Top 10 Korean Cuisine

Korean cuisine is one of the most diverse and delicious in the world, with a variety of dishes that range from spicy, sour, sweet, and savory. It is influenced by the geography, climate, and history of Korea, and incorporates ingredients such as rice, noodles, meat, seafood, vegetables, and fermented products. Here are some of the most popular and iconic dishes that you should try when you visit Korea.

1. Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a rice dish that is mixed with various toppings, such as vegetables, meat, egg, and gochujang (red chili paste). It is served in a hot stone bowl, which keeps the rice warm and crispy. Bibimbap is a colorful and nutritious dish that can be customized to your preference and taste.

 2. Kimchi

Kimchi is a fermented vegetable dish that is made with cabbage, radish, cucumber, or other vegetables, and seasoned with salt, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. It is the most essential and ubiquitous side dish in Korean cuisine, and can be eaten as it is, or cooked in soups, stews, pancakes, or fried rice. Kimchi is a spicy and sour dish that has many health benefits, such as improving digestion and immunity.

3. Bulgogi

Bulgogi is a grilled meat dish that is made with thinly sliced beef, pork, or chicken, marinated in a sauce of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and pear. The meat is then cooked over a charcoal grill, or a griddle, and served with lettuce, perilla, or other greens, which can be used to wrap the meat and dip in ssamjang (a sauce of soybean paste and chili paste). Bulgogi is a tender and flavorful dish that is a favorite among Koreans and foreigners alike.

 4. Japchae

Japchae is a stir-fried noodle dish that is made with glass noodles, or dangmyeon, which are made from sweet potato starch. The noodles are cooked with various ingredients, such as beef, mushrooms, carrots, spinach, and onions, and seasoned with soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Japchae is a chewy and savory dish that can be eaten as a main course or a side dish.

5. Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a spicy snack that is made with cylindrical rice cakes, or tteok, and fish cakes, or eomuk, cooked in a sauce of gochujang, sugar, and water. It is often sold by street vendors, and can be found in many variations, such as cheese tteokbokki, seafood tteokbokki, or curry tteokbokki. Tteokbokki is a hot and addictive dish that is perfect for a quick bite or a late-night craving.

 6. Samgyetang

Samgyetang is a chicken soup that is made with a whole young chicken, stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, jujube, garlic, and ginger. The soup is boiled for a long time, until the chicken is tender and the broth is rich and milky. Samgyetang is a nourishing and comforting dish that is especially popular in summer, as it is believed to replenish energy and prevent heat exhaustion.

7. Kimbap

Kimbap is a rice roll that is made with seaweed, or gim, and rice, and filled with various ingredients, such as ham, cheese, tuna, egg, carrot, cucumber, and spinach. The roll is then sliced into bite-sized pieces, and served with danmuji (yellow pickled radish) and gyeran mari (egg omelet). Kimbap is a convenient and delicious dish that can be eaten as a snack, a lunch, or a picnic food.

 8. Sundubu jjigae

Sundubu jjigae is a soft tofu stew that is made with silken tofu, or sundubu, and various ingredients, such as seafood, meat, vegetables, and eggs. The stew is cooked in a clay pot, and seasoned with gochugaru (red pepper powder), garlic, and soy sauce. Sundubu jjigae is a spicy and hearty dish that is served with rice and banchan (side dishes).

9. Galbi

Galbi is a grilled rib dish that is made with beef, pork, or chicken ribs, marinated in a sauce of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, onion, and pear. The ribs are then grilled over charcoal, or a tabletop grill, and cut into bite-sized pieces with scissors. Galbi is a succulent and juicy dish that is best enjoyed with friends and family.

10. Patbingsu

Patbingsu is a shaved ice dessert that is topped with sweet red beans, or pat, and various ingredients, such as fruit, ice cream, mochi, cereal, and nuts. The shaved ice is made with milk, or condensed milk, which makes it creamy and smooth. Patbingsu is a refreshing and delightful dessert that can be shared with your loved ones.