What to eat in Korea? 15 delicious dishes you can't miss

If someone asks you "What to eat in Korea to fully experience the culture here?", you will surely find yourself confused among countless attractive options. Korean cuisine has long been not only about delicious dishes, but also about the story of people, of seasons, and of traditions passed down from generation to generation. It is not an exaggeration to say that the culinary experiences in the land of kimchi are an indispensable part of every journey to explore Korea.

From small eateries tucked away in the alleys of Seoul, to bustling markets lit up at night, you will always find delicious Korean dishes that will make your heart flutter. Each dish not only warms your stomach but also leaves an unforgettable aftertaste in your mind. So if this is your first time in Korea, or you are simply looking for a list of outstanding Korean dishes so as not to get “lost” in the culinary paradise, then the list below is just for you.

I – TRADITIONAL KOREAN DISHES YOU MUST TRY

Kimchi - An indispensable side dish in every meal in Korea. (Photo: Collected)

  1. Kimchi – The soul of Korean cuisine

Surely you have heard of the name Kimchi, an indispensable symbol when mentioning Korean cuisine. Made from salted cabbage, fermented with garlic, chili, onion and many other spices, kimchi is not only a side dish but also plays a role as a "soul" of Korean meals. What is special is that each region has its own way of making kimchi, bringing the local climate and culture into each piece of spicy cabbage. When eaten with hot white rice, or added to dishes such as kimchi soup or kimchi pancakes, the fermented sour and spicy taste of this dish creates a perfect balance, making anyone who tries it fall in love.

2. Bibimbap – Mixed rice with colors and flavors

If you are wondering what to eat in Korea that is both filling and nutritious, then bibimbap is definitely an option not to be missed. This famous mixed rice dish includes white rice, boiled vegetables, stir-fried beef, fried egg and Gochujang chili sauce. All are presented eye-catchingly in a large bowl and just stir everything together, you will have a colorful and flavorful culinary experience. The combination of the sweetness of the meat, the freshness of the vegetables and the mild spiciness of the sauce makes this Korean delicacy always on the favorite list of both locals and international tourists.

3. Bulgogi – Grilled marinated beef with rich, sweet flavor

One of the traditional Korean dishes that has been loved by all generations is Bulgogi, a fragrant marinated and grilled beef. Thinly sliced ​​beef is marinated with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, onions, sugar and a little pureed pear to soften it, then grilled over charcoal or pan-fried. The sweet, soft taste of the meat combined with a light smoky scent creates a feeling of “both familiar and strange”, reminiscent of cozy barbecue parties in the cold weather. When you roll bulgogi with raw vegetables and dip it in a little ssamjang, you will understand why this dish always appears on the list of Korean dishes to try.

II – KOREAN STREET FOODS NOT TO BE MISSED

Odeng – A typical autumn and winter dish in Korea. (Photo: Collected)

  4. Tokbokki – Spicy rice cakes that are “addictive” to all food lovers

If you ask the locals what to eat in Korea on a cool evening, the answer will most likely be tteokbokki. This famous spicy rice cake dish is often sold along bustling streets like Myeongdong, Hongdae or traditional markets like Gwangjang. Tteokbokki is cooked in a bright red sauce made from gochujang chili paste, sugar and garlic, giving it a distinctive spicy and sweet aftertaste. Biting into a piece of soft, hot rice cake, you will understand why this is one of the most popular Korean delicacies, especially when it is cold.

5. Odeng – Hot, fragrant fish cake skewers

In the chilly weather, a steaming skewer of odeng fish cakes can warm you up immediately. This dish is usually simmered in a broth made from radish, onion and kelp, giving it a light but rich flavor. Interestingly, when you buy odeng, you often get a free cup of hot soup. This is a simple street food but has a strong Korean culinary mark, associated with students, college students and office workers after work.

6. Gimbap – Convenient and addictive seaweed rice rolls

Although it looks like sushi, gimbap has a very unique “Korean flavor”. Rice is mixed with sesame oil, rolled with vegetables, eggs, pickled radish, sausage or canned meat and then wrapped in dried seaweed. Gimbap often appears in picnics, outings or simply as a light lunch for office workers. The flavor is light, easy to eat, not fussy but still enough to satisfy anyone wondering what to eat when going to Korea in the middle of a busy day.

