10 Must-Try Foods in Korea

Welcome to the culinary wonderland of South Korea! Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just starting your culinary adventures, Korea's vibrant food scene is sure to awaken your taste buds. From sizzling street food to comforting bowls of soup, Korean cuisine offers a delightful mix of flavors, textures, and ingredients that reflect the country's rich history and culture. In this guide, we’ll take you through ten essential dishes that every first-time visitor should try. Each dish is a unique experience in itself, showcasing Korea’s diverse and delicious food culture. Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will have you craving more!

1 | Bibimbap

Bibimbap is like a rainbow on your plate. It’s a delicious mix of rice topped with a colorful assortment of fresh veggies, savory beef (traditionally), fish or seafood, and a fried egg, all marinated in spicy-sweet gochujang (Korean chili paste). Considered by many as the national dish, it is a cheap, filling, and healthy option that will not disappoint.

Where to Try It? Jeonju is said to be the birthplace of bibimbap, we had it at 하숙영 가마솥비빔밥 (구 중앙회관) and it was a whole experience, would recommend going there, it was recommended to us by a Korean acquaintance and we were the only foreigners there.

2 | Kimchi

Kimchi is Korea’s iconic side dish packed with punch and flavor! Imagine crunchy cabbage or radish, fermented to perfection with a spicy and tangy kick. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a staple of Korean meals and a symbol of Korean culture. There are many varieties, each with its own unique twist, and as far as we understood each family has their take on the recipe that they pass down from generation to generation.

3 | Bulgogi

Bulgogi is the ultimate Korean beef dish. Tender slices of beef are marinated in a sweet and savory mix of soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil, then grilled or stir-fried until they’re juicy and flavorful. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth that’s both satisfying and delicious. Perfect with a side of rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves!

4 | Bindaetteok

Bindaetteok is a traditional Korean pancake made primarily from ground mung beans, mixed with various ingredients like vegetables, kimchi, and sometimes meat or seafood. The mixture is seasoned and then pan-fried to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a soft, flavorful interior. It's a popular dish in Korean street food markets, often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. Its texture is very satisfying and will make you addicted for sure.

Where to Try It? Head to Gwangjang Market in Seoul for a wide range of options to try from, it feels like every other store serves bindaetteok there so you will find one there for sure. My recommendation is to choose a stall that grills them on demand to get the best crispiness and texture. In that case, having to wait a good 10 minutes for your food is a good sign and is worth it I promise.

5 | Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a great comfort food with a spicy twist! Chewy rice cakes are simmered in a sweet and spicy sauce that is addictive. It’s a street food classic that’s perfect for a quick snack on the go. It is probably one of the most famous Korean street foods outside of Korea and for a good reason; it is unique and worth a try.

You can find tteokbokki everywhere in Korea and you will probably have it more than once. My recommendation, as for all street food stalls, is to first observe where the locals go order the same thing.

6 | Jjajangmyeon

Keeping up with the comfort food series, Jjajangmyeon is a dish you want to eat comfortably seated on your sofa on a winter night! Imagine chewy noodles coated in a rich, savory black bean paste sauce (yes I know, when I heard this ingredient I was not sold either at first but just trust the process) with chunks of pork and vegetables. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly satisfying. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick meal or a cozy dinner, Jjajangmyeon is your go-to dish for a deliciously comforting experience.

Where to Try It? We had an absolutely delicious one inside SpaLand in Busan for a very reasonable price.

7 | Korean Fried Chicken (Our Favorite Must-Try Food in Korea)

I am not only going to make friends here but Korean Fried Chicken is superior! It is a crispy, crunchy sensation that’s just shockingly well-balanced! Each piece is double-fried to perfection and coated in various sauces, from sweet and sticky to fiery hot. It’s the kind of chicken that’s meant to be shared with friends.

Where to Try It? Guang-Jang Nurungji Chicken in Gwangjang Market will serve you sweet and sour fried chicken for a steal and it will leave a lasting memory in your tastebuds. We also got the garlic one which was as delicious, highly recommend this spot!

8 | Kimchi Stew

Kimchi stew, or kimchi jjigae, is a must-try in Korea as it perfectly captures the bold, tangy, and spicy essence of Korean cuisine. This warm and delicious dish, made with fermented kimchi and often accompanied by tofu, pork, or seafood, offers a comforting and satisfying meal experience. Rich in probiotics and nutrients, kimchi jjigae is also a healthy choice both for summer and winter days. For the budget traveler out there, kimchi stew is also very affordable and comes with many traditional side dishes and rice so you can get an authentic experience for a very good price.

Where to Try It? Ttukbaegi-jip in Seoul only serves 4 different types of stew, the prices are very low and the staff only speaks Korean so you will have a very local experience there. It is a small local place made for people working in the area so you'll be served very quickly.

9 | Gimbap

Gimbap or Kimbap is a popular Korean dish that gets as close as it gets to a Japanese maki. It is made of cooked rice and various ingredients rolled in sheets of dried seaweed and sliced into bite-sized pieces. The fillings typically include vegetables like spinach, carrots, and pickled radish, along with proteins such as egg, beef, fish cake, or crab sticks. The proteins are cooked, unlike the Japanese equivalent so if you are not into raw fish this will be a great alternative for you. It's often seasoned with sesame oil and served with a dipping sauce. It is fresh and crunchy, easy to eat on the go, and pretty cheap so it's a must for hot summer days and travelers on a budget.

10 | Hotteok

If you would only need to eat one dessert on your Korean trip it would be that one. Hotteok is a beloved Korean street food that’s perfect for satisfying a sweet craving, it's honestly the best dessert we had in the whole trip. These are chewy, pancake meets doughnut treats filled with a gooey mixture of brown sugar, honey, a hint of cinnamon, and sometimes crushed nuts or seeds. When cooked, the filling melts into a deliciously sweet syrup. Crispy on the outside and warm and sweet on the inside, Hotteok is the must-try dessert that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Just be mindful and don't be impatient like me, you need to wait a bit for it to cool down otherwise you will burn yourself, speaking of experience here.