Top 10 Signature Dishes in Korea

South Korea is not only famous for its many scenic spots but also boasts a rich and diverse culinary heritage. 

When you have the chance to visit South Korea, don’t forget to try these 10 dishes to share with your friends and family. Let’s explore the details together with Sun Tours in this article!

Kimchi

Kimchi is a signature dish and a symbol of Korea. This dish is made by fermenting various vegetables such as cabbage, napa cabbage, radishes, and green onions with a variety of spicy and sour seasonings. Additionally, kimchi can be transformed into many other dishes, such as kimchi stew and kimchi fried rice.

Kimbap

If kimchi is the most popular pickled vegetable dish, then kimbap is the second most popular food in Korea. Kimbap is shaped similarly to Maki, a type of sushi roll wrapped in seaweed from Japan. However, kimbap is larger in size as its filling includes various ingredients such as rice, carrots, cucumbers, eggs, sausages, and pickled yellow radish.

Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a mixed rice dish that leaves a lasting impression on many travelers visiting Korea. The main component of bibimbap is rice, topped with sautéed vegetables and gochujang (red chili paste). Additionally, the dish may include fried or raw eggs and thinly sliced beef. The ingredients are mixed together to create a delightful and delicious meal.

Bulgogi

Bulgogi is a dish of thinly sliced grilled beef marinated with various spices such as soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, garlic, ginger, onion, and sugar for 2-4 hours. This traditional dish is either broiled or pan-fried. Travelers can enjoy the beef with spinach, a bit of kimchi, and other side dishes.

Naengmyeon

Naengmyeon is a cold noodle dish made with thin noodles from buckwheat flour served in a bowl of beef broth, typically kept chilled with ice. The dish is also garnished with slices of beef and boiled eggs. Naengmyeon can be accompanied by pickled radish kimchi, vinegar-soaked cucumbers, and spicy mustard. The chewy noodles combined with the refreshing and subtly sweet broth make it an ideal meal for hot summer weather.

Sundae

Sundae is a dish similar to Vietnamese blood sausage. Sundae is made from pig’s blood, sweet potato noodles, onions, and garlic stuffed into pig intestines, then steamed until cooked. The dish is served hot and is typically accompanied by a spicy dipping sauce. This is one of the oldest dishes in Korea and is popular among many travelers.

Samgyetang

Samgyetang is a ginseng chicken soup made from ginseng, chicken, and a variety of nutritious spices. These ingredients are stuffed inside the chicken, then simmered and served with napa cabbage kimchi and radish. This dish not only helps to cool the body but is also beneficial for health.

Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a popular spicy stir-fried rice cake dish enjoyed by both Koreans and international travelers. The rice cakes are cut into cylindrical pieces and cooked with meat, vegetables, eggs, and spicy chili paste. Additionally, Tteokbokki is often garnished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to enhance its aroma.

Mandu

Mandu was once a dish favored by royalty. Today, it is sold everywhere, allowing tourists and locals in Korea to enjoy this distinctive cuisine. Mandu dumplings typically consist of main ingredients such as tofu, minced beef, pork, and vegetables. You can choose to steam or fry the mandu according to your preference. Additionally, the dumplings are often served with chili sauce to enhance their flavor.

Odeng

Odeng is a popular street food in Seoul, South Korea. This dish is made from fresh fish fillets mixed with flour, a bit of seasoning, and herbs. The mixture is then shaped into round balls or flat pieces. Odeng is served in a seafood broth for dipping. Tourists can further enhance the flavor by pairing the dish with Soju.

I hope that the information about these 10 signature dishes of Korea will help travelers fully explore this country. Follow Sun Tours on our fanpage or website to stay updated with more valuable insights during your travels in Korea!