning your next adventure.