Must-Eat Korean Foods for Foreigners

One of the absolute highlights of any trip to Korea is the food. From spicy dishes to comforting, savory meals, and from crispy street food to sweet desserts, there is something for every palate, making eating one of the best parts of the journey.

If it is your first time in Korea, go beyond the standard sightseeing spots and dive right into the local culinary scene by trying some of the country's most iconic dishes!

🥩 1. Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly)

As one of Korea's signature dishes, samgyeopsal is a huge hit among international travelers.

Slices of pork belly are grilled right at your table, and the classic way to eat it is by wrapping the cooked meat in lettuce or perilla leaves with garlic, kimchi, and ssamjang (savory dipping paste).

Sizzling up your own meat at the table with friends or family is also a fun and immersive way to experience Korean dining culture firsthand.

💡 TIP: For the ultimate satisfying finish, order a bowl of fried rice or cold noodles (naengmyeon) after you finish your meat.

🍗 2. Korean Fried Chicken

No trip to Korea would be complete without experiencing legendary K-chicken.

You can choose from a massive variety of flavors, ranging from classic crispy fried chicken to sweet and spicy yangnyeom chicken, soy garlic, and fiery hot options.

Korea is especially famous for 'chimaek'—the pairing of chicken and beer. Ordering chicken delivery to enjoy by the Han River or in your accommodation is an absolute must-do experience.

🍜 3. Ramyeon

Instant ramen is simple yet undeniably one of Korea's most iconic foods.

You'll find an endless variety of instant noodles at any Korean convenience store, ranging from spicy and jajang (black bean) to cheese and seafood flavors.

We highly recommend buying a pack at the store, cooking it right there using the automated noodle machine, and pimping it out with extras like cheese and an egg to make it your own.

🌶️ Note: If you aren't big on spicy food, make sure to check the spice level before buying!

🍲 4. Kimchi Stew (Kimchi-jjigae)

A staple of Korean home cooking, kimchi stew is another absolute must-try.

Made by simmering kimchi, pork, and tofu together, it delivers a deeply savory and fiery punch that pairs amazingly well with a bowl of steamed rice.

Since it's on the menu at practically every casual restaurant in Korea, it's an easy and risk-free dish to dive into during your trip.

🥘 5. Bibimbap

Featuring a colorful mix of seasoned veggies, meat, and an egg over rice, bibimbap is a relatively approachable dish even for first-time visitors.

You mix in the gochujang (chili paste) yourself, meaning you can easily dial the heat up or down to suit your personal preference.

Packed with rice, vegetables, and protein all in one bowl, it makes for a wonderfully satisfying and well-rounded meal.

🥞 6. Pajeon (Green Onion Pancake)

Pajeon is another must-try, famously known as the ultimate comfort food for locals on rainy days.

Loaded with green onions and seafood, these savory pancakes are pan-fried until crispy and are traditionally paired with makgeolli (traditional Korean rice wine).

Because they are meant to be shared, this is a fantastic dish to order when you are traveling with friends.

🍢 7. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

As one of Korea's most iconic street foods, tteokbokki features chewy rice cakes drenched in a fiery, sweet-and-spicy chili sauce.

You can easily spot them at casual snack bars, traditional markets, and street food carts, usually eaten alongside fish cakes, deep-fried bites, and gimbap.

If you are worried about the spice level, simply ask "An maep-ge hae-ju-se-yo" (Please make it not spicy) before ordering, or look for milder options.

🥟 8. Mandu (Korean Dumplings)

Korean-style dumplings come in a variety of styles, including steamed (jjin-mandu), pan-fried (gun-mandu), and boiled (mul-mandu).

From savory meat and vegetable fillings to spicy kimchi variations, there is a wide range of choices to suit every palate.

They make a quick and easy bite at street food stalls or local snack bars, or you can enjoy them in a warm, comforting bowl of dumpling soup.

🍜 9. Naengmyeon (Cold Noodles)

A quintessential Korean summer dish, naengmyeon features refreshingly cold broth and delightfully chewy noodles.

The two main varieties are mul-naengmyeon, served in an ice-cold broth, and bibim-naengmyeon, tossed in a zesty, spicy sauce.

Be sure to try the classic local habit of ordering a bowl of cold noodles as a refreshing post-meal finish after grilling up some Korean BBQ.

🍠 10. Korean Street Food

No trip to Korea is complete without diving into the vibrant street food scene alongside sit-down restaurants.

Depending on the season, you can sample all sorts of delicious treats like sweet hotteok pancakes, bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastries), gyeranppang (egg bread), roasted sweet potatoes, and corn dogs.

Tourist hotspots like Myeongdong, Gwangjang Market, and Namdaemun Market are fantastic places to try a wide variety of street eats all in one go.

🍧 11. Patbingsu (Red Bean Shaved Ice)

If you are craving something sweet after a meal, patbingsu is the ultimate dessert to try.

This popular Korean dessert features finely shaved ice topped with sweet red beans, chewy rice cakes, fresh fruit, ice cream, and more.

While classic red bean bingsu is a timeless favorite, you'll also find modern variations like mango, strawberry, and green tea to suit every taste.

🌶️ Worried Korean Food Might Be Too Spicy?

Since many Korean dishes feature chili paste and chili flakes, travelers who aren't used to spice might find it a bit intense at first.

Instead of diving straight into fiery dishes, we recommend starting with milder, crowd-pleasing favorites like samgyupsal, bibimbap, dumplings, bulgogi, and galbi.

When ordering at a restaurant, you can simply ask the staff to make it mild by saying, "An maepge hae juseyo" (please make it not spicy) or "Deol maepge hae juseyo" (please make it less spicy).

🇰🇷 Travel Tip

In Korea, sharing a variety of dishes rather than sticking to just one is all part of the fun.

If you're traveling with friends or family, order a mix of dishes like samgyupsal, pajeon, tteokbokki, and dumplings to sample a wide array of Korean flavors in one sitting.

Beyond sightseeing, diving into the local food scene is sure to become one of the most memorable parts of your trip to Korea. 🍽️🇰🇷