The Ultimate Traditional Korean Food Guide: 19 Foods to Try in Korea in 2024

The high time for your gastronomic adventure in Korea. Among the traditional dishes you simply must try are the,

Spicy classic Kimchi,
Sizzling Bulgogi and its vegetarian alternative Japchae,
Bright Bibimbap,
Samgyeopsal, and Tteokbokki.

Discover the tastes of Korea through its recipe, which can be both a memorable culinary journey and a delightful party with friends. Open your appetite with the 20 Korean treats listed below.

Kimchi

Korean signature cuisine is made of fermented vegetables, most commonly cabbage or radish, mixed with chili, garlic, and ginger. Tasty and nutritious.

Bulgogi

This beloved Korean dish is bulgogi, which is thinly sliced marinated beef that is grilled to perfection for a delightful and exclusive sweet and savory taste.

Bibimbap

Bibimbap was once such a dish from Korea. It is a rice bowl topped with assorted vegetables, meat, a fried egg, and red chili paste known as gochujang.

The unique combination of flavors and textures is what makes it so satisfying.

Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal is a Korean BBQ made using thick cuts of pork belly they grill in front of you.

You can eat it as Korean wraps with garlic, ssamjang, and lots of other vegetables.

Japchae

Japchae, on the other hand, refers to glass noodles stir-fried with various vegetables with beef or other proteins and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.

Tteokbokki

Korean Street Food, the spicy-sweet sauce of which is complemented by chewy rice cakes, as well as fish cakes and vegetables. Known for its addictive taste.

Jjajangmyeon

Jajangmyeon is a Korean noodle dish with large spoonful cups of thick black bean sauce and vegetables.

It can be sour and thick and is a common comfort food in Korea.

Galbi

Galbi is a somewhat quick, delicious introduction to a Korean BBQ.

Thinly sliced and marinated beef or pork ribs are grilled for a few minutes on either side (those grills are excellent).

Its flavor profile is sweet and savory.

Sundubu-jjigae

Sundubu-jjigae is a Korean style spicy stew that is made from either soft tofu, vegetables, and may contain seafood and meat too. It gives you a perfect spicy and not messy eating.

Kimbap/Gimbap

Kimbap is the Korean name of a rice roll, stuffed with various vegetables, meats, or seafood, and wrapped with seaweed. It is a portable and delicious snack or meal.

Naengmyeon

Naengmyeon is a Korean cold noodle that is typically served in a tangy broth or spicy sauce. It is renewed and ideal for summer’s high-temperature days.

Dakgalbi

A dish of spicy stir fried chicken mixed with vegetables such as cabbage and sweet potato. It is a delicious dish that originates from Chuncheon city in Korea.

Bossam

Bossam is a traditional Korean dish made with boiled pork belly, thinly sliced and wrapped in lettuce with a variety of spices.

Yukgaejang

With a rich and tasty taste, the traditional Korean soup features cut up beef and vegetables in a spicy broth. This spicy soup is easy to prepare and is a superb meal for cold days.

Mandu

Dumplings filled with meat, vegetables, or kimchi, enclosed in a thin dough such as wonton wrappers, and steamed, boiled, or fried. It is a common type of street food and starter dish.

Pajeon

Besides, Pajeon is an astounding Korean pancake that is flavored with a ton of green onion and sometimes loaded with fillings such as seafood or kimchi.

It is crusty on the outside and fluffy on the inside. It is an enjoyable snack or meal.

Gyeran-jjim

Gyeran-jjim is a typical Korean steamed egg meal and soy sauce or sesame oil is added when making.Briefly it is known as the handiest way to have comforting food for breakfast or a side dish.

Haemul Pajeon

A savory Korean pancake with fresh seafood and scallions, Haemul Pajeon is a delicious treat that is crispy pan-fried.

Hoeddeok

Hoeddeok is a sweet Korean pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Popular street food, the soul is firm outside, gooey inside.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is tteokbokki spicy?

The typical tteok-bokki purchased and eaten at bunsikjip (snack bars) and pojangmacha (street stalls) are red and spicy, while the soy sauce-based, non-spicy version is referred to as gungjung-tteok-bokki (궁중떡볶이; “royal court tteok-bokki”).

What is traditional in Korea?

Living culture includes food such as doenjang (soybean paste), kimchi, and traditional teas, as well as household goods such as hanbok (Korean traditional clothes), hanji (Korean traditional paper), red clay houses, ceramics, and potteries.

Why is Korean food famous?

Flavor is naturally a huge part of cuisine and Korean food is famous for its balanced and diverse flavors. Korean cuisine favors the mixing of sweet, salty, spicy, and savory flavors rather than dividing them into separate dishes.

What is Korea's main dish?

Traditionally the main dish of any Korean meal is rice, which is supported by soap and banchan. However, in Korean restaurants these dishes are often presented to customers as main dishes.

What is a traditional Korean meal?

A typical Hansik – Korean meal – includes: (1) rice, (2) soup/stew (3) a main dish and (4) a few banchans (side dishes).