10 Best South Korean Foods You Should Try - AVG Travels Australia

10 Best South Korean Foods You Should Try

December 17, 2024

A typical Korean meal features a bowl of rice, soup or stew, and various side dishes as accompaniments. However, within this simple framework lies an incredible variety of dishes to suit every season and taste. Koreans incorporate various ingredients, from wild greens and flower leaves to seaweed, jellyfish, and all kinds of meat and poultry prepared in diverse ways. While they have countless methods for pickling vegetables and wild greens to ensure long-term storage, they also enjoy raw fish and raw meat dishes. Scroll down to find 10 iconic South Korean foods you should try during your trip.

Kimchi 

This iconic South Korean dish has a history spanning over 2,000 years, originating during the Shilla Dynasty. Kimchi is made from Korean cabbage, radish, pumpkin, onion, ginger, and scallion, combined with chilli powder, crushed garlic, and salted seafood, and then left to ferment.

Kimchi - the iconic South Korean food

Kimchi – the national food of South Korea

With over 200 variations found in Seoul alone, this traditional food is enjoyed alone, paired with white rice, or incorporated into porridges, soups, and rice cakes. Kimchi also serves as the foundation for many other dishes, such as the kimchi stew (Kimchi jjigae), the kimchi pancake (Kimchijeon), and kimchi fried rice.

Bibimbap

Bibimbap is another must-try when visiting South Korea. This hearty and nutritious dish is widely found in restaurants, food courts, and street markets. Depending on the region and ingredients, bibimbap can be prepared as either a meat-based or vegetarian option.

The classic version features warm rice topped with a mix of vegetables, beef or chicken, and a raw egg, seasoned with soy sauce and a dollop of chilli pepper paste. For seafood enthusiasts, there is Hoedeopbap, a variation that swaps the meat for raw seafood like salmon, tuna, or octopus.

A typical bowl of Bibimbap

A typical bowl of Bibimbap

Tteokbokki – one of the must-try South Korean foods

Tteokbokki is a classic South Korean food made with thick slices of boiled rice cake, known as Garaetteok, combined with fish cake, onions, minced garlic, salt, sugar, and assorted vegetables. All stir-fried in a sweet, red chilli sauce. Featuring a vibrant red-orange hue, this popular snack is a staple of street vendors and small snack bars.

Over the years, Tteokbokki has evolved into a beloved dish with numerous variations. Why not try a version with gooey cheese or savour the flavours of black bean sauce? For those with a milder palate, the cream can be added to create a rich and creamy rose tteokbokki.

A bowl of Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki – the chewy rice cakes cooked in a red, spicy broth

>>> Discover more: Top places to visit in South Korea

Bulgogi

Bulgogi features thin slices of marinated beef sirloin cooked with sliced onions, green peppers, and garlic over a charcoal burner, giving it a distinctive smoky flavour. Before cooking, the beef is marinated for 2 to 4 hours in a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, garlic, onions, ginger, and sugar to enhance its flavour and tenderness.

Typically served with leafy vegetables such as lettuce or spinach, diners use these greens to wrap the cooked meat, often paired with ssamjang (a spicy soybean paste) and kimchi.

Bulgogi - a popular South Korean BBQ dish

Bulgogi, a popular South Korean BBQ dish

Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal is a beloved Korean dish that is simple to prepare. It features thick slices of pork belly grilled directly at the dining tables. The cooked pork is then wrapped in lettuce or sesame leaves. It will be served with dipping sauces and accompaniments such as button mushrooms, green chilli peppers, green onions, raw onions, garlic, and kimchi.

A favourite among young working adults, Samgyeopsal is often enjoyed with one or two shots of soju. It is an ideal meal to share with friends while in South Korea.

Samgyeopsal aka grilled pork belly

‘Samgyeopsal + soju’ picked as best Korean meal for foreigners

Korean fried chicken

Korean fried chicken offers a unique twist on the classic American fast food. Unlike its Western counterpart, the chicken is coated in a sweet and spicy sauce before being double-fried in vegetable oil. Some eateries even mix green pepper into the batter for a spicy kick.

This method gives the meat a special sweetness inside, while the thin, crispy coating remains crunchy and low in grease. This South Korean dish can be a favourite late-night snack and is often paired with beer for the perfect indulgence.

Korean fried chicken

Korean fried chicken is one of the most famous South Korean foods

Japchae

Japchae is one of Korea’s most cherished dishes. This savoury and slightly sweet noodle dish can be enjoyed alone or as a side dish accompanying a main course. At its heart, Japchae consists of three main components: noodles, vegetables, and meat. The choice of specific ingredients allows for endless variations, making it easy to customise to individual preferences.

Traditionally, Japchae is a celebratory dish, often served on birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t whip up a plate of Japchae on a regular weeknight—it’s perfect for any meal of the day.

the traditional South Korean food of Japchae

Japchae is often served during Korean festive holidays and special occasions 

>>> Discover more: Must-knows and must-dos in South Korea

Fish cake soup (Odeng) – a beloved South Korean food you must try

Fish cake soup (Odeng) is one of Korea’s most classic and traditional street foods. Made from ground fish mixed with seasonings, vegetables, flour, and starch. It is often enjoyed with Tteokbokki, especially during the cooler fall and winter months.

Street vendors across Korea commonly serve Odeng on skewers, making it easy to eat. The accompanying hot broth is served in cups, perfect for sipping to stay warm in chilly weather.

Fish cake soup

Fish cake soup – a must-try street food in South Korea

Soju

Soju is South Korea’s most iconic and widely consumed alcoholic beverage, with the average Korean reportedly drinking 53 bottles annually. Modern commercial Soju is typically a neutral spirit blended with sweeteners, with an alcohol content ranging from 12% to 20% ABV.

Traditionally, Soju is made by fermenting grains such as wheat, barley, or rice, but it can also be made with other starchy ingredients like sweet potatoes or tapioca. Variations include Soju distilled from corn, Korean plums, grapes, or pine needles, showcasing its versatility.

Soju appears in daily meal

Soju is an indispensable part of South Korean after-work parties

Makgeolli

Makgeolli is Korea’s traditional alcohol, often referred to as a farmer’s liquor. It was easily made at home by fermenting rice, nuruk (a natural fermentation starter), and water. The fermentation takes one to two weeks, after which it is lightly filtered and ready to enjoy.

Traditionally, it is served in a copper-coloured aluminium tea kettle and poured into wide rice bowls made of the same material. These broader vessels not only enhance the aroma of the makgeolli but also honour the drink’s rice-based origins.

Makgeolli

Makgeolli – one of the earliest alcoholic drinks in Korea

South Korean foods are a delightful mix of bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and unique preparations. From hearty stews to vibrant street food, every meal reflects the country’s rich culinary heritage. Don’t miss the chance to savour these incredible flavours during your trip to South Korea!

>>> View our South Korea tours here

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