Top 10 Korean Foods Every Visitor Must Try

Top 10 Korean Foods Every Visitor Must Try

Korea is a food lover’s paradise. From sizzling barbecue to spicy stews and street snacks, there’s something for everyone. If you’re visiting Korea in 2025, don’t just stick to familiar dishes – explore the full range of Korean cuisine. Here are 10 must-try Korean foods that will make your trip unforgettable.

1. Kimchi (김치)

No list of Korean foods is complete without kimchi. This fermented cabbage dish is spicy, tangy, and full of probiotics. It’s served with nearly every meal in Korea – from breakfast to dinner – and is considered the country’s signature side dish.

2. Korean BBQ (삼겹살)

Korean BBQ, especially grilled pork belly (삼겹살), is an absolute must-try experience. You grill your own meat at the table, wrap it in lettuce with garlic, sauce, and kimchi – a combination Koreans call ssam. It’s social, fun, and delicious.

3. Bibimbap (비빔밥)

Bibimbap is a colorful rice bowl topped with assorted vegetables, egg, and often beef, served with spicy gochujang sauce. Mix it all together for a healthy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

4. Tteokbokki (떡볶이)

If you love street food, try tteokbokki. These chewy rice cakes are cooked in a spicy-sweet red sauce, often served with fish cakes and boiled eggs. It’s a favorite snack for locals and tourists alike.

5. Korean Fried Chicken (치킨)

Korean fried chicken is world-famous for its crispy texture and bold flavors. Often served with sauces like soy garlic or spicy gochujang, it’s usually enjoyed with beer – a pairing known as “chimaek” (chicken + maekju, the Korean word for beer).

6. Jjigae (찌개)

Jjigae means “stew” in Korean, and there are many types: kimchi jjigae, doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew), and sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew). Served boiling hot in a stone pot, jjigae is the ultimate comfort food.

7. Kimbap (김밥)

Kimbap looks like sushi but tastes very different. It’s made with rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat or tuna, all rolled in seaweed. It’s a popular picnic or travel snack that’s cheap and filling.

8. Mandu (만두)

Mandu are Korean dumplings, filled with pork, beef, or vegetables. You can find them steamed, boiled, or fried. They’re often served with soy sauce and vinegar, and make a great appetizer or quick snack.

9. Naengmyeon (냉면)

Naengmyeon is a cold noodle dish perfect for Korea’s hot summers. The buckwheat noodles are served in icy broth or spicy sauce, topped with cucumber, pear slices, and boiled egg. Refreshing and unique, it’s unlike anything you’ve tried before.

10. Hotteok (호떡)

Finish your food tour with something sweet: Hotteok. These Korean pancakes are filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, then fried to perfection. It’s a winter street food favorite, but you can find it year-round.

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Conclusion: Taste Korea one bite at a time

Korea’s food culture is as diverse as its history. By trying kimchi, BBQ, bibimbap, tteokbokki, fried chicken, jjigae, kimbap, mandu, naengmyeon, and hotteok, you’ll experience the true flavors of the country. Good Korea Info will keep sharing Korean food guides to help you enjoy the best dishes during your trip.