Life in South Korea revolves around food – a culture where asking “Have you eaten?” replaces “How are you?” as a daily greeting. South Korea famous food carries centuries of tradition, where each dish tells a story of ancient kingdoms, family recipes, and royal court cuisine passed down through generations.
Pull up a chair at a local eatery, and you’ll quickly learn that Korean dining isn’t just about the food – it’s about sharing, community, and the art of eating well. From sizzling barbecue to warming stews, every meal is an adventure waiting to unfold.
South Korean Cuisine: 20 Traditional Food of South Korea to Try
Step into any Korean kitchen, and you’ll find a symphony of flavours – spicy, fermented, and umami-rich dishes that showcase traditional food of South Korea. From street markets to cosy restaurants, each venue offers its unique take on these cherished recipes that have stood the test of time.
Non-Vegetarian Korean Cuisine
1. Kimchi – The Korean Staple
No discussion about South Korea famous food starts without kimchi. This fermented vegetable dish, typically made with napa cabbage, brings together fiery red pepper, garlic, ginger, and salted seafood. The fermentation process not only preserves the vegetables but creates a complex flavour profile that’s simultaneously sour, spicy, and umami-rich.
Must Try: With fresh rice and grilled mackerel
Price Range: ₩3,000-8,000 (INR 190-510)
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2. Bibimbap – The Rice Bowl Art
Best food to try in South Korea includes bibimbap, a colourful rice bowl that perfectly embodies Korean food philosophy. Fresh vegetables, marinated meat, and a raw egg crown a bed of warm rice, all brought together with a dollop of gochujang (red pepper paste). The real magic happens when you mix everything together, creating a perfect blend of flavours and textures.
Must Try: With extra gochujang and crispy rice bottom
Price Range: ₩8,000-15,000 (INR 510-960)
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3. Samgyeopsal – Grilled Pork Paradise
Among the top dishes in South Korea, samgyeopsal stands out as a social dining experience. Thick slices of pork belly are grilled right at your table until perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Wrap the meat in fresh lettuce leaves with raw garlic, kimchi, and ssamjang (spicy dipping sauce) for the authentic Korean BBQ experience.
Must Try: With fresh lettuce wraps and grilled garlic
Price Range: ₩15,000-25,000 (INR 960-1,600)
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4. Japchae – Festive Glass Noodles
Sweet potato glass noodles stir-fried with colourful vegetables and your choice of protein make japchae a must try food in South Korea. The noodles’ unique texture, combined with the subtle seasoning of soy sauce and sesame oil, creates a dish that’s both satisfying and refined. Originally served to royalty, it’s now a beloved celebration dish.
Must Try: With bulgogi and extra mushrooms
Price Range: ₩8,000-15,000 (INR 510-960)
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5. Tteokbokki – Street Food Champion
These chewy rice cakes swimming in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce represent the heart of Korean street food. A favourite among the street food in South Korea, tteokbokki combines soft rice cakes with fish cakes, boiled eggs, and sometimes ramen noodles. The sauce strikes a perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and savoury.
Must Try: With odeng (fish cake) and ramyeon
Price Range: ₩3,000-7,000 (INR 190-450)
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6. Sundubu-jjigae – Silken Tofu Stew
This bubbling hot stew showcases the gentler side of Korean cuisine. Soft tofu floats in a rich broth seasoned with gochugaru (red pepper flakes), garlic, and often enriched with clams or minced pork. A raw egg cracked into the bubbling stew just before serving adds extra richness.
Must Try: With a raw egg and extra mushrooms
Price Range: ₩8,000-12,000 (INR 510-770)
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7.Samgyetang – Ginseng Chicken Soup
Perfect for cold winters and hot summers alike, this authentic food in South Korea features a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, jujubes, and garlic. The long simmering creates a milky-white broth that’s both nourishing and flavourful. It’s traditionally eaten during the hottest days of summer to restore energy.
Must Try: With ginseng wine and salt-pepper mix
Price Range: ₩15,000-20,000 (INR 960-1,280)
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8. Bulgogi – Sweet Marinated Beef
Thinly sliced beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic makes bulgogi one of the most beloved traditional food of South Korea. The meat is traditionally grilled over charcoal, though modern restaurants might use table-top grills or pan-fry it. The slightly sweet marinade creates an irresistible caramelisation.
Must Try: With fresh lettuce wraps and rice
Price Range: ₩15,000-25,000 (INR 960-1,600)
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9. Haemul Pajeon – Seafood Pancake
This crispy pancake loaded with various seafood and green onions represents the perfect marriage of textures in Korean cuisine. The batter, made from wheat flour and sometimes rice flour, creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. Served with a vinegar-soy dipping sauce, it’s especially popular on rainy days.
Must Try: With makgeolli (rice wine)
Price Range: ₩12,000-18,000 (INR 770-1,150)
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10. Dakgalbi – Spicy Chicken Stir-fry
Originating from Chuncheon city, dakgalbi features chicken and rice cakes stir-fried in a spicy sauce with cabbage, sweet potatoes, and perilla leaves. The dish is cooked on a large round griddle at your table, with the option to add cheese or transform leftover sauce into fried rice.
Must Try: With cheese and fried rice finale
Price Range: ₩12,000-20,000 (INR 770-1,280)
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11. Bossam – Pork Belly Wraps
Tender slices of boiled pork belly are wrapped in fresh lettuce or cabbage leaves with raw garlic, kimchi, and ssamjang. The pork is boiled with various aromatics until perfectly tender, then sliced and served at room temperature. This dish exemplifies the Korean love for wrapping food in leafy vegetables.
