10 foods you must try while traveling in Korea, recommended by locals

1. Korean BBQ (Gogigui)

Korean BBQ is a popular dining experience in Korea where diners cook thin slices of meat, typically beef, on a grill placed at their table. The most common meats used are marinated beef such as bulgogi and galbi. Diners typically cook the meat themselves and wrap it in a lettuce or perilla leaf with a variety of side dishes called banchan, such as kimchi, pickled vegetables, and dipping sauces.

A Simple Korean BBQ Pork Rib Recipe from the master artisan

2. Kimchi

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made by fermenting Napa cabbage or other vegetables with a blend of spices, including chili pepper, ginger, and garlic. It is an essential part of the Korean diet and is served with almost every meal. In addition to its delicious flavor, kimchi is also known for its health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting the immune system.

Korean Kimchi Recipes from Local Master Artisan

3. Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a popular Korean rice dish that consists of a bowl of warm white rice topped with a variety of seasoned vegetables, such as sauteed mushrooms, carrots, and bean sprouts, as well as a sunny-side-up egg and sliced beef. The dish is mixed together with gochujang, a spicy red pepper paste, before eating. The ingredients are usually served in separate portions so that the diners can mix them together to their liking.

Top-Delicious Korean Bibimbap Recipes from a local artisan

4. Japchae

Japchae is a popular Korean noodle dish made with sweet potato noodles stir-fried with a mixture of vegetables, such as spinach, onions, and carrots, as well as beef or other meats. The dish is flavored with a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar to create a sweet and savory flavor. Japchae is often served as a side dish or as an appetizer at Korean dinner parties.

5. Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food made from cylindrical rice cakes stir-fried in a spicy sauce made from gochujang. The dish is often served with boiled eggs and fried fish cakes, making it a satisfying and flavorful snack. Tteokbokki is widely available at street vendors and small restaurants throughout Korea.

6. Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal is a type of Korean grilled pork belly, which is a popular dish in Korea. The meat is usually grilled on a hot plate or griddle at the table, and diners often wrap it in a lettuce leaf with a variety of side dishes, such as kimchi and grilled garlic. Samgyeopsal is typically served with a variety of dipping sauces and can be enjoyed as a main course or as part of a larger meal.

7. Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage)

Sundae is a traditional Korean sausage made from a mixture of pig's blood, noodles, and various seasonings. The mixture is stuffed into a casing and boiled or steamed. Sundae is often served as a side dish with a variety of dipping sauces and is also a popular snack food in Korea.

8. Bulgogi

Bulgogi is a popular Korean dish made from thin slices of marinated beef, typically sirloin or rib eye, that are stir-fried or grilled. The meat is usually marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and a variety of other seasonings, which gives it a sweet and savory flavor. Bulgogi is often served with a variety of side dishes and is considered a classic Korean dish.

9. Seolleongtang

Seolleongtang is a traditional Korean soup made from boiling ox bones for hours to extract the flavor and collagen. The result is a milky, slightly salty broth that is usually served with sliced beef and green onions. The broth is typically mild in flavor, but diners can add salt, pepper, or red pepper paste to taste. Seolleongtang is a popular breakfast food in Korea, and it is known for its warming and nourishing properties.

10. Hotteok

Hotteok is a popular Korean street food that consists of a sweet, chewy dough filled with a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. The dough is flattened and then fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey filling. Hotteok is a popular snack in Korea and is often sold at street vendors and small shops. It is best enjoyed warm and is a popular treat during the colder months.

Characteristics of Korean food

Korean cuisine is known for its bold flavors, use of spices, and emphasis on balance and variety in each meal. 

Fermentation

Fermented foods, such as kimchi, are a staple in Korean cuisine. Fermentation involves using beneficial bacteria to preserve food and enhance its flavor. In Korean cuisine, fermented foods are not only used as condiments but are also included in many dishes as an ingredient, adding a tangy and pungent flavor. Additionally, fermented foods are rich in probiotics and offer numerous health benefits, such as improved digestion and a boosted immune system.

Bold Flavors

Korean cuisine is known for its bold and intense flavors, which are achieved through the use of a variety of spices and seasonings. These flavors are often bold and spicy, with chili pepper being a common ingredient in many dishes. Other spices and seasonings that are commonly used in Korean cuisine include ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, which add depth and complexity to dishes.

Grilling

Grilling is a popular cooking method in Korean cuisine and is often enjoyed as an interactive dining experience. Foods are cooked over a hot flame, which adds a smoky and charred flavor to meats and vegetables. Korean BBQ is a popular dish that involves grilling meat, such as beef, pork, and chicken, and serving it with a variety of dipping sauces and sides.

Balance and Variety

Korean cuisine places a strong emphasis on balance and variety in each meal. A typical Korean meal will typically include a combination of rice, vegetables, meat, and soup, with each dish offering a different flavor and texture. This balance of flavors and textures is believed to promote health and wellness. Additionally, the variety of dishes in a Korean meal allows diners to enjoy a range of flavors and textures, which makes the meal more interesting and satisfying.

Soup and Stews

Soup and stews are an important part of Korean cuisine, with many dishes being served with a hearty broth or a warming stew. These dishes are often enjoyed during the colder months and are known for their comforting and nourishing properties. Some popular soups and stews in Korean cuisine include Seolleongtang, a milky ox bone soup, and Doenjang jjigae, a hearty soybean paste stew.

Noodle Dishes

Noodle dishes are also a popular part of Korean cuisine, with dishes such as Japchae and Naengmyeon being enjoyed by diners. Noodles can be served cold, in a soup, or stir-fried, and are often flavored with a mixture of sauces and spices. Noodle dishes in Korean cuisine offer a variety of textures and flavors, from the chewy texture of buckwheat noodles in Naengmyeon to the stir-fried sweetness of Japchae.

Wouldn't Korean food be spicy for foreigners?

Not necessarily. While Korean cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, not all dishes are heavily spiced. Some Korean dishes are mild and have a balanced flavor profile that includes a mixture of sweet, salty, and sour tastes. Additionally, many Korean restaurants offer a range of spice levels and allow customers to customize the level of heat in their dishes. So, while some Korean dishes can be spicy, there are also many options for those who prefer milder flavors. It's always a good idea to communicate your preference for spice level with the server or chef when ordering Korean food.