From small eateries tucked away in the alleys of Seoul, to bustling markets with bright lights at night, you will always find delicious Korean dishes that will make your heart flutter. Each dish not only warms your stomach but also leaves an unforgettable aftertaste in your mind. So if this is your first time in Korea, or simply looking for a list of outstanding Korean dishes so as not to get “lost” in the culinary paradise, then the list below is just for you.
I – TRADITIONAL KOREAN DISHES YOU MUST TRY
Kimchi - An indispensable side dish in every meal in Korea. (Photo: Collected)
1. Kimchi – The Soul of Korean Cuisine
Surely you have heard of the name Kimchi, an indispensable symbol when mentioning Korean cuisine. Made from salted cabbage, fermented with garlic, chili, onion and many other spices, kimchi is not only a side dish but also plays a role as a "soul" in Korean meals. What is special is that each region has its own way of making kimchi, bringing both the local climate and culture into each piece of spicy cabbage. When eaten with hot white rice, or added to dishes such as kimchi soup or kimchi pancakes, the fermented sour and spicy taste of this dish creates a perfect balance, making anyone who tries it fall in love.
2. Bibimbap – Colorful mixed rice, harmonious flavors
If you are wondering what to eat in Korea that is both filling and nutritious, then bibimbap is definitely an option not to be missed. This famous mixed rice dish includes white rice, boiled vegetables, stir-fried beef, fried egg and Gochujang chili sauce. All are beautifully presented in a large bowl and just stir everything together, you will have a colorful and flavorful culinary experience. The combination of the sweetness of the meat, the freshness of the vegetables and the mild spiciness of the sauce makes this Korean delicacy always on the favorite list of both locals and international visitors.
3. Bulgogi – Grilled marinated beef with rich, sweet flavor
One of the most popular traditional Korean dishes for all generations is Bulgogi, marinated and grilled beef with fragrant sauce. Thinly sliced beef is marinated with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, onions, sugar and a little pureed pear to soften it, then grilled over charcoal or pan-fried. The sweet, soft taste of the meat combined with a light smoky scent creates a feeling of “both familiar and strange”, reminiscent of cozy barbecue parties in the cold weather. When you roll bulgogi with raw vegetables and dip it in a little ssamjang, you will understand why this dish always appears on the list of Korean dishes to try.
II – KOREAN STREET FOODS NOT TO BE MISSED
Odeng – A typical dish in autumn and winter in Korea. (Photo: Collected)
4. Tokbokki – Spicy rice cake that “addicts” all food lovers
If you ask locals what to eat in Korea on a cool evening, chances are the answer will be tteokbokki. This famous spicy rice cake dish is often sold along bustling streets like Myeongdong, Hongdae or traditional markets like Gwangjang. Tekbokki is cooked in a bright red sauce made from gochujang, sugar and garlic, giving it a distinctive spicy and sweet aftertaste. Biting into a soft, hot rice cake, you will understand why this is one of the most popular Korean delicacies, especially when it is cold.
5. Odeng – Hot, fragrant fish cake skewers
In the chilly weather, a steaming skewer of odeng fish cakes can warm you up instantly. This dish is usually simmered in a broth made from radish, onion and kelp, giving it a light but rich flavor. Interestingly, when you buy odeng, you often get a free cup of hot soup. This is a simple street food but has a strong Korean culinary mark, associated with students, college students and even office workers after work.
6. Gimbap – Convenient and addictive seaweed rice rolls
Although it looks like sushi, gimbap has its own unique “Korean flavor”. Rice is mixed with sesame oil, rolled with vegetables, eggs, pickled radish, sausage or canned meat and then wrapped in dried seaweed. Gimbap often appears on picnics, outings or simply as a light lunch for office workers. The flavor is light, easy to eat, not fussy but still enough to satisfy anyone wondering what to eat when going to Korea in the middle of a busy day.
7. Hotteok – Warm sweet pancake
In the winter, there’s nothing better than grabbing a piping hot hotteok, a fried pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Fresh out of the oven, the crust is crispy while the filling is oozing with sweetness. The scent of cinnamon mixed with the caramel flavor makes Korean cuisine feel warm and cozy, especially when you’re eating it on the street.