7. Hotteok – Warm sweet pancake

In the winter, there’s nothing better than grabbing a piping hot hotteok, a fried pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Fresh out of the oven, the outer layer is crispy while the inside is oozing with sweetness. The scent of cinnamon mixed with the caramel flavor of the sugar makes Korean cuisine feel warm and cozy, especially when you eat it on the street.

III – FAMOUS DISHES IN KOREAN MOVIES

Kimchi Jjigae – A dish that regularly appears in every meal in Korean movies. (Photo: Collected)

8. Korean Fried Chicken – The Fever That Never Cools Down

Korean fried chicken has long been a global phenomenon, and you will not fully understand its appeal until you enjoy it directly in your “homeland”. Unlike regular fried chicken, Korean chicken is fried twice to make the outer layer super crispy, while the meat remains soft and moist. The chicken is often covered with sweet and spicy sauce or creamy cheese, served with pickled radish and cold beer. This is an indispensable “national” dish whenever a group of friends gathers, especially for fans of Korean cuisine through the screen.

9. Kimchi Jjigae – Hot, flavorful kimchi soup

As one of the most typical Korean soups, kimchi jjigae is made from fermented kimchi, combined with pork belly, tofu, onions and chili. The mild sour taste of kimchi blends with the sweetness of the meat to create a well-rounded flavor, very suitable for cold rainy days. This is a dish that often appears in TV dramas, making the audience curious and wanting to taste the most authentic traditional Korean dish.

10. Korean Spicy Noodles – Challenge your taste buds to “spicy enough to make you cry”

Have you ever heard of the “level 7 spicy noodles” challenge? This dish is where it comes from. Korean spicy noodles are loved for their chewy noodles, fiery red broth full of chili and diverse toppings such as seafood, beef, eggs, sausages. Eating while sniffling, tearing up and not being able to put down your chopsticks – that is the irresistible attraction of one of the most addictive Korean delicacies .

IV – KOREAN SPECIALTIES BY REGION

Naengmyeon – A very popular summer dish in Korea. (Photo: Collected)

11. Samgyetang – Nutritious ginseng chicken stew

On hot days, Koreans flock to eat samgyetang, a ginseng chicken stew that is both nutritious and refreshing. A whole chicken is stuffed with glutinous rice, jujubes, chestnuts and ginseng, stewed until the meat is tender and the broth is sweet and fragrant. This is not only a dish but also a part of the health care culture of Korean cuisine.

12. Naengmyeon – Cool cold noodles for summer days

If you have never had cold noodles, try naengmyeon in Korea. Noodles made from buckwheat flour, served in an ice-cold broth and served with eggs, pears, and sliced ​​cucumbers. The cold sensation on the tip of your tongue mixed with the sweet and sour taste of apple cider vinegar and mustard will instantly refresh you. This is the perfect dish for hot summer days and a refreshing answer to the question “what to eat in Korea in the summer?”.

13. Grilled oysters – Busan seafood specialty

Coming to Busan without trying grilled oysters is like not really experiencing Korean coastal cuisine . The plump oysters are placed on a charcoal grill with onions, garlic and special sauce. When cooked, the aroma rises, mixed with the salty taste of the sea and the richness of the oysters, will definitely make you want to eat more.

V – MUST-TRY KOREAN DISHES WHEN TRAVELING

Hoddeok – A snack that captivates all visitors from children to the elderly. (Photo: Collected)

14. Sundubu Jjigae – Spicy Tofu Soup

Another spicy soup worth trying is sundubu jjigae, or soft tofu soup. The dish is bright red from chili powder, the broth is rich in seafood flavor, the tofu is soft and melts in the mouth, and sometimes a fresh egg is added. This is a simple yet flavorful dish that is popular with both locals and foreign tourists.

15. Hoddeok – Traditional sugar cake

Although not as popular as the main dishes, hoddeok is still a “sweet friend” on the list of must-try Korean dishes. Flattened, deep-fried and flattened pancakes, filled with brown sugar, peanuts and cinnamon, create a feeling of both crunchy and soft, sweet and warm.

Amidst the modern and dynamic Korea, Korean cuisine still retains its own identity and cultural depth. Whether you love the long-standing traditional dishes or are attracted by the hot street food, the journey to discover delicious Korean food will surely leave you with unforgettable memories. And the next time someone asks you what to eat in Korea, you will definitely have 15 names to answer, right?

Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/an-gi-o-han-quoc-15-mon-ngon-chuan-vi-v17534.aspx