Food in

South Korea

In order to talk about what to eat in South Korea, you should first know that Korean cuisine is based on the philosophy of five elements. This means that the five colours of nature and their five flavours are used. The harmony between colours, flavours and health benefits is the basic premise of its gastronomy.

From the basis of this culinary harmony, everything you eat in South Korea is appetising, both in taste and to the eye. All five senses are used in the preparation of the dishes. As they contain many ingredients, it could be said that this country’s cuisine is very varied and complete.

Let's take a look at the typical dishes to eat in South Korea, starting with the most famous of them.

 

Kimchi

Kimchi has always been part of South Korea’s cuisine, and can be all sorts of different types of fermented vegetables. It is used as a garnish for rice, noodles, or even to make soup, and is considered one of the healthiest foods in the world.

 

Mul Naengmyeon

You may be surprised by this delightful Korean dish consisting of a cold bowl of rice noodles in stock, with courgette, boiled eggs and sesame. Although its appearance may surprise you a little, it is very tasty.

 

Japchae

Continuing with noodle dishes, is this sautéed noodle dish with vegetables and seaweed, which can also be served with meat. The hint of spice gives it a very good flavour, and it is a perfect starter.

 

Jjimdak

Another typical dish of South Korea is this chicken stew, cooked in soy sauce with vegetables and rice noodles. To give it flavour, a touch of spice is added, and you can find it in most restaurants across the country.

 

Samgyeopsal

Meat lovers have to try this Korean barbecue, consisting of pork belly, ribs or veal. The meat is served raw, or marinated in soy sauce, ready to be cooked on the grill on the dining table. To accompany the meat, several bowls with green peppers, pasta and large lettuce leaves are served.

 

Bibimbap

Perhaps one of the most famous meals to eat in South Korea, is this dish of marinated meat, with boiled rice, egg and vegetables. It is seasoned with sesame oil and soy sauce. The dish is also accompanied with chilli paste, which makes it very colourful and tasty.

 

Bulgogi

For this, strips of veal meat are cooked on the grill, accompanied by rice and vegetables. The meat is marinated with soy sauce, onion, ginger, sesame oil and garlic. For those who prefer chicken or pork, that isn’t a problem, you can ask for another version.

 

Pajeon

A traditional dish in South Korea that may surprise you is this type of tortilla made with leeks and tender garlic. For the base, wheat and rice flour is used, so that it is like a pizza, to which seafood is added to taste.

 

Odeng

Fish is also part of South Korean cuisine, in this case, to make a paste of fish puree with flour and vegetables. You can try this dish in most street food stalls throughout the country. You will recognise it as skewers which are ready to be fried.

 

Okdom-Gui

Continuing with fish, this time we go to the island of Jeju, to try this delicious salted fish dish. To accompany the fish, it is served with vegetables with a variety of sauces. To prepare this type of fish, once caught, it is left to dry outdoors, then grilled.

 

Gejang

If you like seafood, this is a traditional South Korean dish that you have to try. To make it, crab marinated in soy sauce is cooked, and served with rice. The dressing is made of sesame seeds, egg yolk and crispy seaweed.

 

Hoe

Another option is to try raw fish, very typical of Busan, which is like sushi, but the Korean version. The fish is served with soy sauce, and it can also be accompanied with prawns or other seafood.

To accompany all of these magnificent, typical South Korean dishes, what better than one of their traditional drinks, such as rice wine (Makgeolli), or rice liqueur (Soju). As you can see, Korean cuisine is extensive and varied, do not miss the chance to try it during your trip.