What to Eat and Drink in Korea: A Culinary Guide
Korean cuisine is a vibrant blend of flavours, textures, and traditions. From street food to elaborate multi-course meals, dining in Korea is an adventure that reflects centuries of history, a deep respect for ingredients, and a communal spirit. It is so much more than kimchi, buldak, and yangnyeom chicken, which all have gained international attention over the past few years. The following is a list of some of my personal favourite Korean dishes, which might help you on your next trip to Korea, whether you're a food enthusiast or just a curious traveler.
1. Korean Barbecue (고기구이 - Gogi-Gui)
A typical Korean barbecue consisting of samgyeopsal.
Korean barbecue is perhaps the most well-known culinary experience for visitors. It offers an interactive, social, and delicious dining experience. At a Korean barbecue restaurant, diners grill their own meat (beef, pork, or chicken) at the table. The meat is often marinated, like the sweet and savoury bulgogi (불고기), or served plain as samgyeopsal (삼겹살). Samgyeopsal was the dish that made me fall in love with Korean food in the first place, and it pairs perfectly with a bottle of soju. My personal favourite is the variant from Jeju Island, which uses black pork.
Enjoy your meat wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves (called ssam, 쌈), with toppings like garlic, onions, and ssamjang (쌈장) - a fermented soybean paste. The communal nature of this meal is central to Korean dining, where sharing and conversation enhance the experience.
Restaurant recommendations:
Jejudo Grill Yeonhui Branch (제주도그릴 연희점)
89 Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Haeundae Amsogalbi-jip (해운대 암소갈비집)
333 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
2. Bibimbap (비빔밥)
Bibimbap in Jeonju Hanok Village. Jeonju is often referred to as Korea's culinary capital.
For a balanced and nutritious meal, bibimbap is a must-try. It translates to "mixed rice" and consists of a bowl of rice topped with an assortment of sautéed vegetables, an egg, and gochujang (red chili paste). Mix everything together before eating, so that the flavours blend perfectly. Dolsot bibimbap (돌솥 비빔밥), served in a hot stone bowl that crisps up the rice at the bottom, is a popular version.
Restaurant recommendation:
Gogung Suragan Hanok Village Branch (고궁 수라간 한옥마을점)
31 Eunhaeng-ro, Pungnam-dong, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
3. Tteokbokki (떡볶이) and Twigim (튀김)
If you want a taste of Korean street food, you can’t miss tteokbokki and twigim. Tteokbokki is made of chewy rice cakes smothered in a spicy-sweet gochujang-based sauce, often accompanied by fish cakes and boiled eggs. Tteokbokki is a favorite snack among locals, and you’ll find it sold by street vendors in every corner of the country.
Twigim is Korea’s version of tempura - deep-fried vegetables, seafood, and sometimes mandu (dumplings) that are crispy and golden. It’s a popular street food snack, often served to accompany tteokbokki. The tteokbokki sauce is perfect for dipping your twigim! Just like tteokbokki, you can find twigim at food stalls and street markets all across the country, making it an easy, on-the-go treat or a late-night snack together with some local beer.
Restaurant recommendation:
Hongdae Sak Yeonhui-dong branch (홍대삭 연희동점)
89 Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
4. Samgyetang (삼계탕)
Samgyetang is my husband’s favourite Korean dish. It is a dish that is especially popular during the hot summer months, as Koreans believe that eating hot food can help cool the body. Samgyetang is a nourishing soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, garlic, and jujubes (Korean dates). The soup is believed to restore energy and is often enjoyed as a healthy meal.
Restaurant recommendation:
Yeonhui Nokdu Samgyetang (연희녹두삼계탕)
43-1 Yeonhuimat-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
5. Jeon (전)
Haemuljeon (해물전).
Another of my husband’s favourites, jeon refers to a variety of Korean savoury pancakes made by pan-frying a batter of flour, eggs, and other ingredients. These crispy and flavourful pancakes are commonly eaten as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, often paired with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce and vinegar. Popular varieties include pajeon (파전), which is made with green onions and sometimes seafood, giving it a light, savoury taste. Haemuljeon (해물전) is a heartier version, packed with a medley of seafood like shrimp, squid, and clams, making it a favourite for seafood lovers. Kimchijeon (김치전), made with aged kimchi, offers a spicy and tangy twist, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavours. These jeon dishes are often enjoyed during rainy days or festive occasions and are typically pared with a bottle of makgeolli.
