Sample a variety of South Korean specialties that illustrate the culinary richness of the ginseng country, from Kimchi to Japchae, which are not only delicious but also full of cultural meaning.
South Korea is famous not only for its world-famous pop culture, but also for its culinary delights that are rich in flavor and unique in their own right.
Korean cuisine has a wide range of flavors, from spicy to sweet, and each dish is steeped in deep tradition and philosophy.
Whether you’re a fan of Korean cuisine or just looking to try it, here are 10 South Korean Foods you should try to truly experience the country’s culinary richness.
1. Kimchi
Kimchi is a traditional Korean fermented food made from vegetables, mainly mustard greens, seasoned with various spicy seasonings and left to ferment.
The fermentation process gives kimchi its distinctive sour taste and provides health benefits with its probiotic content that supports digestion. Kimchi seasoning consists of chili powder, garlic, ginger, and salted fish.
Kimchi is a side dish that is almost always present on every dining table in Korea and is a symbol of Korean cuisine that cannot be separated from their culinary identity.
Kimchi can be eaten directly with rice or used in a variety of other dishes, such as kimchi jjigae (kimchi soup) or kimchi jeon (kimchi pancakes). With its sharp, spicy, and slightly sour flavor, kimchi offers a unique and very appealing taste sensation.
2. Dakbal
Dakbal is a Korean dish made from chicken feet cooked in a spicy, sweet, and savory sauce. With the signature seasoning of gochujang (Korean chili paste), dakbal has a rich and very spicy taste.
This dish is often served as a snack or light dinner in restaurants or bars, and is very popular among spicy food lovers.
The chewy chicken feet combined with gochujang sauce give a strong and deep flavor. Usually, dakbal is served with fresh vegetables and can be enjoyed with rice or as a single dish at a dining place with friends.
3. Samgyetang
Samgyetang is a Korean chicken soup that is usually served during the summer to boost stamina. This soup is made from a whole chicken cooked with ginseng, garlic, and other herbal ingredients, often filled with sticky rice to make it more savory. Samgyetang is believed to have health benefits, especially to increase energy and vitality.
This clear, light broth is refreshing and packed with benefits. It is often enjoyed with white rice and is an ideal choice to help the body feel refreshed after a tiring day.
4. Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is one of the most popular Korean street foods, made of chewy tteok (rice cakes) cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce.
This dish has a tempting taste with a balanced combination of spicy and sweet, and the chewy texture of the tteok. Tteokbokki is often served with boiled eggs, tempura fish, and vegetables.
Tteokbokki is a snack that is perfect to enjoy during cold weather or when gathering with friends. Its delicious taste and thick sauce make it one of the most loved foods in Korea.
5. Miyeokguk
Miyeokguk is a Korean seaweed soup that is famous as a must-have food for women who have just given birth, because it is believed to have many health benefits.
This soup is made from miyeok (seaweed) cooked in beef or chicken broth. This soup is rich in nutrients and is believed to help recovery after giving birth, as well as providing benefits for the skin and digestion.
Miyeokguk has a light and refreshing taste, with the savory broth combined with the chewy texture of the seaweed. This dish is often eaten with white rice and is a comforting and nutritious choice.
6. Hweori Gamja
Hweori Gamja is a Korean snack made from fried potatoes that are shaped into spirals. After being fried, hweori gamja is sprinkled with powdered sugar, giving it a pleasant sweet and savory taste. This snack is often found at night markets or festivals in Korea.
Hweori Gamja has a crunchy texture on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a favorite of many, especially children. Its unique taste and creative way of serving make it a fun snack to enjoy anytime.
7. Kimbap
Kimbap is a dish similar to Japanese sushi, but does not use raw fish. Kimbap is made from rice seasoned with vinegar and salt, then rolled with ingredients such as beef, eggs, spinach, and carrots, wrapped in seaweed sheets. Although similar to sushi, kimbap emphasizes cooked ingredients.
Kimbap is perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or as a light snack. Its balanced taste of savory, sweet, and slightly salty makes it a favorite choice for many in Korea.
8. Jajangmyeon
Jajangmyeon is a Korean noodle dish served with a black soy sauce made from chunjang (black soybean paste), cooked with pork and vegetables such as onions, potatoes, and zucchini. Jajangmyeon has a rich, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavor, making it a very filling dish.
This dish is often eaten with fresh cucumber slices on top for freshness. Jajangmyeon is a favorite dish enjoyed by Korean families and is very popular in noodle restaurants.
9. Bibimbap
Bibimbap is a very famous dish in Korea consisting of rice served with various vegetables such as carrots, spinach, bean sprouts, and a fried egg on top.
All of these ingredients are then mixed with gochujang (Korean chili paste) and sesame oil before being eaten. Bibimbap has a combination of spicy, sweet, savory, and slightly nutty flavors from the sesame oil.
Bibimbap is considered a healthy dish because it is rich in vegetables and protein. It is very popular as a nutritious and flavorful lunch or dinner option.
10. Japchae
Japchae is a Korean noodle dish made from chewy sweet potato starch noodles. These noodles are cooked with various vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and mushrooms, as well as cooked beef.
All of these ingredients are then cooked in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Japchae is often served at celebrations or family events.
The savory and slightly sweet taste of japchae with the chewy texture of the noodles makes it a dish that is very popular with many people in Korea. Japchae is perfect to be served as a side dish or main dish in various events.
With these 10 signature South Korean dishes, you can explore the diversity of flavors that Korean cuisine has to offer. From mouth-watering spicy food to healthy dishes, every dish in South Korea has its own unique characteristics that will delight your taste buds.
Be sure to try them all and consider bringing back some Typical South Korea Souvenirs to experience the authentic taste of one of the world’s most popular culinary countries!