Must Try: With fresh oysters and radish kimchi
Price Range: ₩20,000-30,000 (INR 1,280-1,920)
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12. Galbitang – Short Rib Soup
Clear beef short rib soup might look simple, but hours of simmering create a deeply flavourful broth. The meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender, while glass noodles and vegetables add substance. This soup represents the refined side of Korean cuisine, often served at special occasions.
Must Try: With fresh spring onions and pepper
Price Range: ₩10,000-15,000 (INR 640-960)
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13. Jajangmyeon – Black Bean Noodles
Though Chinese in origin, this dish of noodles in black bean sauce has become thoroughly Korean. The sauce, made from chunjang (black bean paste), diced pork, and vegetables, coats chewy wheat noodles in a rich, satisfying layer. It’s so popular that there’s even a special day dedicated to eating it.
Must Try: With yellow pickled radish
Price Range: ₩6,000-10,000 (INR 380-640)
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14. Naengmyeon – Cold Buckwheat Noodles
These refreshing cold noodles come in two main varieties: mul naengmyeon (in cold broth) and bibim naengmyeon (with spicy sauce). The chewy buckwheat noodles are served with cucumber, pear, boiled egg, and often cold beef slices. The broth version offers a uniquely refreshing experience on hot summer days.
Must Try: With mustard and vinegar
Price Range: ₩8,000-12,000 (INR 510-770)
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Vegetarian Korean Cuisine
15. Goguma Mattang – Sweet Potato Snack
This addictive street snack features chunks of sweet potato coated in hard-crackled caramel. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft interior makes it irresistible. Street vendors cook these fresh throughout the day, filling the air with a sweet aroma.
Must Try: Fresh from the vendor
Price Range: ₩3,000-5,000 (INR 190-320)
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16. Bindaetteok – Mung Bean Pancakes
Made from ground mung beans, these savoury pancakes are crispy outside and soft inside. Packed with kimchi, bean sprouts, and mushrooms, they’re naturally gluten-free and packed with protein. The slightly nutty flavour of mung beans makes them distinctly different from other Korean pancakes.
Must Try: With makgeolli and soy dipping sauce
Price Range: ₩5,000-8,000 (INR 320-510)
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17. Hobakjuk – Pumpkin Porridge
This smooth, creamy porridge made from sweet pumpkin offers comfort in a bowl. Often served with red beans and small rice balls, it’s a popular breakfast and snack option. The natural sweetness of pumpkin means little to no added sugar is needed.
Must Try: With pine nuts and rice balls
Price Range: ₩6,000-10,000 (INR 380-640)
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18. Kimchi Jjigae – Kimchi Stew
This hearty stew transforms aged kimchi into a soul-warming dish. The fermented flavours of kimchi create a rich, complex broth that can be made vegetarian or with various proteins. It’s the ultimate comfort food during cold Korean winters.
Must Try: With extra tofu and mushrooms
Price Range: ₩7,000-12,000 (INR 450-770)
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19. Patbingsu – Shaved Ice Dessert
This beloved summer dessert features finely shaved ice topped with sweet red beans, condensed milk, and various fruits. Modern versions might include everything from green tea ice cream to chocolate sauce, but the traditional red bean version remains a classic.
Must Try: With extra red beans and mochi
Price Range: ₩6,000-12,000 (INR 380-770)
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20. Hotteok – Sweet Filled Pancakes
These pocket-style pancakes filled with brown sugar, nuts, and cinnamon are a street food favourite. The filling melts as the pancake cooks, creating a gooey centre encased in a crispy exterior. They’re especially popular during cold winter months.
Must Try: Fresh off the griddle
Price Range: ₩1,000-2,000 (INR 64-128)
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FAQs
What is South Korea’s National Dish?
Kimchi is considered South Korea’s national dish. This fermented vegetable preparation is so important to Korean culture that UNESCO has recognised kimjang (the traditional process of making kimchi) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Is Korean Food Expensive?
Korean food offers various price points to suit different budgets. Street food costs between ₩3,000-8,000 (INR 190-510), while restaurant meals range from ₩8,000-30,000 (INR 510-1,920), depending on the location and dish.
What Type of Food is Eaten in South Korea?
Korean cuisine centres around rice, vegetables, and meat dishes, with fermented foods playing a crucial role. Common elements include various banchan (side dishes), soups, stews, grilled meats, and noodle dishes.
What is a Typical Breakfast in South Korea?
Traditional Korean breakfast mirrors lunch and dinner, featuring rice, soup, kimchi, and various side dishes. Modern Koreans might also enjoy toast, eggs, and coffee.
What is the Best Time to Experience Korean Food?
Visit during seasonal food festivals or holidays like Chuseok (autumn harvest) and Seollal (Lunar New Year) for unique culinary experiences. Spring and autumn offer comfortable weather for exploring street food markets.
What are Traditional Korean Cooking Methods?
Korean cooking incorporates various techniques, including:
- Grill (gui)
- Steam (jjim)
- Stew (jjigae)
- Ferment (jeotgal)
- Stir-fry (bokkeum)
What Currency is Used in South Korea?
South Korea uses the Korean Won (KRW). Current exchange rates place ₩1,000 at approximately INR 64.
