Must-try Dishes
Kimchi Jjigae - Kimchi Stew (hearty stew) - A spicy stew made with kimchi, tofu, and pork, simmered until rich and flavorful. Best enjoyed for breakfast with a bowl of rice, locals often savor it on cold mornings.
Tteokbokki - Spicy Rice Cakes (street food staple) - Chewy rice cakes bathed in a sweet and spicy sauce, often topped with fish cakes. You’ll find it served from food stalls, and it’s perfect for a quick snack, especially after a night out.
Bulgogi - Marinated Beef (savory main course) - Thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet-soy sauce and grilled to perfection. Families often enjoy this at dinner, cooking it right at the table for a fun dining experience.
Galbi - Grilled Short Ribs (local specialty) - Tender beef short ribs marinated in a savory-sweet sauce and grilled over charcoal. It's a popular dish for celebrations and gatherings, often served with a side of ssam (lettuce wraps) and rice.
Naengmyeon - Cold Noodles (surprising combination) - Thin buckwheat noodles served in a chilled broth, often with sliced beef and pickled radish. Locals love it on hot summer days as a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Beoseot Jeongol - Mushroom Hot Pot (seasonal variation) - A bubbling hot pot filled with an assortment of mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables, simmered in a savory broth. Best enjoyed in autumn, many locals gather to share this warming dish when the first mushrooms appear.
Kongbiji Jjigae - Soybean Pudding Stew (hearty comfort food) - A thick stew made with pureed soybeans and vegetables, cooked until creamy and smooth. It's often ordered for dinner, especially during the colder months when locals crave something wholesome and filling.
Desserts & Drinks
Ginseng Tea - 인삼차 (herbal wellness drink) - A soothing tea made from ginseng roots boiled with honey and water, known for its revitalizing properties. Locals often sip on this warm brew in the winter months, especially during cold snaps to ward off chill, usually while catching up with family or friends.
Rice Wine - 막걸리 (traditional unfiltered wine) - This milky, slightly sweet beverage is brewed from a mix of steamed rice, water, and yeast, with a cloudy appearance that's a hallmark of its natural fermentation. Commonly enjoyed in rustic taverns, it's perfect for sharing over a plate of savory pancakes or during festivals, making it a well-loved staple among locals during celebrations.
Ice Granita - 빙수 (shaved ice dessert) - A refreshing dessert of finely shaved ice topped with sweetened condensed milk, red bean paste, and assorted fruits. It’s an absolute summer favorite, often served at street stalls, and you can savor it while meandering through the busy night markets.
Cherry Blossom Rice Cake - 벚꽃떡 (celebration sweet) - Soft rice cakes subtly infused with cherry blossom essence and filled with sweetened red bean paste, often made during spring. Perfect for festival gatherings, these delicate treats come wrapped in beautiful packaging, making them a popular gift among friends and family during the flowering season.
Pastry - 화과자 (traditional Korean confection) - These bite-sized, artfully crafted pastries are made with a variety of colorful fillings like sweetened bean paste and seasonal fruits, often resembling little pieces of art. They're typically enjoyed during tea ceremonies or special occasions and are great for gifting, especially when crafted with seasonal themes—don't miss them during festive celebrations!