Exploring South Korea's food culture is a necessity for any traveler. The country's rich cuisine culture provides a sensory feast, ranging from lively street meals to traditional dishes. To properly understand Korean culture, you must try the local cuisine. In this article, Asia Online Tours would like to recommend 10 must-try foods that reflect the diversity and flavor of South Korean cuisine. Whether you're exploring crowded markets or dining in a cozy restaurant, these culinary delights will make your South Korea trip unforgettable. Dive into the world of Korean cuisine and discover the tastes that make this country a foodie's dream.
Great Korean food is everywhere in vibrant Seoul, from street vendors in narrow alleys to classy restaurants in 5-star hotels. Many of these dishes, once exclusive to royal families, have existed for over 2,000 years. Today, Korean food is beloved by locals and tourists alike, described as savory, spicy, hearty, and nutritious. These delights can be enjoyed any time of day. We've compiled a list of the top Korean foods in Seoul you must sample during your stay in South Korea's capital.
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You can't visit South Korea without trying their renowned spicy fermented cabbage. Kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine, comes in a variety of flavors, including classic Napa cabbage and radish kimchi. It is typically served as a side dish with almost every meal. Kimchi originated around 2,000 years ago as a way to preserve vegetables during harsh Korean winters, ensuring nutrients during the colder months.
Bowl of Kimchi - © Serious Eats
The term "kimchi" refers to a variety of fermented, pickled, or brined vegetable dishes that typically include Napa cabbage, radishes, and cucumbers. The introduction of chili peppers to Korea in the 16th century marked a watershed moment in the history of kimchi, transforming it into the spicy, tangy, and savory delight we know today.
Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish featuring a bowl of rice topped with a colorful mix of vegetables, meat (usually beef), and spicy red pepper sauce. Mix it all together for a flavorful, satisfying meal. "Bibimbap" translates to "mixed rice" in Korean and showcases Korea's diverse flavors and cultural history. With centuries-old roots, bibimbap is more than just a meal—it's a culinary masterpiece reflecting Korean gastronomy.
Bibimbap Bowl - © Taste
The dish includes rice, vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and carrots, protein such as beef, tofu, or a fried egg, and toppings like sesame seeds and gochujang (red chili paste). Each ingredient is carefully prepared and arranged in a bowl, with the true magic happening when everything is mixed just before eating.
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Tteokbokki is a favorite street food featuring spicy stir-fried rice cakes. These chewy rice cakes are drenched in a spicy red sauce and often served with fish cakes, hard-boiled eggs, and vegetables. Tteokbokki, also spelled Ddeokbokki, has roots in Korea's rich culinary history, dating back centuries. This dish features cylindrical or oval-shaped rice cakes, known as "tteok," smothered in a fiery and savory gochujang (red chili paste) sauce.
Delicious Tteokbokki Plate - © Better Homes & Gardens
While now popular as street food, its history is steeped in tradition. The basic ingredients include chewy rice cakes, gochujang sauce, and often fish cakes, vegetables, and boiled eggs. The sauce is the star, offering a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, creating a unique umami experience.
Bulgogi is marinated and grilled beef, a delicious and savory treat. You can find it in BBQ-style restaurants and fast-food joints. "Bulgogi," which translates to "fire meat" in Korean, has been captivating taste buds for centuries. Its roots trace back to the Goguryeo era (37 BC – 668 AD) when people began marinating and grilling thin slices of meat over an open flame. This early form of bulgogi laid the foundation for the dish we know today.
Bulgogi Rice Bowl - © Gather
The hallmark of bulgogi is the meticulous preparation of the meat. Thin slices of beef, typically sirloin or tenderloin, are marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. This marinade imparts a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavor to the meat. The marinated beef is then grilled, either over an open flame, on a BBQ grill, or in a skillet, resulting in tender, caramelized, and mouthwatering goodness.
Japchae, often called "Korean glass noodles," is a true gem in Korean cuisine. Its origins date back to the early 17th century during the Chosun Dynasty. Once reserved for royal banquets, japchae has evolved to become a cherished part of Korean culinary culture. The name "japchae" comes from "jap" meaning mixed, and "chae" meaning vegetables.
Vegan Japchae Plate - © Okonomi Kitchen
At its core, japchae is a harmonious blend of ingredients, with the key element being translucent and slightly chewy sweet potato glass noodles, known as "dangmyeon." Preparing japchae is an art form. The noodles are boiled and then tossed with colorful vegetables like spinach, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Thinly sliced beef adds a hearty dimension. The ingredients are seasoned with a balanced blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar, creating a symphony of sweet and savory flavors.
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Think of gimbap as Korea's answer to sushi rolls. It's made by rolling rice, vegetables, and your choice of filling (like tuna, kimchi, or bulgogi) in seaweed sheets. It's portable, making it a great option for a quick, on-the-go snack.
