If you're planning a trip to South Korea, you're in for a treat! Korean traditional food is as rich and diverse as its culture, offering a unique blend of flavors, textures, and history. Even if you’re a foodie or just curious about the cuisine, you'll find that the country's traditional dishes are some of the most flavorful in the world.
From spicy stews to savory pancakes, there’s something for everyone. In this blog, we'll look into the top Korean traditional foods you absolutely must try during your visit. Get ready to take on a delicious adventure through Korea’s vibrant food scene!
Eating your way through South Korea
1. Kimchi: Korea's iconic fermented dish 🥬
A close-up of kimchi garnished with sesame seeds | Photo Credit: Frames For Your Heart on Unsplash
Kimchi is the crown jewel of Korean traditional food. This famous dish is made from fermented vegetables, primarily cabbage and radishes, seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and other spices. The fermentation process gives kimchi its distinct, tangy flavor, and it's often served as a side dish with almost every Korean meal.
Why try it? Kimchi isn’t just a staple in Korean meals; it’s also good for your health. Full of probiotics, it aids digestion and boosts your immune system. Every region in Korea has its own version, from spicier to milder, making it a must-try at any restaurant you visit.
🥢Where to try: Visit a traditional Korean restaurant or even take a kimchi culture experience in Seoul to learn how to make your own!
🗒️Price point: USD $10 to $20 for a serving at a restaurant
2. Bibimbap: a flavorful rice bowl 🍲
A bowl of bibimbap with colorful vegetables and a fried egg | Photo Credit: Jakub Kapusnak on Unsplash
Bibimbap, literally meaning "mixed rice," is a classic Korean dish made by combining rice, a variety of vegetables, a fried egg, and spicy gochujang (Korean chili paste). It’s usually served in a hot stone bowl, where the rice forms a crispy layer at the bottom, adding an extra crunch to the dish.
Why try it? Bibimbap is a perfect blend of flavors—savory, spicy, and tangy—all in one bowl. It's usually considered a balanced meal because it includes proteins, vegetables, and carbohydrates, all mixed together with the savory chili paste.
🥢Where to try: You can find bibimbap at any Korean restaurant, but if you want to learn more about making it, you can take a Korean traditional food class with rural farmers.
🗒️Price point: USD $12 to $18 for a regular serving
3. Bulgogi: sweet and savory grilled beef 🥩
A plate of bulgogi with rice and vegetables | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Bulgogi is one of the most popular Korean traditional dishes and is made by marinating thin slices of beef in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and pepper before grilling. The result is a tender, juicy, and slightly sweet beef that’s perfect with a bowl of rice.
Why try it? If you’re a fan of grilled meats, bulgogi is a must. The marinade gives the beef a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. It’s also a versatile dish, often served with a side of vegetables or in a lettuce wrap, making it both healthy and delicious.
🥢Where to try: This dish is commonly found at Korean BBQ restaurants. You can also try a food tasting tour in Seoul to sample bulgogi and other dishes while exploring Namdaemun Market.
🗒️Price point: USD $15 to $30 at a BBQ restaurant
4. Japchae: stir-fried glass noodles 🍜
Stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables and beef | Photo Credit: GoodEats YQR on Unsplash
Japchae is a dish made from stir-fried glass noodles, vegetables, and beef or chicken, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s a popular Korean side dish but is also eaten as a main course during celebrations and festivals.
Why try it? Japchae gives a unique texture thanks to the chewy glass noodles. The mix of vegetables and meat, all seasoned with a savory sauce, makes it a light yet satisfying dish. It’s often served at family gatherings and special occasions, so you know it’s a beloved dish.
🥢Where to try: Check out a local Korean eatery or join a K-Food cooking class where you can cook japchae along with tteokbokki and mandu!
🗒️Price point: USD $8 to $15 for a regular serving
5. Samgyeopsal: Korean grilled pork belly 🥓
Grilled pork belly with side dishes and dipping sauces | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Samgyeopsal is a popular Korean BBQ dish where thick slices of pork belly are grilled at the table, then eaten with a dipping sauce and wrapped in lettuce leaves with garlic, chili, and a dollop of ssamjang (a thick, spicy paste).
Why try it? Samgyeopsal is more than just a meal; it’s an experience! The fun of grilling your own meat at the table adds to the enjoyment. The flavor of the crispy pork belly, combined with fresh vegetables, is mouthwatering.
🥢Where to try: Head to any Korean BBQ restaurant, or even try a Changgyeong Palace night tour where you can taste samgyeopsal along with other treats.
🗒️Price point: USD $20 to $35 per person for a full BBQ experience
6. Tteokbokki: spicy rice cakes 🌶️
A dish of spicy rice cakes in a red sauce | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Tteokbokki is a favorite street food in Korea. It’s made from chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy, sweet sauce made from gochujang. Usually served with fish cakes and boiled eggs, this dish is both comforting and filling.
Why try it? Tteokbokki is spicy and sweet, providing a perfect balance of flavors. It’s one of those snacks that locals love to eat on the go, and it’s also very affordable. It’s the perfect pick-me-up after a long day of sightseeing.
🥢Where to try: You can find tteokbokki at street vendors across Korea or join a Gwangjang Market food tour to try it at different markets.
🗒️Price point: USD $5 to $10 for a serving
7. Soju and Makgeolli: traditional Korean alcoholic beverages 🍶
Bottles of soju next to a plate of grilled meat with vegetables | Photo Credit: Flickr
No meal in Korea is complete without a glass of soju or makgeolli. Soju is a clear, distilled liquor made from rice or barley, while makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine that’s milky and slightly sweet.
Why try it? These drinks are a big part of Korean culture, usually enjoyed with meals or during celebrations. If you enjoy trying local beverages when traveling, a soju and makgeolli tasting experience will give you insight into Korean drinking culture while tasting some delicious brews.
🥢Where to try: Take part in a traditional soju and makgeolli tasting session in Seoul, or visit a local restaurant that offers these drinks with your meal.
🗒️Price point: A glass of soju at a restaurant can cost around USD $5 to $10.
FAQs about Korean traditional food
What is the traditional food of Korea?
Korean traditional food has a wide variety of dishes, but some of the most iconic include kimchi, bibimbap, bulgogi, and tteokbokki. These dishes are made with fresh ingredients and distinctive spices, offering bold flavors that are unique to Korean cuisine.
What is the most popular Korean food?
While it's tough to pick just one, bibimbap is probably one of the most popular Korean dishes worldwide. This flavorful rice bowl with vegetables, a fried egg, and spicy gochujang is both delicious and nutritious, making it a favorite for many.
What is Korea's national dish?
Kimchi is often considered Korea's national dish. It’s a fermented vegetable dish, commonly made with cabbage or radishes, and served as a side with nearly every meal in Korea. The bold flavors of kimchi are loved by Koreans and visitors alike.
Which dish is famous in South Korea?
One of the most famous dishes in South Korea is bulgogi. This sweet and savory grilled beef is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. Bulgogi is a must-try dish when visiting Korea.
Start your food journey in Korea today! 🇰🇷
Ready to dive into the world of Korean traditional food? If you're enjoying kimchi for the first time or sitting down to a sizzling hot plate of bulgogi, there's something magical about Korean cuisine that will leave you wanting more.
Don’t forget to check out the unique culinary experiences available through Klook, and make your Korean food adventure unforgettable. Start planning your trip today and discover the tastes of Korea!
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