Top 7 Korean Spring Food You Must Try!

Korea in spring is unlike any other! You'll be welcomed with cherry blossoms blooming with colours and roads covered in cotton candy pink. And the overall vibes? It’s just 🌸 giving 🌸. At this time, both locals and tourists are switching to spring food to better match the warmer temperature and remain refreshed while enjoying the spring views.

So, let’s find out which foods you need to try if you are planning to go to South Korea in spring!

In springtime, Koreans embrace mouthwatering dishes with a fun twist on tradition! As the weather gets warmer, comfort food takes the stage. Fresh fruits and veggies burst onto the scene, adding vibrant flavours to their banchan (side dishes) and main courses. And let's not forget the irresistible Korean snacks that'll take your tastebuds on a joyous ride!

Bingsu is a traditional food in South Korea, and it’s the perfect dessert to cool you down!

It’s made of finely shaved ice from milk and cream, and you can top it off with red beans, fresh fruits, chocolates, and honey, and you know you have an infinite choice of toppings. But we highly recommend trying the strawberry flavour. This sweet treat is one of the most popular flavours during spring because it’s in season.

Don’t forget to bring this if you plan to picnic under the picture-perfect cherry trees!

Planning a springtime trip to Korea? Here’s a complete guide to the best spring in South Korea!

Who doesn’t love Orion choco pies? It’s a must-try food in Korea that's oozing with chocolate filling! But what makes this Korean snack extra special is that they release limited edition flavours in spring. Get ready for a fruity adventure and get your hands on Pistachio and Berry, Apple and Mango, Fresh Cream Pie Berry, and Strawberry Banana.

Looking for the ideal spring food you can bring back home to your loved ones? Choco pie it is!

You have probably heard of this classic Korean snack from South Korea; it’s the Binggrae banana milk.

But in springtime, they also launch a limited-edition flavour. You need to try the delicious blend of lychee peach milk! This got so popular on social media that if you want to buy one, you’ll have to go through manyyy convenience stores.

It’s milky and refreshing and just perfect if you need a light drink after a tiring day of strolling around from your tour.

What better way to celebrate this season of renewal than with a steaming hot bowl of Bibimbap?

Packed with fresh veggies like cucumber, bean sprouts, and carrots, bibimbap is the ultimate spring food. As the weather warms up, the spicy gochujang sauce adds a zesty kick that complements the blooming energy of spring. 

Go visit the Gwangjang Market and grab your chopsticks—your taste buds will thank you!

Spicy Grilled Baby Octopus, or as locals would call jjukkumi, is the star of the show in spring in Korea! The cute little octopuses are marinated in a spicy sauce made with gochujang and grilled to perfection to make them juicier and tender.

One of the ways that Koreans like to enjoy jjukkumi is to eat it with samgyeopsal and tteokbokki, and we suggest you try them, too! It creates mouth-watering flavours that capture the essence of the season.

Get ready to elevate your springtime feast with this oh-so-good spring food, and don't miss other seafood dishes on the Busan Seafood Tour!

By the way, here are more fun things to do in Busan!

Enter samgyetang or ginseng chicken soup, another tasty Korean spring food. We know… You’re probably thinking, “Who eats soup in this warm weather?”. Let us tell you why.

This hearty soup is famous in the spring and summer seasons and is typically made with chicken, ginseng, jujubes, glutinous rice, and garlic. So it's not just a meal; it's a potion of vitality! Samgyetang is believed to help replenish the nutrients lost from sweating during hot summer days and warmer spring ones, so many Koreans opt to enjoy this dish.

Try it before you judge it!

Did you really go to Korea without trying Chimaek?

Beer and fried chicken go so well together that this combo has developed into a national favourite; they are especially perfect for picnics along the Han River with your mates! The combination started to gain popularity in the early 2000s, thanks to K-dramas, and now there are many different restaurants along the river that offer other variations.

Chimaek is the undisputed champion of spring food in Korea!

Korean snacks and spring food are just a few of the many reasons why you should plan a trip to South Korea in the spring! From savoury meals like bibimbap to sweet treats like choco pies, these foods capture the essence of spring with their colourful ingredients and lively flavours. Whether enjoyed during a picnic by the Han River or at a bustling street food market, South Korea spring cuisine is sure to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression of joy and deliciousness.

Are you a first-timer in Seoul? Don’t forget to check out the ultimate Seoul travel guide!