South Korean Food
Find out all you need to know about the best South Korean food and drinks before your trip.
Must-Try South Korean Foods
Here are the top dishes of the South Korean food scene that will help you eat like a local:
Kimchi
Kimchi is one of South Korea’s most iconic foods, made by fermenting vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage or radish, with seasonings such as chilli, garlic, and ginger. Served alongside countless Korean meals, it offers a distinctive combination of tangy, spicy, and savoury flavours and is an essential introduction to Korean food culture.
Korean BBQ (Gogi-gui)
Korean barbecue is a popular social dining experience in which diners grill marinated or unseasoned meat at the table. Beef bulgogi and thinly sliced or marinated pork are common choices, typically served with lettuce leaves, dipping sauces, garlic, and side dishes. It is an enjoyable way to share a meal and experience one of South Korea’s best-known culinary traditions.
Bibimbap
Bibimbap is a colourful rice dish topped with an assortment of vegetables, meat, a fried egg, and gochujang, a fermented red chilli paste. The ingredients are mixed together before eating, creating a satisfying blend of textures and flavours. Some versions are served in a hot stone bowl, which gives the rice a deliciously crisp layer at the bottom.
Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean street food made with chewy rice cakes cooked in a thick, spicy-sweet sauce, often flavoured with gochujang. Fish cakes and spring onions are common additions, and some versions include cheese or other toppings. Widely available at traditional markets and street stalls, it is a great choice for travellers wanting to sample South Korea’s lively street food scene.
Japchae
Japchae is a traditional Korean dish made with glass noodles prepared from sweet potato starch, stir-fried with vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It often includes beef, mushrooms, carrots, and spinach, creating a savoury dish with a slightly sweet flavour and a pleasantly springy texture. Frequently served at celebrations and family gatherings, japchae is a delicious option for those who prefer milder flavours.
Hotteok
Hotteok is a popular Korean street dessert consisting of a soft, pan-fried dough filled with a sweet mixture, traditionally brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. The outside becomes golden and slightly crisp while the filling melts into a warm, sticky centre. Particularly popular during colder months, hotteok is a delicious treat to enjoy while wandering through South Korea’s markets.
Must-Try South Korean Drinks
Soju
Soju is South Korea’s best-known alcoholic drink, traditionally made from rice and other starches. Usually clear and mild in flavour, it is commonly served chilled in small glasses alongside Korean barbecue, fried chicken, and other shared dishes. Sampling soju with a meal is a popular way to experience Korean dining customs, although its alcohol strength varies by brand.
Sikhye
Sikhye is a traditional Korean sweet rice drink made by fermenting cooked rice with malted barley water. It has a mild sweetness and often contains small grains of rice, giving it a distinctive texture. Usually served chilled, sikhye is especially popular as a refreshing finish to a meal and is widely available in supermarkets, traditional markets, and restaurants.
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