III – FAMOUS FOODS IN KOREAN MOVIES
Kimchi Jjigae – A dish that often appears in every meal in Korean movies. (Photo: Collected)
8. Korean Fried Chicken – The Fever That Never Cools Down
Korean fried chicken has long been a global phenomenon, and you won’t fully understand its appeal until you try it in your “hometown”. Unlike regular fried chicken, Korean chicken is fried twice to create a super crispy crust, while the meat remains soft and moist. The chicken is often covered with sweet and spicy sauce or creamy cheese, served with pickled radish and cold beer. This is an indispensable “national” dish whenever a group of friends gathers, especially for fans of Korean cuisine through the screen.
9. Kimchi Jjigae – Hot, flavorful kimchi soup
As one of the most typical Korean soups, kimchi jjigae is made from fermented kimchi, combined with pork belly, tofu, onions and chili. The mild sourness of kimchi blends with the sweetness of the meat to create a well-rounded flavor, very suitable for cold rainy days. This is a dish that often appears in TV dramas, making the audience curious and wanting to taste the most authentic traditional Korean dish.
10. Korean Spicy Noodles – A Taste Challenge “Spicy to the Point of Crying”
Have you ever heard of the “level 7 spicy noodles” challenge? This dish is where it comes from. Korean spicy noodles are loved for their chewy noodles, fiery red broth full of chili, and diverse toppings such as seafood, beef, eggs, and sausages. Eating them while sniffling, tearing up, and not being able to put down your chopsticks – that is the irresistible attraction of one of the most addictive Korean delicacies .
IV – KOREAN SPECIALTIES BY REGION
Naengmyeon – A very popular summer dish in Korea. (Photo: Collected)
11. Samgyetang – Nutritious ginseng chicken stew
On hot days, Koreans flock to eat samgyetang, a ginseng chicken stew that is both nutritious and refreshing. A whole chicken is stuffed with glutinous rice, jujubes, chestnuts and ginseng, stewed until the meat is tender and the broth is sweet and fragrant. This is not only a dish but also a part of the health care culture of Korean cuisine.
12. Naengmyeon – Cool cold noodles for summer days
If you’ve never had cold noodles, try naengmyeon in Korea. The noodles are made from buckwheat flour, served in an ice-cold broth and topped with eggs, pears, and sliced cucumbers. The cold sensation on your tongue mixed with the sweet and sour taste of apple cider vinegar and mustard will instantly refresh you. This is the perfect dish for hot summer days and a refreshing answer to the question “what to eat in Korea in the summer?”.
13. Grilled oysters – Busan seafood specialty
If you come to Busan and don’t try grilled oysters, it means you haven’t really “absorbed” the coastal cuisine of Korea . The plump oysters are placed on a charcoal grill with onions, garlic and special sauce. When cooked, the aroma rises, mixed with the salty taste of the sea and the richness of the oysters, will definitely make you want to eat more.
V – KOREAN DELICIOUS FOODS YOU MUST TRY WHEN TRAVELING
Hoddeok – A snack that captivates all visitors from children to the elderly. (Photo: Collected)
14. Sundubu Jjigae – Spicy Soft Tofu Soup
Another spicy soup worth trying is sundubu jjigae, soft tofu soup. This dish is bright red from chili powder, has a rich seafood broth, soft tofu, and sometimes fresh eggs. This is a simple but flavorful dish that is very popular with both locals and foreign tourists.
15. Hoddeok – Traditional Sugar Cake
Although not as popular as the main dishes, hoddeok is still a “sweet friend” on the list of must-try Korean dishes. Flattened, deep-fried and flattened, the filling of brown sugar, peanuts and cinnamon creates a feeling of both crunchy and soft, sweet and warm.
Amidst the modern and dynamic Korea, Korean cuisine still retains its own identity and cultural depth. Whether you love the long-standing traditional dishes or are attracted by the hot street food, the journey to discover Korean delicacies will surely leave you with unforgettable memories. And the next time someone asks you what to eat in Korea, you definitely have 15 names to answer, right?
Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/an-gi-o-han-quoc-15-mon-ngon-chuan-vi-v17534.aspx
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