Restaurant recommendation:
Jwon Makgeolliano (줜막걸리아노)
248-2 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
6. Dakgalbi (닭갈비)
Dakgalbi is a popular Korean dish made with marinated chicken stir-fried in a spicy gochujang-based sauce, along with vegetables like cabbage, sweet potatoes, and rice cakes. Originally from Chuncheon, this dish is cooked at the table on a large, flat grill, allowing diners to watch the ingredients sizzle and caramelize. The sweet, savoury, and spicy flavours of the sauce pair perfectly with the tender chicken and crunchy vegetables. Often, toward the end of the meal, rice is added to the leftover sauce on the grill to make a crispy, flavourful fried rice called bokkeumbap (볶음밥). Dakgalbi is a highly social meal, with friends or family gathered around the grill, sharing both food and conversation.
Restaurant recommendation:
Shin Migyeong Hongdae Dakgalbi (신미경홍대닭갈비)
31-10 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
7. Jogae Gui (조개구이)
If you’re a seafood lover, jogae gui (grilled clams) is a must. Typically cooked over a charcoal grill, various types of shellfish - like clams, scallops, and mussels - are grilled right at your table. The clams are lightly seasoned to allow the fresh, briny flavour to shine through. In many restaurants, the seafood is grilled in butter or served with melted cheese for added richness.
Restaurant recommendation:
Eobu (어부)
10 Gunam-ro 12beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
8. Gamjatang (감자탕)
Possibly my all-time favourite Korean dish, gamjatang is a spicy pork bone stew made with potatoes, cabbage, and perilla seeds. The star of this dish is the tender pork spine, which becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft after hours of simmering. The rich, flavourful broth is perfect for soaking up rice, and it’s a great dish to share with friends.
Restaurant recommendation:
Wonjo Gamjatang (원조 감자탕)
62-63 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
9. Budae Jjigae (부대찌개)
Budae jjigae, or “army stew,” is a hot pot filled with an eclectic mix of ingredients such as spam, sausages, baked beans, instant ramen noodles, tofu, and kimchi, all cooked in a spicy broth. This dish has its roots in the Korean War era, when food was scarce and Koreans made use of surplus army ingredients. Today, it’s a hearty, beloved comfort food.
Restaurant recommendation:
Dinosour Spicy Sausage Stew (공룡부대찌개)
81-15 Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
10. Patbingsu (팥빙수)
For dessert, don’t miss Patbingsu - a Korean shaved ice dessert topped with sweetened red beans, condensed milk, and various fruits like strawberries, bananas, or mangoes. In modern versions, you’ll find toppings like green tea ice cream, mochi, and even cereal. Patbingsu is incredibly refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.
Restaurant recommendation:
Samcheong Bingsu (삼청빙수)
84-1 Samcheong-ro, Jongno District, Seoul
What to Drink in Korea
Korean beverages are just as diverse and flavourful as its food. From traditional rice wines to refreshing teas, here are some drinks you should try.
1. Soju (소주)
Korea’s most famous alcoholic drink, soju, is a clear distilled liquor typically made from rice or sweet potatoes. It has a slightly sweet flavour and an alcohol content that ranges from mild to quite strong (around 16-25%). Soju is often enjoyed alongside Korean barbecue or fried chicken and is usually consumed in small shot glasses. It’s also common to see people mixing soju with beer (a combination called so-maek, 소맥).
2. Makgeolli (막걸리)
For something a bit lighter and more traditional, try makgeolli, a milky, slightly fizzy rice wine with a sweet and tangy taste. Traditionally enjoyed by farmers, makgeolli has experienced a resurgence in popularity, and you’ll find many trendy makgeolli bars serving it with various Korean dishes.
3. Korean Teas (차)
Korea has a long history of tea culture, and while green tea is popular, there are many traditional teas that are unique to the country. Yuja-cha (유자차), made from a Korean citrus fruit, is a sweet and tangy tea often consumed in winter for its high vitamin C content. Omija-cha (오미자차), or five-flavour tea, is another unique option made from magnolia berries that are said to represent sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent tastes. There’s also bori-cha (보리차), a barley tea often served cold in summer or warm in winter as a refreshing non-caffeinated option.
4. Sikhye (식혜)
Sikhye is a traditional sweet rice punch, often served as a dessert or a refreshing drink after a meal. It’s made from fermented malt and cooked rice, giving it a light, sweet flavour. You’ll often find it in restaurants, particularly after a Korean BBQ, or in cans at convenience stores.
Conclusion
Korea offers a wide array of dishes and drinks that reflect its rich culture and deep culinary traditions. Whether you're savouring the smoky flavours of Korean barbecue, the fiery spice of tteokbokki, or sipping on a cup of yuja tea, Korean food is all about sharing and enjoying bold flavours. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and try new things - you’ll discover a world of tastes that are uniquely Korean.
