For food lovers, South Korea is less of a culinary war and more of a delicious adventure. Every meal brings you something exciting, even if it’s grilling your own BBQ or grabbing colorful snacks from street stalls.
If you’re planning a trip, trying these foods in South Korea should be at the top of your list. You’ll find everything from hearty stews to refreshing desserts, and yes, lots of dishes you can cook right at your table.
In this guide, we’ll share the best of the best Korean dishes to try, where to find them, and how to enjoy them like a local. Get ready to explore the ultimate list of must-try foods in South Korea and turn your trip into a delicious adventure!
Must-try foods in South Korea overview:
🥢 Iconic main dishes: Korean BBQ, Bibimbap, Korean Fried Chicken, Jajangmyeon, Dakgalbi
🥘 Essential soups and stews: Kimchi Jjigae, Doenjang Jjigae, Budae Jjigae
🍢 Street food and snacks: Eomuk, Gimbap
🍲 Regional and unique delicacies: Ganjang Gejang, Yukhoe, Naengmyeon
🍧 Drinks and desserts: Soju, Bingsu
Iconic Korean dishes
1. Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal)
Korean BBQ grill experience with meats and side dishes | Photo Credit: Thành Văn Đình on Pexels
Korean BBQ or Samgyeopsal, is one of the most exciting dining experiences you can have. You grill thick slices of pork belly right at your table, then wrap them in lettuce with garlic, sauces, and veggies. It’s interactive, fun, and perfect for sharing with friends.
The smoky flavor combined with fresh toppings creates a balanced bite every time. Locals usually enjoy it with soju for the full experience. If you want to explore more, book this Gwangjang Market food tour to discover top BBQ spots.
Price range: $10–$20 (₩13,000–₩27,000) per person
Where to try: Hongdae, Itaewon, or Myeongdong BBQ restaurants
2. Bibimbap
Traditional bibimbap bowl with vegetables and egg | Photo Credit: Flickr
Bibimbap is colorful, healthy, and full of flavor. It’s a bowl of rice topped with vegetables, meat, egg, and spicy gochujang sauce. Mix everything together before eating to blend the flavors. The hot stone version (dolsot) adds a crispy rice layer at the bottom. It’s one of the most popular Korean dishes for a reason. Try to make it yourself during a local cooking experience in Seoul!
Price range: $7–$12 (₩9,000–₩16,000)
Where to try: Traditional restaurants in Insadong
3. Korean Fried Chicken
Crispy Korean fried chicken with classic side dishes | Photo Credit: Flickr
Korean fried chicken is next-level crispy and addictive. It’s double-fried for extra crunch and coated in sauces like soy garlic or spicy gochujang. It’s often served with pickled radish and cold beer. This combo is known as “chimaek” (chicken + beer). It’s perfect for late-night dining or casual hangouts. You’ll find it everywhere, especially in busy nightlife areas.
Want to level up your food trip? Join this Kyochon Chicken tour from Seoul to visit the brand’s flagship store and enjoy a guided tasting experience.
Price range: $10–$18 (₩13,000–₩24,000)
Where to try: Hongdae or Gangnam chicken spots
4. Jajangmyeon
Jajangmyeon noodles in rich black bean sauce | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Jajangmyeon is a comforting noodle dish with thick black bean sauce. It’s rich, savory, and slightly sweet. Locals often eat it on special occasions or for quick meals. The noodles are chewy, and the sauce is filled with pork and vegetables. It’s one of the classic Korean foods you must try in Seoul. Don’t forget to mix it well before eating!
Price range: $5–$8 (₩7,000–₩11,000)
Where to try: Local Chinese-Korean restaurants
5. Dakgalbi
Spicy dakgalbi with melted cheese on hot pan | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Dakgalbi is a spicy stir-fried chicken dish cooked on a large pan. It’s mixed with vegetables, rice cakes, and sometimes melted cheese. The flavors are bold, spicy, and slightly sweet. You can even add fried rice at the end for a second round. It’s a great group meal and very filling. Try it on a Seoul night market tour for a lively experience with your friends!
Price range: $8–$15 (₩11,000–₩20,000)
Where to try: Chuncheon-style restaurants or street markets
Korean soups & stews
6. Kimchi Jjigae
Hot and spicy kimchi jjigae with rice and sides | Photo Credit: Flickr
Kimchi jjigae is a must-have comfort food in Korea. It’s a spicy stew made with fermented kimchi, tofu, and pork. The longer the kimchi is fermented, the deeper the flavor. It’s usually served bubbling hot with rice on the side. This dish is simple but incredibly satisfying. It’s one of the most common traditional Korean food options.
Want to make it yourself? Join the Seoul Kimchi & culture experience and make your very own kimchi while learning about ancient Korean culture!
Price range: $6–$10 (₩8,000–₩13,000)
Where to try: Local eateries across Seoul
7. Doenjang Jjigae
Doenjang jjigae soybean paste stew with tofu | Photo Credit: Roboflow Universe
This soybean paste stew has a rich, earthy taste and is less spicy than kimchi jjigae. The broth is filled with tofu, vegetables, and sometimes seafood, making it both hearty and nourishing. You’ll often find Doenjang Jjigae served alongside BBQ meals, adding balance to grilled dishes.
Many locals enjoy it daily because it’s healthy and filling. It’s a great option if you want something mild yet satisfying.
Price range: $6–$9 (₩8,000–₩12,000)
Where to try: Traditional Korean restaurants
8. Budae Jjigae (Army Stew)
Budae jjigae army stew with noodles and sausage | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Budae jjigae is a unique mix of Korean and Western ingredients, bringing together spam, sausage, noodles, and kimchi in a spicy, comforting broth. It’s perfect for sharing with friends, especially since it’s served in a large pot. You’ll often prepare it right at your table, which makes the experience even more fun.
