Table of Contents

Korean Cuisine

Kimchi

Kimchi, a spicy fermented cabbage dish, is considered a staple in Korean cuisine. It is often served with every meal and has over 200 different varieties. 1)

Five main tastes

Korean cuisine emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients and the balance of flavors. The five main tastes in Korean cuisine are sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy. 2)

Gogi-gui

Korean barbecue, known as “gogi-gui,” is a popular dining experience where diners grill their own meat at the table. It typically includes various cuts of beef, pork, and chicken. 3)

Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a famous Korean dish that consists of a bowl of rice topped with an assortment of seasoned vegetables, meat, and a fried egg. It is mixed together with spicy gochujang sauce before eating. 4)

Soju bombs

Koreans have a unique way of drinking called “soju bombs.” This involves dropping a shot of soju, a Korean distilled liquor, into a glass of beer and then chugging it down. 5)

Jjajangmyeon

Jjajangmyeon is a Korean-Chinese fusion dish made with noodles topped with a thick black bean sauce. It is incredibly popular as a takeout or delivery option in Korea. 6)

Korean street food

Korean cuisine features a variety of street foods, such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and gimbap (seaweed rice rolls). These snacks are easily accessible and loved by locals and tourists alike. 7)

Samgyetang

Samgyetang is a traditional Korean soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with rice, garlic, and jujube. It is often consumed during the hot summer months as it is believed to provide energy and stamina. 8)

Korean fermented foods

Korean cuisine includes a wide variety of fermented foods apart from kimchi. Some examples include doenjang (fermented soybean paste), ganjang (soy sauce), and gochujang (fermented chili paste). 9)

Budae-jjigae

Budae-jjigae, also known as “Army Stew,” originated after the Korean War. It is a spicy stew made with a combination of processed meats, canned beans, and kimchi. The dish reflects Korea's history and the fusion of American and Korean ingredients. 10)

Naengmyeon

Naengmyeon is a cold noodle dish typically enjoyed during summer. The noodles are made from buckwheat and served in an icy broth, topped with pickled radish, cucumber, and slices of pear. 11)

Hansik

Korean royal cuisine, known as “Hansik,” has a long history and is characterized by its elegant presentation and use of seasonal ingredients. It was traditionally prepared for the royal family during the Joseon dynasty. 12)

Yukhoe

Yukhoe is a Korean dish similar to steak tartare. It is made from raw beef marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and various spices, then topped with a raw egg yolk. It is often enjoyed as a delicacy. 13)

Makgeolli

Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine with a milky appearance. It has a slightly sweet and tangy taste and is usually enjoyed in social settings or paired with Korean pancakes. 14)

Beondegi

Beondegi is a unique Korean street food that may not be for the faint-hearted. It consists of boiled silkworm pupae seasoned with spices. It is crunchy and commonly enjoyed as a snack with alcohol. 15)