Top 10 Korean Foods Every Traveler Must Try

If you travel to South Korea, you must taste the local food. Korean food is not only very tasty, but it is also truly embedded into the culture and history of the country. Whether it is sizzling barbecue, spicy stews and snacks, every dish will present a peep into the daily life and customs of the Korean people. You can discover something tasty whatever you are in: big cities or small villages.

The most ideal thing to do is to take a South Korea group tour to experience the rich food scene in South Korea. It gives you an opportunity to visit local markets, taste authentic food and even to test your skill as a cook with traditional Korean food. Eating with other tourists and natives is a fantastic chance to get closer to the culture and touch it personally. These are five Korean foods that you should add to your foodie bucket list.

Here are the Top 10 Korean Foods Every Traveler Must Try

1. Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a balanced and colorful meal that is prepared using steamed rice, which is laid on the top of various vegetables, fried egg, and seasoned meat. Before eating, it is normally combined with gochujang (spicy chili paste). Its mixture of textures and tastes is what makes it popular among locals and tourists. Bibimbap is very healthy and filling, served in a hot stone bowl or a regular bowl, and is perfect even for a novice in the world of Korean cuisine.

2. Kimchi

Kimchi is a customary side dish that is prepared using fermented cabbage and radish and seasoned using chili powder, garlic, ginger and salted seafood. Although it is usually spicy, it may vary in taste between sour to umami based on the fermentation period. Kimchi is more than a dish, as it is served with nearly every Korean meal.

3. Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal, often known as grilled pig belly, is one of Korea’s most popular barbecue meals. In Korean BBQ restaurants, diners cook big slabs of pork belly at the table, dip them in sauce, and load them into lettuce with garlic, green chile, and soybean paste. It is particularly popular to have dinner with friends or relatives.

4. Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a comfort meal, or street food, made of chewy rice cakes cooked in a sweet and spicy red pepper sauce. It is sometimes served with fish cakes, scallions, and cooked eggs to enhance the flavor. It is a spicy, flavorful, and quick snack found in food stalls across Korea. It is especially popular among students and young people who enjoy spicy cuisine and affordable street food.

5. Japchae

Japchae is a Korean stir-fry served with sweet potato starch-based glass noodles. The noodles are paired with the thinly cut vegetables, mushrooms, and pieces of beef or pork which are seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. Japchae is a popular dish that is usually eaten during special days and holidays as well as on a daily basis.

6. Sundubu-jjigae

Sundubu-jjigae is a thick soft tofu soup prepared with vegetables, shellfish, pork, and a thick red pepper broth. It is typically served boiling hot in a stone bowl alongside a bowl of rice. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth tofu is the dish’s highlight. It works best in chilly weather or when you want something spicy and hot.

7. Korean Fried Chicken

Korean fried chicken is juicy, crunchy and flavorful. In contrast to the classic fried chicken, it is typically double-fried in order to provide it with a crunchier texture, and then is covered in various sauces (such as soy garlic or spicy chili). It can be served little or big and it is common in pubs and restaurants and usually combined with a cold drink.

8. Gimbap

Gimbap is a sort of sushi roll that is distinctly Korean. Rice that has been steamed and filled with vegetables, egg and meat is rolled with seaweed and cut into small pieces. It is a snack or a meal that is easily available in convenience stores, markets and lunch boxes. Gimbap is particularly favored in picnics and traveling days because it is easy to transport and does not need reheating.

9. Bulgogi

Bulgogi is a thinly sliced beef meal served grilled or stir-fried with a sweet and salty sauce. Typically, the marinade includes soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and pepper. Bulgogi is typically served with rice, and it is soft, savory, and a popular dish in Korean homes and restaurants. It is an ideal beginning point in Korean cuisine for folks who enjoy moderate but flavorful foods.

10. Naengmyeon

Naengmyeon is a cold noodle dish served in a tangy iced soup that is ideal for eating on hot summer days. The noodles are long and chewy, made from buckwheat or sweet potato starch, and are frequently served with sliced cucumber, pear, boiled egg, and meat. Although the concept of cold noodles may be unfamiliar to some, the flavors are pleasantly refreshing and nourishing, which is especially welcome after a long day of spicy dishes.

Conclusion

Korean food is a spicy mixture of strong spices, fresh food, and cultural narration. Whether it is tasty grilled meat or sour pickled side dishes, each dish you taste contributes to your knowledge of South Korea. These food delights are not mere meals, but memories in the making and are to be shared and enjoyed.

Choose one of our Explore South Korea tours to enhance your culinary experience. Whether you eat local food at traditional markets or in fancy restaurants, the meal will take you to the heart of Korean culture. Bring your chopsticks; you’re on a delightful voyage.