Bulgogi Gimbap - © Sift & Simmer
Gimbap, also known as "Korean sushi" or "kimbap," is a staple in Korean households and a popular snack for any occasion. While it resembles sushi, gimbap has its own unique history and flavor profile. One of its distinctive features is its accessibility. Unlike the intricate art of making sushi, gimbap is practical and budget-friendly, made with simple ingredients found in most Korean kitchens. The core components of gimbap include steamed rice, seasoned vegetables, and a protein, often egg, ham, or fish.
Odeng are fish cakes on skewers served in a warm, savory broth. They are a common sight at street food stalls and make for a comforting and affordable snack. Odeng is made from ground fish paste, starch, and various seasonings, shaped into different forms like long logs, and skewered onto sticks. The skewers are then cooked in a savory, umami-rich broth, absorbing its delicious flavors.
Hot Odeng Pot - © FutureDish
What sets odeng apart is its versatility. These fish cake skewers can be enjoyed in different ways. They are commonly served on skewers and enjoyed as a convenient street food snack, often dipped into a flavorful soy-based sauce. Odeng is also a popular addition to tteokbokki, a spicy rice cake dish, or served in soups and stews.
Samgyetang, or ginseng chicken soup, is a beloved Korean dish known for its nourishing properties. Typically consumed during the hottest days of the year, it helps maintain energy levels.
Hot Samgyetang Pot - © Two Plaid Aprons
The dish consists of a whole chicken stuffed with rice, garlic, jujube, and ginseng, then boiled until tender in a savory broth. This hearty soup is not only delicious but also steeped in tradition, offering a blend of flavors that reflect Korea's culinary heritage and its focus on health and wellness.
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Ganjang gejang, or crab marinated in soy sauce, is so addictive it’s often called “rice thief.” This dish is slightly tangy, tantalizingly bitter, pungent, and cold, which may surprise first-timers. The tender, subtly sweet crab meat is beautifully complemented by the rich umami flavors of the marinade, making it irresistibly delicious.
Ganjang Gejang - © Gather
However, among South Koreans, gejang has gained popularity as a main dish rather than just a side to other seafood. Its unique flavors make it a beloved part of Korean cuisine. This dish is so crave-worthy that it ensures you reach for more rice to enjoy every bite of this savory delight.
Korea boasts a wide variety of traditional liquors, with about 300 types surviving today. Notable examples include Munbaeju (pear-flavored) and Songjeolju (pine knot) in Seoul; Sanseong Soju (distilled) in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do; Hongju (red) and Leegangju (distilled) in Jeolla-do; Sogokju (rice wine) and Insamju (ginseng) in Chungcheongdo; Kyodong Beopju (rice) and Andong Soju (distilled) in Gyeongsang-do; and Okseonju (distilled) in Gangwon-do.
South Korean Liquor - © Tatler
Makgeolli, an unrefined rice wine, is popular and affordable, appealing to younger Koreans and tourists alike. Soju, a distilled liquor with a higher alcohol content, was once a luxury but became more accessible in the mid-20th century with the introduction of diluted ethanol soju.
From sizzling barbecue to cozy eateries dishing out traditional delicacies, indulge in flavors like bibimbap and kimchi jjigae. Get ready for a taste sensation unlike any other with these 5 must-try restaurants in South Korea.
1. Noryangjin Fish Market: Open since 1927, this Korea’s largest seafood markets famous for its octopus sashimi dish, features hundreds of stalls offering a wide variety of live seafood.
Address: 688 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea (near Noryangjin subway station)
Opening Hours: Open 24 hrs (High Class Fish Market)
Recommended Dishes: Sannakji, fresh seafood
2. Yeontabal BBQ Restaurant: Standout for their prime cuts of BBQ meats for bulgogi or galbi, grilled on charcoal grill.
Address: 1317-16 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea (near Gangnam subway station)
Opening Hours: 11:30AM-10PM, daily
Recommended Dishes: Grilled king beef ribs
3. Gwangjang Market: Apart from stalls selling fresh produce and seafood, the market is known for its prepared food section. Vendors offer various Korean dishes like soondae (blood sausage), kimbap (Korean sushi rolls), and tteokbokki (rice cakes).
Address: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea (near Jongno 5-ga subway station)
Opening Hours: 8:30AM-6PM, Mon-Sat
Recommended Dishes: Soondae, tteokbokki, bindaetteok, kimbap
South Korea Tradition Market - © Gather
4. Tosokchon: The restaurant has been open for over thirty years and are well-known for serving some of Seoul's best samgyetang.
Address: 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu, 서울특별시 South Korea (near Gyeongbokgung subway station)
Opening Hours: 10AM-10PM, daily
Recommended Dishes: Samgyetang
5. Jeonju Yuhalmeoni Bibimbap: This Korean restaurant, run by Grandma Yu, has been open for over forty years, and their Jeonju bibimbap is regarded as one of Seoul's most authentic.
Address: 12-2, Bukchang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea (near City Hall subway station)
Opening Hours: 11:30AM-10PM, Mon-Fri
Recommended Dishes: Jeonju bibimbap
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