Korean Food: What To Expect For Your Trip To South Korea

Warning: Do not read on an empty stomach!

Banchan (side dishes)

We may have gone a little overboard.

Get Ready For A Food Adventure In South Korea

After nine unforgettable days exploring Seoul, Jeonju, and Busan, I can confidently say that South Korea should be on every foodie’s travel wish list. Each meal was an adventure of dish after dish of mouthwatering eats. Whether you’re chasing traditional bibimbap or daring to try live octopus still suctioning to your mouth, this guide will tell you what to expect and what to try on your trip to South Korea. 

The Building Blocks Of A Korean Meal

Lunch at Gwangjang Market in Seoul

Noodles

At its heart, Korean food is comforting. A base of steamed rice, a protein such as meat or fish, and an impressive array of side dishes called banchan. These small bowls, which quickly fill a table, can include:

• Vegetables prepared every way possible. Grilled, steamed, boiled, fermented, stewed, pickled, fried… 

• Savory pancakes

• Soups and stews

• Noodles, served both hot and cold. Koreans take great pride in perfectly cooking their noodles to find the balance between silky and chewy.

• And always, Kimchi!

You’ll find yourself piling everything onto your rice bowl and calling every meal a mini food tour. 

Popular Korean Dishes You Need To Try

Bibimbap

Cheonggukjang Jjigae

Bibimbap - A warm rice bowl topped with sliced vegetables, sesame oil, a fried egg, and your choice of meat or tofu. Mix it all together for the perfect blend of crispy rice, spicy sauces, and flavorful veggies. 

Kimbap - Similar to sushi, Kimbap is shredded vegetables, and sometimes seafood or meat, rolled in rice and seaweed, and served in bite-sized rounds. It’s a common lunch on the go for Koreans. 

Bindaetteok - Crispy, fried mungbean pancake. A favorite dish from my trip!

Kimchi - Spicy, tangy fermented vegetables, most often cabbage or radish. Delicious and great for gut health. 

Bungeoppang - A fish-shaped pastry stuffed with sweet custard or red bean paste. Best enjoyed hot off the grill at a food market. 

Patbingsu - Popular summertime dessert of shaved ice, milk, and sweet red bean paste, topped with fruits and syrup. 

Hangwa - A flower-shaped sweet traditionally served at festivals and celebrations. 

Korean Fried Chicken - Double-fried for an ultra crispy breading and tossed in sauces ranging from sweet garlic to fiery chili. Best shared with friends over a cold beer.

Kimchijeon - A savory kimchi pancake made of flour, eggs, scallions, and, of course, kimchi. 

Bulgogi - Thinly sliced sweet marinated beef served over vegetables and glass noodles or rice. 

Tteokbokki - Chewy pieces of rice cake in a sticky, sweet sauce. An odd texture, but surprisingly delicious. 

Naengmyeon - Chilled buckwheat noodles in cold broth. 

Korean Fried Chicken

Dalgona

Korean Salt Bread

Cheonggukjang Jjigae - A soup made from fermented boiled soybeans. With a unique flavor and smell, it may not be for everyone, but it is definitely worth trying.

Dalgona - This honeycomb toffee candy gained global attention after being featured in Squid Game. Feeling confident? Try the challenge of carving an umbrella out without breaking the shape.

Salt Bread - Salty, buttery rolls. Simple and delicious.

Makgeolli - A cloudy, sparkling rice wine. You can’t drink alone in Korean culture, so wait until everyone’s cup is poured and share a first taste together. 

Soju - A clear, distilled alcoholic beverage, traditionally made from rice. A popular Korean drink, known as a Somaek, is to add a shot of soju to your beer.

Unique Food Experiences in South Korea

Busan’s Jalgcachi Fish Market

Making Kimbap in Seoul’s Gwangjang Market

Food Markets

With so much food to try in South Korea, food markets are one of the best places to get a taste of everything. Spend time in Seoul’s Gwangjang Market as vendors call out their specialties. Be sure to try the freshly fried mung bean pancakes and Bungeoppang. 

Fish Markets

Wander the aisles of local fish markets to see an impressive array of seafood from classics like mussels and lobsters to the more obscure finds like sea squirts, spoon worms, abalone, and live octopus. The Jalgcachi Market in Busan lets you buy your seafood downstairs and then take it upstairs to be prepared. How’s that for a fresh lunch?!

Watch out for slippery floors and splashing tails of still live fish. 

Michelin Star Restaurants

Korea’s dynamic food scene now includes several Michelin-starred restaurants. From minimalist tasting menus in Seoul’s back alleys to lavish, multi-course feasts in bustling city squares, you can find culinary treats in every price range. Whether you choose bargain-friendly street eats or a refined restaurant experience, you’ll be delighted with the food. 

Vegetarian and Vegan Struggles in South Korea

Anchovies are an integral part of Korean cuisine

7 gloves of garlic…yum. A kebab restaurant trying to accommodate vegetarians.

Koreans’ love of meat and seafood can pose a challenge for vegetarians and vegans. While the Korean diet incorporates a ton of vegetables, those side dishes are not necessarily plant-based. Many recipes include anchovy or beef broth, fish oil, or a sprinkling of anchovy heads (considered a delicacy in South Korea). It can be a little frustrating to be surrounded by so much delicious-smelling food and not be able to eat it. 

Don’t let dietary restrictions keep you from South Korea, though. Do a little extra planning and follow these tips:

• Do your homework: Research vegetarian-friendly restaurants in each city before you arrive. Seoul is about the same size as New York City, so make sure you aren’t staying in ‘Brooklyn’ and are picking a restaurant on the ‘Upper West Side’. Even with Seoul’s extensive public transport system, it can take over an hour to get across the city. 

• Download HappyCow: This app helps you locate vegan and vegetarian spots, complete with menus in English, and user photos and reviews.

• Download Naver Maps: Google Maps does not work well in South Korea and can not be used to search for “salad near me”. 

• Use Google Translate: The camera feature on Google Translate can help you navigate a menu. Also use it to translate your questions to your server, such as, “Are there anchovies in this?”.

Your choices may be limited compared to your seafood-loving friends, but you will still find delicious options. 

A Flavor-Filled Trip

Korean Snacks

Korean version of Starburst

South Korea offers so many flavors to explore. Whether you’re trying pastries in a cafe or grabbing colorful snacks from a convenience store, every bite will surprise you. Plus, the food will fuel you up for more Korean adventures like Karaoke bars, K-pop dance classes, swimming in the sea, and hiking the mountains. 

Check out my deep dive into K-Beauty to be prepared for all your spa treatments and product must-haves. 

Happy travels and happy eating!