Top 10 Dishes Foreigners Love in Korea

Top 10 Dishes Foreigners Eat Most in Korea

1. Why is Korean Food Special?

Korean food (K-Food) is gaining immense popularity worldwide. This is due to the influence of the Korean Wave (K-Culture), with food featured in Korean dramas and films captivating global palates.
Foreigners visiting Korea, in particular, search for must-try local dishes, making ‘gourmet exploration’ an essential part of their itinerary.
However! Simply eating famous foods won't give you the true taste of Korea. That's why we've prepared this! We'll introduce the top 10 Korean dishes most loved by foreigners, and finally,The ‘Perfect Way to Enjoy Korean Food’ known only to localswill also be revealed.

2. Top 10 Korean Dishes Loved by Foreigners

1. Kimchi (Kimchi)
✔ A symbol and representative side dish of Korean cuisine

✔ Fermented food, good for health

✔ Can be used in various dishes
Kimchi is a representative Korean dish, and a must-try side dish for foreigners visiting Korea. Its spicy and tangy flavor is characteristic, and its aging process over time develops a deeper savory taste.
💡 Recommendation from Korean Locals
"It's the best combination with grilled pork belly!""Try it in various dishes such as fried rice, stew, and pancakes."

2. Bulgogi (Bulgogi)
✔ Korean seasoned beef dish

✔ Sweet and savory taste is attractive

✔ A popular Korean meat dish
Bulgogi is a Korean dish where beef marinated in sweet soy sauce is grilled. It's one of the most familiar Korean dishes to foreigners, especially popular among meat lovers.
💡 Recommendation from Korean Locals
"It's even more delicious when wrapped in rice!""Stir-frying with vegetables deepens the flavor."

3. Bibimbap (Bibimbap)
✔ A healthy dish with various vegetables, meat, and eggs

✔ Popular with foreigners for its beautiful appearance

✔ Taste can be adjusted with various sauces (gochujang, soy sauce, etc.)
Bibimbap is a representative Korean health food, a dish where various vegetables, meat, and eggs are placed on top of rice and mixed together before eating. It's one of the must-try menus for foreigners visiting Korea.
💡 Recommendation from Korean Locals
"Add gochujang sauce moderately and mix for the best taste!""Adding sesame oil enhances the flavor."

4. Samgyeopsal (Samgyeopsal)
✔ The leading representative of Korean BBQ

✔ Experience the rich flavor and ssam (wrap) culture

✔ One of the most popular meat dishes among foreigners
Samgyeopsal is a representative Korean BBQ menu and one of the most popular meat dishes among foreigners. It's characterized by grilling it on a grill and eating it with ssamjang (fermented soybean paste), garlic, and lettuce.
💡 Recommendation from Korean Locals
"Lettuce wraps with garlic and ssamjang are the best!""Enjoy it with a glass of soju to experience Korean drinking culture."

5. Tteokbokki (Tteokbokki)
✔ Chewy rice cakes in a spicy and sweet sauce

✔ Also famous as street food

✔ Cheese, seafood, and ramen noodles can be added
Tteokbokki is a representative snack food made with chewy rice cakes in a spicy and sweet sauce, and it is also very popular with foreigners.
💡 Recommendation from Korean Locals
"Adding cheese or eggs makes it smoother!""It's the best combination with Oden (fish cake)!"

6. Chimaek (Chicken & Beer)
✔ Combination of Korean fried chicken and cold beer

✔ Various sauces and styles of chicken are available

✔ Popular as a late-night snack, after-work gathering, and party food
Korean-style chicken is famous for its crispy fried coating and various seasoned sauces. In particular, the ‘Chimaek (chicken + beer)’ culture is very popular with foreigners.
💡 Recommendation from Korean Locals
"Try various styles such as yangnyeom chicken (spicy), ganjang chicken (soy sauce), and garlic chicken.""It tastes even better with beer."

7. Samgyetang (Samgyetang)
✔ Korean health food

✔ A healthy food that warms the body

✔ Popular Korean herbal medicine dish among foreigners
Samgyetang is a chicken dish simmered with ginseng, jujubes, and garlic, known as a healthy food.
💡 Recommendation from Korean Locals
"It's famous as a summer health food, but it can also be enjoyed warmly in winter."

8. Haemul Pajeon (Haemul Pajeon)
✔ Crispy Korean pancake

✔ Rich flavor with plenty of seafood

✔ Goes best with Makgeolli (Korean rice wine)
💡 Recommendation from Korean Locals
"It's even more delicious with Makgeolli."

9. Naengmyeon (Naengmyeon)
✔ Cold Korean noodle dish

✔ A summer delicacy

✔ Buckwheat noodles and tangy broth are characteristic
💡 Recommendation from Korean Locals
"Adding a little vinegar and mustard makes it even more delicious."

10. Sundubu-jjigae (Sundubu-jjigae)
✔ Spicy and soft tofu is characteristic

✔ A warm and satisfying meal

✔ Best with rice
💡 Recommendation from Korean Locals
"Add a raw egg to enhance the soft texture!"

3. Local Tips for Enjoying Korean Food Properly!

✅ Actively utilize food combinations
• Samgyeopsal + Kimchi = A harmony of smoky and savory flavors
• Bibimbap + Doenjang-jjigae (fermented soybean paste stew) = A balanced meal
• Chicken + Beer = The fantastic combination ‘Chimaek’

✅ Utilize side dishes
• Basic side dishes are provided at Korean restaurants, and many places offer refills.
• Enjoy a richer taste by pairing various side dishes such as kimchi, namul (seasoned vegetables), and jangajji (pickled vegetables).

✅ Understand Korean dining etiquette
• When dining with elders, it's polite to receive a drink with both hands.
• Use a spoon to drink soup; avoid scooping soup with chopsticks.

4. Conclusion

Korean food is not just a dish, but an ‘experience’ imbued with Korean culture and sentiment. From kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap, familiar to foreigners, to samgyeopsal, chicken, and naengmyeon, the appeal of diverse dishes lies in the deep flavor and stories each dish holds.

And, how to enjoy Korean food even better?
"To experience the taste of Korea, enjoy it like a local!""Actively using side dishes at restaurants and experiencing Korean dining culture is important."
👉 Now, experience Korean food more deeply!