South Korea is an explosion of ancient and modern culture & chaotic and energetic food scenes that will excite any visitor. Beyond the popular K-pop and K-dramas, it is a food lover’s paradise, especially within the bustling alley markets filled with street food options. For any genuine food lover out there, a food tour in South Korea will take you on an unforgettable taste adventure!
No food experience investigating South Korea will be complete without experiencing its famous Korean street food. Think about the smell of Tteokbokki, chewy rice cakes, simmering in a sweet & spicy gochujang sauce. You can find these tempting, comforting, spicy bites on almost every street corner, often listed in a variety of soft eomuk (fish cakes) swimming in a hot, savory broth for a little refreshment.
Beyond the classic Tteokbokki, look for the Hotteok, a sweet pancake usually with brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts for the filling that is fried to a golden crisp. Hotteok’s delicious and gooey hot interior will take your breath away in the middle of winter. And a shout-out to everyone’s favorite KFC (Korean Fried Chicken)—double fried so the outside is impossibly crispy, while the inside remains juicy—basted with an assortment of sauces, including garlic soy sauce, sweet, spicy, and of course the classic yangnyeom.
If you’re looking for a heartier snack, Gimbap can be considered a substitute for sushi that is prepared in the same way yet is very much Korean. These rice rolls (that are whole rice) are wrapped in seaweed (gim) and filled with an abundance of fresh vegetables, egg, pickled radish, and sometimes meat or tuna if you want the full portable meal. You can also try the tasty (and slightly crazy) Korean corn dogs, which use a sticky rice flour batter with sugar on top, drizzled with ketchup and mustard on the top. You may find some odd varieties also serve fried cube potatoes attached to the corn dogs!
Exploring classic South Korean foodie destinations like Gwangjang Market in Seoul or Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan takes on a whole different shape when it comes to the experience. These places are busy and full of locals and tourists grabbing some of the authentic flavors. You can see how some of these foods are made, and the atmosphere is electric. From savory fried mung bean pancakes (bindaetteok) to fresh grilled seafood, you won’t run out of things you want to try!
Following the street, find more traditional Korean dishes that form the basis of their culinary identity. While these items are usually found in restaurants, there are many street stalls that offer smaller portions for easy access. Think about Bibimbap, the colorful bowl of mixed rice topped with assorted seasoned vegetables, meat, fried egg and mixed together with spicy gochujang. Then, of course, try Kimchi, the quintessential Korean dish. A fermented dish primarily of vegetables, mainly napa cabbage, Kimchi can often be spicy and tangy and is almost limitless in the spectrum of its taste, as it naturally accompanies almost every meal.
Having a culinary journey in South Korea is about more than just the food; it is about the holistic experience of the heart of Korean culture. From the speedy and flavorful bites from a crowded street to the shared experience of community-style dining, the food has a life of its own. So, dust off your appetites, soak in the lively environments of the streets, and allow your culinary journey to lead you through the plethora of tastes that South Korea offers.
