Top 20 Must-Try Korean Foods

1. Korean Meal Basics

A standard Korean meal consists of rice, soup (jjigae), and banchan (side dishes). Banchan refills are free at restaurants. Set meal restaurants serve generous spreads for ₩6,000-8,000, offering excellent value.

2. Must-Try Dishes

Bibimbap, samgyeopsal (pork belly), bulgogi, kimchi jjigae, doenjang jjigae, naengmyeon, tteokbokki, chicken, samgyetang, and galbitang are iconic Korean dishes. Each region has its own specialties to discover.

3. Street Food

Tteokbokki, sundae, fish cakes, bungeo-ppang, hotteok, and egg bread make for great snacks or full meals. Traditional markets like Gwangjang Market and Namdaemun Market offer endless food options at low prices.

4. Cafe Culture

Korea has one of the highest cafe densities in the world. A basic Americano costs around ₩4,000-5,000, and you'll find unique themed cafes everywhere. Dessert cafes serve bingsu, waffles, and macarons.

5. Dining Etiquette

Wait for elders to start eating first, and don't lift your rice bowl off the table. Saying 'jal meogeotsseumnida' (I ate well) after a meal is polite. Somaek (soju mixed with beer) is a quintessential Korean drinking custom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can vegetarians eat well in Korea?▼

Korean cuisine often uses meat broth or fish sauce, making strict vegetarian dining challenging. Look for temple food restaurants or vegan cafes. Learning the phrase "gogi ppae-juseyo" (no meat please) helps.

I'm worried Korean food will be too spicy▼

Not all Korean food is spicy. Bulgogi, galbitang, samgyetang, and japchae are popular non-spicy dishes. You can ask for "an maepge hae-juseyo" (not spicy please) when ordering.

Are side dishes (banchan) really free in Korea?▼

Yes, banchan (kimchi, namul, etc.) served at Korean restaurants are complimentary and refillable. The variety and number of dishes vary by restaurant.