Korean dishes are known for their rich flavor and healthful ingredients.
With so many delicious dishes to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the Koreans’ Top 20 Must-Try Korean Dishes for Foreigners.
Top 20 Korean dishes to try
Korean dishes Kimchi:
This fermented vegetable dish is a staple of Korean cuisine and comes in many varieties.
Some are spicy, while others are mild, but all are flavorful and packed with nutrients.
Korean dishes Bulgogi:
Thinly sliced beef or pork marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and grilled to perfection.
It’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Korean dishes Bibimbap:
A rice bowl topped with an array of sautéed vegetables, meat, egg, and gochujang sauce.
It’s a customizable dish that can be made to suit your taste.
Korean dishes Japchae:
A stir-fried noodle dish made with sweet potato noodles, vegetables, and often beef or pork.
It’s a popular dish for special occasions and celebrations.
Samgyetang:
A soup made with a whole chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, and ginseng.
It’s a nourishing dish that’s especially popular during the hot summer months.
Galbi:
Beef or pork ribs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and grilled to perfection.
It’s a popular dish for barbecues and family gatherings.
Korean dishes Sundubu jjigae:
A spicy tofu stew made with seafood or meat and vegetables.
It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for cold weather.
Naengmyeon:
A cold noodle dish made with buckwheat noodles served in a refreshing broth made of beef or dongchimi, a type of radish water kimchi.
It’s a popular summer dish.
Mandu:
Korean-style dumplings filled with meat or vegetables and often served steamed or fried.
They’re a popular snack or appetizer.
Dakgangjeong:
Crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce made with gochujang and honey.
It’s a popular dish for parties and gatherings.
Jajangmyeon:
Noodles in a savory black bean sauce, often served with vegetables and meat.
It’s a popular comfort food dish.
Korean dishes Haemul pajeon:
A savory pancake made with seafood, scallions, and vegetables.
It’s a popular dish for sharing with friends and family.
Tangsuyuk:
Sweet and sour pork or beef that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
It’s a popular dish for Chinese-Korean cuisine.
Gimbap:
A Korean-style sushi roll filled with vegetables, egg, and often meat.
It’s a popular snack or lunch food.
Dolsot bibimbap:
A variation of bibimbap served in a hot stone bowl that creates a crispy rice crust.
It’s a must-try dish in Korea.
Gamjatang:
A spicy pork bone soup made with potatoes and other vegetables.
It’s a popular comfort food in Korea.
Korean dishes Sannakji:
Live octopus that’s sliced into bite-sized pieces and served raw.
It’s a unique and daring dish that’s not for everyone.
Dakgalbi:
Spicy marinated chicken stir-fried with vegetables like cabbage, scallions, and sweet potato.
It’s a popular dish that’s often served with rice and side dishes.
Haejangguk:
A hearty soup made with beef broth, vegetables, and often pork or beef stomach.
It’s a popular hangover cure and comfort food.
Samgyeopsal:
is a popular Korean dish consisting of grilled or pan-fried slices of fatty pork belly, often served with lettuce, garlic, and ssamjang sauce to wrap the meat.
It is a beloved and social dish that is enjoyed by many in Korea.
These are just a few of the many delicious Korean dishes that you can try during your visit to Korea.
Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new, Korean cuisine has something to offer everyone.
So, what are you waiting for?
Get out there and start exploring the amazing world of Korean food!