In South Korea, food isn’t just sustenance but a way of life. Every dish is a harmonious symphony of flavours, shaped by centuries of tradition and a relentless pride in their cuisine. From the fiery kick of kimchi to the delightful comfort of jajangmyeon, Korean cuisine encapsulates the heart and soul of the nation’s people. It is bold, exciting, and unapologetically unforgettable.
For those seeking a true taste of the South Korea, these 10 iconic dishes epitomises the country’s culinary identity.
Bibimbap
Originating from Jeonju, bibimbap is quintessential Korean dish comprising a vibrantly colourful bowl of steamed rice topped with seasoned vegetables like carrot and spinach, a fried egg, and a special sauce typically made from gochujang (red chili paste), sesame oil, and garlic. It’s a work of art that gets thoroughly mixed, presenting various flavours and textures in every bite. Sample it for yourself at Mokmyeoksanbang.
Mokmyeoksanbang
71 Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily
Tteokbokki
A street food classic, tteokbokki consists of chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy, sweet and savoury gochujang sauce. Often served with fish cakes and boiled eggs and topped with green onion, it’s a favourite among locals and visitors alike, typically eaten as a snack or a main meal. Proceed with care through – this one’s dangerously addictive! Savour it firsthand at Nanumi Tteokbokki.
Nanumi Tteokbokki
9-1 Seonggyungwan-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
Japchae
While it looks ordinary from the get go, japchae, made with sweet potato starch noodles, is superbly yummy. It is a slightly sweet and savoury dish stir-fried with vegetables like carrot, peppers and mushroom, beef, and a sesame oil-based sauce, tossed together until glossy. Great as a side dish or an actual meal, japchae is very common but is also typically eaten during the Korean festive holidays.
Hangaram
25 Namdaemun-ro 5-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Mondays to Fridays), 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays)
Kimchi
Needless to say, no Korean meal is complete without kimchi. This fermented vegetable side dish, most commonly made with napa cabbage and radish, embodies Korea’s mastery of fermentation. Spicy, tangy, and packed with probiotics, kimchi is as healthy as it is flavourful, although it may be a little pungent for some. It’s great on its own, or to be used in noodle dishes and stews like the kimchi jjigae at Ssada Gimbap.
Ssada Gimbab, Myeongdong Station
26 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
Jajangmyeon
This black bean noodle dish, influenced by Chinese cuisine, is a beloved staple in Korea. Thick, chewy wheat flour noodles are coated in a savoury black bean sauce mixed with diced pork and vegetables, creating a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It is an umami bomb that is salty, savoury, and slightly sweet all at the same time. For an authentic jajangmyeon experience, check out Hongmyeong.
Hongmyeong
10 Nonhyeon-ro 131-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily
Gogi-gui (Korean Barbecue)
At the heart of gogi-gui or Korean barbecue are cuts of marinated or plain meats like samgyeopsal (pork belly), chadolbagi (beef brisket), or galbi (short ribs), grilled at the table. The grilled meats are then wrapped in crisp lettuce or perilla leaves, accompanied by ssamjang (a spicy and savoury dipping sauce), garlic, and kimchi. Wangbijip Myeongdong is known for its Korean barbecue so you’d know you’re getting the real deal.
Wangbijip Myeongdong Main Store
26 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily
Bulgogi
Bulgogi is a dish of thinly sliced beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and pear juice for a touch of sweetness. Grilled or stir-fried, the meat develops a caramelised crust while remaining tender and juicy. Often served with a bowl of hot steamed rice and an array of banchan (side dishes), bulgogi is a satisfying must-try that truly satiates, particularly the one at Insadong Hangane Bulgogi Jumak.
Insadong Hangane Bulgogi Jumak
59 Insadong-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 11:00 a.m. t0 8:20 p.m. (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Budae Jjigae
Known as army stew, budae jjigae is a post-war invention that combines Korean flavours with Western ingredients like luncheon meat, sausages, and baked beans. Mixed with instant noodles and vegetables in a spicy broth, this hearty stew is a comforting fusion of that’s tremendous as a hangover cure or as a comforting meal. Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, Odeng Shikdang offers a nostalgia-inducing budae jjigae.
Odeng Shikdang
49-18, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily
Gimbap
Gimbap is a delicious snack made by rolling rice, vegetables such as danmuji (yellow pickled radish), and proteins like bulgogi or fish cakes in a sheet of seaweed. Unlike Japanese sushi, the rice is seasoned with sesame oil, giving it a nutty aroma. Perfect for picnics or on-the-go meals, gimbap is highly versatile and can be customised to your hearts’ content. If you’re in Seoul, look out for Kimbap Heaven to give it a try.
Kimbap Heaven
Multiple locations across Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: Varies according to location
Sundubu Jjigae
Served in a bubbling hot stone pot, sundubu jjigae is a hearty stew featuring soft tofu as its star ingredient. The spicy broth, infused with gochugaru (red chili flakes), is often enriched with seafood, pork, or beef. Topped with a raw egg that cooks in the hot soup, this dish offers warmth and comfort. Jaedong Sundubu in Seoul serves one of the best takes of the dish with tofu made from organic soy beans.
Jaedong Sundubu
6 Bukchon-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gil, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
Featured image: Daniel Bernard
