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⁾

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⁾

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 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⁾

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 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 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 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 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, 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 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⁾

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 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 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 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⁾