Korean cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its rich flavors and variety, attracting people from all over. Every region of Korea brings unique ingredients and cooking methods, creating a diverse culinary experience. Here, we introduce 20 iconic Korean dishes, each with its own distinct characteristics and ways to enjoy. From must-try dishes during your travels to easy-to-make meals at home, indulge in the full spectrum of Korean flavors
Bulgogi – Sweet and Savory Marinated Beef
Bulgogi is a dish made from thinly sliced beef marinated in soy sauce, sugar, garlic, green onions, and sesame oil, then grilled to perfection. Known as one of Korea’s signature meat dishes, bulgogi’s sweet and savory taste makes it approachable for first-time visitors to Korean food. It’s especially flavorful when grilled over charcoal and pairs excellently with rice. Bulgogi is also often wrapped in lettuce or perilla leaves and can be stir-fried with vegetables for a tasty rice bowl topping.
Kimchi – The Symbol of Korean Cuisine and Fermented Health Food
Kimchi is a fermented dish made by seasoning napa cabbage or radishes with red chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and other ingredients. As a staple side dish, it’s found on nearly every Korean table. The types of kimchi vary widely, with unique flavors and ingredients depending on the region. While napa cabbage kimchi is the most common, there are other varieties like radish kimchi, young radish kimchi, and water kimchi. Kimchi is packed with probiotics, vitamins, and minerals, making it beneficial for gut health and immunity.
Bibimbap – A Nutritious Bowl with Mixed Ingredients
Bibimbap is a nourishing rice dish topped with vegetables, meat, and a fried egg, mixed with spicy gochujang sauce. It’s a healthy, balanced meal loved by many. Variations of bibimbap exist in different regions, such as Jeonju bibimbap and dolsot (stone pot) bibimbap. Dolsot bibimbap is served in a hot stone bowl, creating a crispy rice layer on the bottom for added flavor. Depending on the season, different ingredients are added, allowing you to experience the natural taste of Korea.
Samgyeopsal – Popular Grilled Pork Belly
Samgyeopsal is thick-cut pork belly grilled to crispy perfection, a favorite among Koreans. The pork’s aroma and savory fat are delectable, especially when wrapped in lettuce or perilla leaves with ssamjang (fermented bean paste). In Korea, samgyeopsal is typically enjoyed with friends or family, accompanied by various vegetables and seasonings, creating a rich, flavorful meal. Adding condiments like soybean paste and chili enhances the taste even further.
Japchae – A Savory Dish of Stir-Fried Glass Noodles and Vegetables
Japchae is a dish made with chewy glass noodles stir-fried with various vegetables and meat in soy sauce, often served on special occasions. The chewy texture of the noodles and the harmonious blend of flavors from the vegetables and meat make japchae a memorable dish. Traditionally considered labor-intensive, japchae’s delicate preparation results in a unique texture and taste, making it perfect for festive gatherings.
Tteokbokki – Spicy and Sweet Rice Cake Street Food
Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean street food, made by stir-frying rice cakes in a spicy, sweet sauce. Gochujang (red chili paste), sugar, and soy sauce create a bold, savory taste, and adding fish cakes or boiled eggs enhances the flavors. Variations include cheese tteokbokki or seafood tteokbokki, making it a versatile and popular snack.
Gimbap – A Convenient, Rolled Meal
Gimbap is made by rolling rice and various ingredients like carrots, cucumber, pickled radish, egg, and fish cake in dried seaweed, making it a quick and portable meal. There are many variations, such as tuna gimbap and cheese gimbap. Gimbap is a well-balanced snack that’s great for busy days and outdoor picnics, loved by Koreans for its convenience and nutrition.
Doenjang Jjigae – Rich and Savory Soybean Paste Stew
Doenjang jjigae is a classic Korean stew made with soybean paste, tofu, zucchini, mushrooms, and other ingredients. The earthy taste of the soybean paste provides a deep, savory flavor, making it a staple comfort food in Korean households. Some prefer to add chili peppers for a spicier kick or potatoes for a richer texture. Doenjang jjigae is an ideal side dish to pair with rice.