Price range: $10–$18 (₩13,000–₩24,000)
Where to try: Itaewon or Uijeongbu
Korean street food & snacks
9. Eomuk (Fish Cake Skewers)
Eomuk fish cake skewers in warm street broth | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Eomuk is a popular street snack, especially during the colder months. These fish cakes are served on skewers in a warm, comforting broth that’s light. It’s the kind of snack you can easily grab while walking through busy markets. Affordable and quick, it’s perfect for a mid-exploration bite. You’ll find lots of eomuk stalls to try, especially at Gwangjang Traditional Market.
Price range: $1–$3 (₩1,500–₩4,000)
Where to try: Street stalls and markets
10. Gimbap
Fresh gimbap rolls with vegetables and sesame | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Gimbap is Korea’s version of a rice roll. It’s filled with vegetables, egg, and sometimes meat or tuna. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for on-the-go meals. You’ll see it in convenience stores and markets. It’s a great snack between sightseeing stops. Many travelers include it in their must-try food list in Seoul.
Price range: $2–$5 (₩3,000–₩7,000)
Where to try: Convenience stores or markets
Regional & unique delicacies
11. Ganjang Gejang
Ganjang gejang soy marinated raw crab dish | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Ganjang gejang is raw crab marinated in soy sauce, known as a “rice thief” because it pairs so well with rice. The flavor is rich, savory, and slightly sweet, making it a standout dish for seafood lovers. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is one Korean dish worth trying at least once. It’s also considered one of the more premium popular Korean dishes, often enjoyed as a special treat.
If you want to try more types of seafood, consider joining a Busan seafood tour and dinner. You’ll get to browse fresh selections at Jagalchi Market and have your seafood cooked on the spot for a truly local experience!
Price range: $20–$40 (₩27,000–₩54,000)
Where to try: Specialty seafood restaurants
12. Yukhoe
Yukhoe Korean raw beef with egg yolk | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Yukhoe is seasoned raw beef, similar to steak tartare, and is often served with egg yolk and fresh pear slices. The flavor is light, fresh, and slightly sweet, making it surprisingly easy to enjoy. It may sound unusual at first, but it’s a favorite among locals. For the best experience, try it at trusted spots where freshness is guaranteed. One great place to sample it is Namdaemun Kalguksu Alley.
Price range: $15–$25 (₩20,000–₩34,000)
Where to try: Traditional markets or specialty spots
13. Naengmyeon
Naengmyeon cold noodles in chilled broth | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Naengmyeon is a cold noodle dish that’s perfect for hot summer days. It’s served in an icy, chilled broth that’s both refreshing and light. The noodles are chewy, and the dish is usually topped with slices of beef and a boiled egg. It’s commonly enjoyed after Korean BBQ, making it the perfect way to end your feast on a refreshing note.
Price range: $6–$10 (₩8,000–₩13,000)
Where to try: Specialty noodle restaurants
Korean drinks & desserts
14. Soju
Korean soju being poured into a shot glass | Photo Credit: Flickr
Soju is Korea’s most popular alcoholic drink, known for its smooth and slightly sweet taste. It’s easy to drink and often enjoyed during meals, especially with BBQ.
Klook tip: In Korean culture, drinking etiquette matters, so it’s customary to pour drinks for others rather than yourself.
Sharing a bottle of soju is a big part of the social dining experience. For something fun, try different flavors and find your favorite in the Seoul soju tasting experience at the distillery!
Price range: $3–$6 (₩4,000–₩8,000)
Where to try: Restaurants and convenience stores
15. Bingsu
Green tea bingsoo shaved ice dessert with red bean | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Bingsu is a shaved ice dessert topped with sweet ingredients like red bean, fresh fruit, and condensed milk. It’s incredibly refreshing, especially on hot days. The ice is finely shaved, giving it a soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect treat after a big, hearty meal. Many cafes offer creative versions, so you’ll always find something new to try.
Price range: $5–$12 (₩7,000–₩16,000)
Where to try: Cafes in Myeongdong or Hongdae
FAQs about must-try foods in South Korea
What food is famous in South Korea?
South Korea is famous for dishes like Korean BBQ, bibimbap, kimchi, and fried chicken. These are some of the most well-known must-try foods in South Korea. Street food like tteokbokki and gimbap is also very popular. Each dish offers a unique taste of Korean culture.
What traditional Korean dishes should first-time visitors try?
If you’re a first-time visitor, you should try bibimbap, kimchi jjigae, and samgyeopsal. These dishes are easy to enjoy and widely available. They also give you a good introduction to flavors used in traditional Korean food. Trying a mix of dishes is the best way to explore.
Is Korean food very spicy?
Some Korean food is spicy, but not all of it. Dishes like kimchi and tteokbokki can be quite spicy. However, many options like bulgogi or doenjang jjigae are mild. You can always ask for less spice if needed.
Where can you find the best street food in South Korea?
The best street food can be found in markets like Gwangjang Market and Myeongdong. These places are full of vendors selling fresh snacks. Night markets are also great for trying different foods in one place. Booking a food tour makes it even easier to explore.
Are vegetarian or vegan foods available in South Korea?
Yes, but options can be limited. Many dishes include meat or seafood, even in small amounts. However, temple food and some modern restaurants offer vegetarian choices. It’s helpful to check menus carefully or join guided food experiences.
Your South Korea food adventure starts here!
No matter what your taste is, the must-try foods in South Korea range from sizzling BBQ to refreshing desserts. Every dish tells a story, and every bite brings you closer to Korean culture.
So don’t just visit; taste your way through the country. Book a food tour, explore local markets, and try something new every day. Your Korean food adventure is waiting; go out and enjoy every bite!
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