What to Eat
South Korea is a food lover’s dream, with an array of delicious dishes that blend bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and rich history. From street food snacks to full meals, here are the must-try dishes when you visit:
🍲 Kimchi
No trip to South Korea is complete without trying kimchi—fermented cabbage with chili, garlic, and a mix of spices. It’s served with almost every meal and comes in various forms, from spicy to sweet, and it’s packed with flavor!🍜 Bibimbap
This colorful dish is a mix of rice, vegetables, meat (usually beef), a fried egg, and spicy gochujang (Korean chili paste). It’s a balanced, tasty meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Mix it all together for the full experience!🍢 Tteokbokki
One of South Korea’s most popular street foods, tteokbokki are chewy rice cakes in a sweet, spicy sauce. You’ll find it at street food stalls all over Seoul and other cities, often served with fish cakes (odeng) and boiled eggs.🥩 Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal)
If you love grilled meat, you can’t miss Korean BBQ. Samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) is one of the favorites, where you cook the meat yourself at the table and enjoy it with lettuce leaves, garlic, and dipping sauces. It’s a fun, interactive meal to share with friends!🍛 Bulgogi
Bulgogi is marinated beef that’s grilled or stir-fried, often served with rice. The marinade is sweet and savory, and the beef is tender and flavorful. It’s a popular dish for both locals and visitors.🍲 Jjigae (Stews)
Korean stews, or jjigae, are hearty and comforting. You’ll find varieties like kimchi jjigae (made with kimchi) and doenjang jjigae (a soybean paste stew). Perfect for colder days or when you need a filling meal!🍣 Kimbap
Often compared to sushi, kimbap is Korean rice wrapped in seaweed, filled with ingredients like pickled radish, spinach, egg, and sometimes beef or fish. It’s a perfect on-the-go snack, often enjoyed as a picnic meal.🍗 Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken is crispy, flavorful, and usually comes with a sweet and spicy glaze. It’s a favorite comfort food, often paired with a cold beer in a tradition known as chimaek (chicken and beer). Don’t forget to try the spicy yangnyeom version!🍩 Hotteok
For dessert, try hotteok, a sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed peanuts. It’s especially popular during the colder months and is sold at street food stalls, warm and delicious!🥚 Banchan
Banchan refers to the small side dishes that accompany most Korean meals. These can include pickled vegetables, small salads, and other items like sautéed spinach or kimchi. They add variety and flavor to every meal.
From spicy, savory dishes to sweet treats, South Korean cuisine offers something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to dive into the food culture while you’re there—it’s an experience you won’t forget! 🍴😊
