Korea is a foodie haven offering a ton of outstanding gastronomic experiences. With mom & pop shops serving traditional Korean dishes, quirky themed cafes, gourmet chefs cooking up trendy fusion food, and a booming street food scene, your taste buds will thank you. Eating out is a social activity in Korean culture so portions are often massive as food is meant to be shared. Having lived abroad in Seoul for 2 years and eating my way through the country, here is my list of the top 25 local must-eat foods in South Korea.
1. Jjimdak
Jjimdak is a mouth-watering dish made with braised chicken, glass noodles, potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables.
Wander Tip: Head down to Andong, the city where this dish originated, for the best jjimdak in Korea.
2. Gamjatang
Gamjatang is a pork bone potato soup. It’s extra flavorful and is my favorite Korean soup.
3. Bossam
Bossam is a traditional flavorsome dish in which thinly sliced boiled pork is wrapped in cabbage among many other toppings.
4. Dakgalbi
Dakgalbi is a delicious spicy stir-fry dish made with marinated chicken, cabbage, and other add-ons including rice cakes and cheese. It’s usually cooked right in front of you.
Wander Tip: You can find some of the top dakgalbi restaurants in the city of Chuncheon.
5. Kalguksu
Kalguksu is a light rejuvenating noodle soup often consumed in the summer.
Wander Tip: Dine at Myeongdong Kyoja for the best kalguksu in Seoul. Their kimchi is also absolutely divine.
6. Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken are finger-licking good! Being from the States I’ve had my fair share of good fried chicken but I gotta say Korea sure gives America a run for its money.
My personal favorite is yangnyeom tongdak which is fried chicken drenched in a sticky sweet and spicy sauce.
Wander Tip: For a true Seoul local experience enjoy chimaek (Korean fried chicken paired with beer) by the Han River.
7. Jeon
Jeon are savory Korean pancakes. There are many variations but my favorites are seafood and kimchi.
Wander Tip: If you want the best jeon in Seoul look no further than “pancake alley” in Hoegi.
8. Ssamgyeopsal
One of the first things that usually comes to mind when foreigners think of Korean cuisine is barbecue. Great news is that BBQ is indeed quite common within Korea with ssamgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) being the most popular.
Wander Tip: Dine at Hanam Pig for a solid BBQ experience in Korea.
9. Samgyetang
Samgyetang is a revitalizing Korean soup in which a whole chicken is stuffed with ginseng, garlic, rice, and jujube. It’s exceptionally flavorful and is ideal for when you’re feeling under the weather.
10. Jjigae
Jjigae is Korean stew and the ultimate comfort food. There are many different types of jjigae including sundubu jjigae (spicy tofu stew), budae jjigae (army stew), and doenjang jjigae (fermented soybean paste stew).
My usual go-to is kimchi jjigae and it’s a plus when they add tuna in it.
11. Gimbap
Gimbap is a classic Korean staple similar to Japanese sushi. It’s made from white rice and dried seaweed filled with a number of items such as eggs, vegetables, and meat.
My preferred choice is chamchi (tuna) gimbap.
12. Naengmyeon
Naengmyeon is a refreshing cold noodle dish from North Korea that is usually eaten in the wintertime.
13. Bulgogi
Bulgogi is a delectable Korean dish made of tender grilled marinated slices of beef.
14. Kimchi Bokkeumbap
Kimchi bokkeumbap is kimchi fried rice. It makes for a tasty quick and easy meal.
15. Jokbal
Jokbal is a hearty dish consisting of braised pig trotters cooked with soy sauce and spices.
16. Bibimbap
Bibimbap is a simple Korean dish in which warm rice is served in a bowl with veggies, egg, and gochujang. You have to mix the contents in the bowl before eating.
Wander Tip: The city of Jeonju is famous for their version of bibimbap so go try for yourself what the hype is all about.
17. Japchae
Japchae is a chewy stir-fried glass noodle dish often served as banchan (Korean side dishes).
18. Donkatsu
Donkatsu is a Korean twist on Japan’s tonkatsu. It’s a crispy breaded deep fried pork cutlet comparable to schnitzel.
19. Jjajangmyeon
Jjajangmyeon is a Korean-Chinese noodle dish topped with a thick black bean sauce.
Other notable Korean-Chinese food include jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup) and tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork).
20. Hotteok
Hotteok are yummy sweet pancakes with a nut and brown sugar syrup filling.
21. Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is a very popular Korean street food consisting of rice cakes, boiled egg, and fish cakes. You’ll find tteokbokki just about EVERYWHERE in Korea.
22. Mandu
Mandu are basic juicy Korean dumplings made with an assortment of fillings.
23. Eomuk
Eomuk are Korean fish cakes and an appetizing street snack.
24. Bingsu
Bingsu is a delightful dessert consisting of shaved ice topped with a wide range of items including red bean, fruits, nuts, and condensed milk.
Wander Tip: Sulbing is a wonderful spot if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth in Korea.
25. Tteok
Tteok are sweet Korean rice cake treats which include songpyeon (half-moon shaped) and injeolmi (made from glutinous rice).
They are most often eaten on special occasions such as Chuseok.
Adventurous eater? Try Sannakji
Not for the squeamish, sannakji is a “live” octopus Korean delicacy. It’s a dish consisting of chopped raw octopus drizzled with sesame oil served while the tentacles are still moving.
Wander Tip: If you’re daring enough to try sannakji then Noryangjin Fish Market is a great option.
*Bonus: Beverages
Alcoholic Drinks
Korea has a huge drinking culture so it would be beneficial to become familiar with their alcohol options and drinking etiquettes.
Soju– Korea’s national alcohol; often compared to vodka
Makgeolli– Korean milky rice wine; pairs perfectly with jeon
Maekju– Korean beer; commonly paired with Korean fried chicken
Non-alcoholic Drinks
Not big on drinking? No need to fret because Korea also has loads of incredible non-alcoholic beverages including banana milk, daechucha (jujube tea), yujacha (citron tea) and boricha (barley tea).
My #1 Pick
My all-time favorite Korean dish is jjimdak. I have been raving about it ever since the first time I tried it while living abroad in Seoul. It is simply amazing!
So if you’re visiting South Korea you’ll definitely have to try these 25 local must-eat foods.
For additional content on Korea, read my guide on 10 top attractions and 10 popular neighborhoods in Seoul.
If you’re interested in teaching English abroad in South Korea be sure to check out my breakdown of the EPIK application timeline, my list of EPIK interview questions, my overview of EPIK orientation, and a tour of my EPIK apartment.
What’s your favorite Korean dish? Which item would you like to try from this list? Let me know in the comments!
