Great South Korean dishes can be found virtually everywhere in this vibrant country, from street vendors along narrow alleyways to classy restaurants within 5-star hotels. Many of these delicacies have existed for more 2,000 years, and were only consumed by Korean royal families.

Today, Korean food has become so popular that locals and tourists alike describe them as savoury, spicy, hearty and nutritious delights that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. We’ve compiled a list of top foods you must sample during your stay in South Korea

  • 1

    Kimchi

    Signature dish more than 2,000 years old

    Kimchi
    • Food

    This signature Korean dish has been around for more than 2,000 years, dating back to the Shilla Dynasty. Kimchi consists of Korean cabbage, radish, pumpkin, onion, ginger and scallion with chilli powder, crushed garlic and salted seafood, which is then left to ferment.

    With more than 200 variations available in Seoul alone, this traditional cuisine is eaten on its own or with white rice, and added into porridges, soups and rice cakes. Kimchi is also the basis for many derivative dishes such as a kimchi stew named kimchi jjigae, a kimchi pancake named kimchijeon and kimchi fried rice.

  • 2

    Bibimbap

    A hearty Korean staple

    Bibimbap
    • Food

    Another must-try during your visit to South Korea is bibimbap, a filling and nutritious dish that’s widely available in restaurants, food courts and street markets. Depending on region and ingredients used, bibimbap can be served as a meat-based or vegetarian dish.

    The most common bibimbap consists of warm rice topped with mixed vegetables, beef or chicken, and raw egg, as well as soy sauce and a dollop of chilli pepper paste for seasoning. Ideal for seafood lovers, there’s a variation of this Korean mixed rice dish called hoedeopbap, which replaces meat with raw seafood such as salmon, tuna or octopus.

  • See also

  • 3

    Tteokbokki

    Tteokbokki
    • Food

    Tteokbokki is a traditional Korean street food that’s made with thick slices of a type of boiled rice cake called garaetteok, alongside fish cake, onions, diced garlic, salt, sugar and assorted vegetables that are stir-fried in sweet, red chilli sauce. Distinguished by its bright red-orange colour, this popular snack is usually sold by street vendors and independent snack bars.

    Tteokbokki has become such a beloved Korean dish that many have created variations over the years. Why not try them made with a gooey cheese or with a black bean sauce? You won’t have to miss out if you’ve got a milder palate, as cream can be added to create rose tteokbokki.

     

  • 4

    Bulgogi

    Smoky beef for tasty lettuce wraps

    Bulgogi
    • Food

    Bulgogi consists of thin slices of marinated beef sirloin that are cooked alongside sliced onions, green peppers and garlic using a charcoal burner, resulting in a distinctive smoky flavour. Prior to cooking, the meat is marinated between 2 and 4 hours in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, garlic, onions, ginger and sugar to enhance its flavour and tenderness.

    This dish is usually served with a side of leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach, which is used to wrap a slice of cooked meat, often along with ssamjang, which is a spicy soybean paste, and kimchi. It proved so popular, it’s now enjoyed worldwide.

    photo by stu_spivack (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified