A Korean Classic for Every Occasion

Long before K-Pop swept the globe, Korean cuisine made tastebuds dance with harmonious combinations of ingredients and unique flavours. The options are endless, so here’s our guide to some of South Korea’s essential dishes, and the best way to try them.  

Dining with Family: Korean Barbecue

Korean barbecue traces its roots back to ancient grilling traditions and was later refined during the Joseon Dynasty. Once the domain of royalty, it’s now one of the nation’s favourite ways to dine together. Thin strips of beef called bulgogi or beef short rib cuts called galbi are marinated to perfection using a variety of sauces, then placed on a communal grill, which can vary depending on the type of barbecue desired. Each diner grills their own meat before enjoying it with a variety of dipping sauces and tasty sides. Vegetarian and vegan variations are also growing in popularity. 

Eating on the Go: Bibimbap

Combine fresh vegetables, spicy gochujang sauce, and an egg atop a bowl of rice (ideally with a crispy bottom clinging to its dolsot or stone bowl), and you have the ultimate Korean comfort food. Meat is optional in bibimbap, but fresh ingredients and thorough mixing are a must. You’ll find this Korean classic right across the country, so it’s an ideal high-energy, light weight lunch for those busy sightseeing days. Quick tip: bap simply means rice in Korean, so if you see a dish with this word, you can expect rice to be a staple ingredient. Mix things up by trying gimbap, a Korean rice roll wrapped in seaweed that’s just as delicious. 

With Friends After Dark: Chimaek 

It doesn’t get much more down-to-earth than fried chicken and beer, and Korea is one of the best places to enjoy them. Chimaek is a shared experience where succulent pieces of fried chicken are washed down with good beer and good conversation under the stars. You’ve probably seen characters enjoy it in K-Pop videos or contemporary K-dramas, embodying three staples of Korean culture: flavour, fun, and familiarity. It’s that emotional connection that’s made chimaek such a popular part of Korean nightlife. Not a bad contribution for a humble plate of fried chicken! 

To Satisfy a Sweet Tooth: Hotteok

The best cure for a cold day in Korea is fresh hotteok. Ever tried a pancake with syrup on the inside? Filled with brown sugar and nuts, hotteok is one of Korea’s most popular winter street snacks, pulling double duty as a warm comfort food and a sweet treat. You can experiment with different flavours including green tea and chocolate, or one of the many savoury varieties. 

Kimchi & the Art of Banchan

The sides in Korean cuisine are as important as the main event, particularly at the barbecue table. Pickles or banchan have been elevating Korean cuisine since its beginnings, most notably kimchi, a spicy dish made from cabbage or other vegetables. With sweet, sour, and spicy layers in its taste profile, you can expect to find kimchi on most every Korean table alongside banchan like sigumchi namul (seasoned spinach) and oi muchim (spicy cucumber salad).

Discover these flavours on a custom vacation to South Korea.