Recently, Korean food is becoming more popular in Western countries.
The Korean cuisine has evolved through Korean history: some traditional food comes from the Mongol invasion (1231-1259); with the opening of the country (the 1860s), western food, new ingredients and dishes were introduced.
For example, the budae jjigae (army base stew) is a spicy stew originated from the Korean War. Because of the lack of food, Korean took the leftovers of Spam and hotdogs from the American army to make the dish. Today, Korean people still eat budae jjigae but with new ingredients such as instant noodles, garlic, sausages, etc.
The main dishes can be shared or eaten individually. Free side dishes accompany it: kimchi, eggs, potatoes, fishes, soybean sprouts, spinaches, etc. A lot of Korean food is spicy, with hot pepper or gochujang, a condiment made from red chili, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt, so if you do not like spicy food, be careful!
You eat with steel and flat chopsticks and a spoon (use for the rice and soups). Most of the time, it is self-service, you have a box on the table with the cutlery inside, and a box with napkins. Water can also be on self-service.
Some classic dishes you have to try in Korea:
Bibimbap
Rice with vegetables and sometimes meat. You have to mix the whole thing, and it is delicious!
Vegetable Bibimbap is one of the best Halal food in Korea, check-out more Halal food > Best 10 Halal Korean Food
Bulgogi
Grilled marinated beef. You can even find bulgogi burger is some fast foods!
Gimbap
Rice and vegetables rolled in dried seaweed. It derived from the Japanese’s sushi.
Naengmyeon
A dish of cold noodles, originated from North Korea and only served during summer time.
Jajangmyeon
Noodles with salty black soybean sauce. It comes from China so you can find it in a Chinese restaurant and Korean ones!
Kimchi
Fermented cabbage. Korean people are proud of their kimchi; you will not find any Korean restaurant that does not serve it.
Join our Kimchi making class
Samgyeopsal
Korean barbecue, with pork belly meat cooked on a grill at the table where you eat, served with vegetables and lettuce (usually eaten for diner).
Check-out more Korean food information: Must eat in Seoul 10 Challenging korean food you won’t dare trying Korean Street Food Hanjeongsik – The meal for the Kings
Let’s go for a Seoul food tour with us:
The Best Food Tour in Seoul: Tradition vs. Modernity
Food Tour at Noryangjin Fish Market
Half Day Royal Palace & Food Market Small Group Tour
Hiking Inwangsan Mountain and Fortress Wall Tour
K- Food Tour – Gwangjang Market & Korean Pork Belly BBQ
Korean Street Food Walking Tour
Foodie Tour in Seoul
If you want to join the cooking class or full day private tour, you can join our one day old and new Seoul city tour, additional cooking class price is around USD35-55 per person.