Galbi – Sweet and Savory Marinated Ribs
Galbi, or marinated beef or pork ribs, is often enjoyed on special occasions or holidays in Korea. Marinated in soy sauce, sugar, and garlic, the sweet and savory sauce deepens in flavor when grilled over charcoal, enhancing the tender, juicy texture. Galbi is also enjoyed in other forms, such as galbijjim (braised short ribs) and galbitang (rib soup).
Naengmyeon – Refreshing Cold Noodles
Naengmyeon is a cold noodle dish, popular during the hot summer months. Typically made from buckwheat or sweet potato starch, naengmyeon can be served in a chilled broth (mul naengmyeon) or with spicy gochujang sauce (bibim naengmyeon). There are regional variations, such as Pyongyang naengmyeon and Hamheung naengmyeon, with a refreshing, tangy taste that’s perfect for hot days.
Budae Jjigae – Hearty Stew with Ham and Sausage
Budae jjigae, or army stew, was created after the Korean War, combining ingredients like ham, sausage, and baked beans. Now a popular Korean dish, this spicy, flavorful stew includes various ingredients, providing a hearty, filling meal. Adding ramen noodles creates a more robust and satisfying dish, making it perfect for cold weather.
Dakgalbi – Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken from Chuncheon
Dakgalbi is a spicy stir-fried chicken dish marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce, especially popular in Chuncheon. Its chewy chicken and spicy flavor make it ideal with rice. Many people enjoy adding cheese or rice cakes for extra richness, and it’s often finished with fried rice cooked in the remaining sauce.
Jeon – Korean Pancakes for Celebrations
Jeon is a savory pancake made by frying seafood, vegetables, or meat in a batter, served during holidays or special events. Popular varieties include kimchi jeon, seafood pajeon, and mung bean jeon. Jeon is crispy on the outside, tender inside, and makes for an excellent snack or side dish with alcohol, thanks to its rich, savory flavor.
Ramyeon – Korea’s Beloved Instant Noodles
Ramyeon is one of Korea’s favorite instant meals, known for its spicy broth and chewy noodles. It’s quick and easy to prepare, with endless flavor options. Adding toppings like eggs, cheese, or dumplings enhances the taste, and it pairs well with kimchi for a satisfying snack or meal.
Gamjatang – Hearty Pork Bone Soup with Potatoes
Gamjatang, or pork bone soup, is made with pork spine and potatoes, slow-cooked for a rich, savory broth. Enhanced with greens and perilla powder for extra depth, gamjatang is a hearty, filling dish. It’s perfect for scooping rice into or mixing with the broth, offering a comforting meal.
Ojingeo Bokkeum – Spicy Stir-Fried Squid
Ojingeo bokkeum is a spicy stir-fried squid dish cooked with vegetables and gochujang sauce. The combination of tender squid and the spicy sauce creates a delicious balance, perfect with rice or wrapped in lettuce. This dish is especially loved by those who enjoy spicy foods.
Haemultang – A Spicy Seafood Stew with Fresh Ingredients
Haemultang is a spicy seafood stew made with fresh ingredients like crabs, shrimp, clams, and squid. The stew has a light, refreshing broth flavored with chili and soy sauce, making it a popular choice for colder weather and a common pairing with alcohol.
Sundae – A Traditional Sausage with Noodles and Vegetables
Sundae is a traditional Korean sausage made by filling pig intestines with glass noodles, vegetables, and seasonings. Sundae has a chewy texture and pairs well with ssamjang (bean paste) or tteokbokki sauce. It’s also served in various dishes, such as sundae gukbap (sundae soup with rice).
Seolleongtang – Savory Bone Broth Soup
Seolleongtang is a nourishing soup made by simmering beef bones and brisket until the broth turns milky white. Served with salt, green onions, and red pepper powder, it’s a traditional comfort food that is both flavorful and filling, ideal for cold days.
Tteokguk – Traditional Rice Cake Soup for New Year’s
Tteokguk is a dish eaten during the Lunar New Year, made by simmering thinly sliced rice cakes in a savory broth. In Korean tradition, eating tteokguk symbolizes gaining an extra year of age, and it’s loved as a classic holiday dish with chewy rice cakes in a flavorful broth.