South Korea Cuisine
Asia • Eastern Asia
87 iconic dishes
Signature South Korea Dishes
🍽️Main Dishes(33)
Baechu Geotjeori (Fresh Napa Cabbage Kimchi)
Baechu Geotjeori is a vibrant and refreshing Korean fresh kimchi, meaning it's meant to be eaten the same day it's made, without fermentation. It's characterized by its crisp texture and a bright, zesty flavor profile, making it an ideal quick side dish.
Bibim Guksu (Spicy Korean Cold Noodles)
A vibrant and refreshing Korean dish featuring chewy wheat noodles tossed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy gochujang-based sauce, topped with crisp vegetables and a hard-boiled egg. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, especially on a warm day.
Bibimbap
A vibrant and flavorful Korean mixed rice bowl featuring a medley of seasoned vegetables, tender beef, a dollop of spicy gochujang, and a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg. The key to bibimbap is to vigorously mix all the components together before each bite for a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
Bossam (Korean Boiled Pork Belly)
A classic Korean dish featuring incredibly tender, succulent boiled pork belly, often served with a variety of accompaniments like kimchi, ssamjang, and fresh vegetables for wrapping. The pork is simmered in a flavorful broth that tenderizes it and removes any gamey odors.
Bulgogi (Korean Grilled Marinated Beef)
A quintessential Korean dish featuring thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, pear, garlic, and sesame oil, then grilled to tender perfection. Traditionally cooked over charcoal for a smoky depth, it's a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Dak Galbi (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken)
A vibrant and flavorful Korean dish featuring tender chicken thighs stir-fried with an assortment of fresh vegetables in a spicy, savory gochujang-based sauce. Traditionally a specialty of Chuncheon, it's perfect for social gatherings and can be customized with additions like cheese or fried rice.
Dakdoritang (Korean Spicy Braised Chicken)
A comforting and flavorful Korean dish featuring chicken pieces braised in a rich, spicy sauce with tender potatoes and carrots. This one-pot wonder is perfect for a hearty meal.
Donkkaseu (Korean Pork Cutlet)
A popular Korean-Japanese fusion dish featuring crispy, golden-brown breaded pork cutlets served with a sweet and savory donkkaseu sauce and shredded cabbage. This is a beloved comfort food.
Doraji Namul (Seasoned Bellflower Root)
Doraji Namul is a classic Korean banchan (side dish) made from seasoned bellflower root. This preparation highlights the root's unique crunchy texture and slightly bitter, earthy flavor, often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. The salting process is key to mellowing its bitterness.
Galbi (Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs)
Tender, flavorful Korean BBQ beef short ribs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled to perfection. Traditionally cooked tableside, this recipe brings the authentic taste of Korean galbi to your home.
Galbi Jjim (Korean Braised Short Ribs)
A classic Korean holiday dish, Galbi Jjim features incredibly tender beef short ribs braised in a rich, savory-sweet soy-based sauce with aromatics. The slow cooking process breaks down the meat, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Gamja Jorim (Korean Braised Potatoes)
Tender, bite-sized potatoes coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory soy glaze. This popular banchan (side dish) is simple to make and incredibly comforting.
Godeungeo Jorim (Korean Braised Mackerel)
A comforting and flavorful Korean dish where mackerel fillets are gently braised in a savory and slightly spicy broth with tender radish. This recipe is a staple in Korean home cooking, perfect served with steamed rice.
Gosari Namul (Seasoned Fernbrake)
A classic Korean banchan (side dish) made from rehydrated bracken fern, tenderly cooked and seasoned with a savory blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and scallions. It offers a unique earthy flavor and a satisfying chewy texture.
Gyeran Mari (Korean Rolled Omelette)
Gyeran Mari is a popular Korean dish featuring thin, delicate egg sheets meticulously rolled with finely diced vegetables. It's a versatile staple, perfect as a side dish (banchan), a delightful addition to lunchboxes, or a simple yet elegant appetizer.
Jajangmyeon
A beloved Korean-Chinese comfort food featuring thick, chewy noodles coated in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet black bean sauce, studded with tender pieces of pork and crisp vegetables.
Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
A classic Korean celebration dish featuring chewy sweet potato noodles stir-fried with colorful vegetables and thinly sliced beef, all coated in a savory and slightly sweet soy-sesame sauce.
Jeyuk Bokkeum (Korean Spicy Pork Stir-Fry)
A beloved Korean dish featuring thinly sliced pork shoulder coated in a vibrant, spicy, and savory gochujang-based sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful addition to a Korean feast.
Jjajangmyeon (Korean Black Bean Noodles)
A beloved Korean-Chinese comfort food featuring chewy udon-like noodles coated in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet fermented black bean sauce, studded with tender pork and crisp vegetables. Traditionally enjoyed on 'Black Day', this dish is a popular choice for delivery and home cooking.
Jokbal (Korean Braised Pig's Feet)
Tender and gelatinous pig's feet, slow-braised in a rich, aromatic soy-based broth until fall-off-the-bone tender. A classic Korean dish often enjoyed as 'Anju' (food to accompany alcohol).
Kkakdugi (Korean Cubed Radish Kimchi)
Kkakdugi is a refreshing and crunchy Korean kimchi made with cubed radish. It's known for its vibrant red color, spicy kick, and tangy fermented flavor. Perfect as a side dish with any Korean meal, especially with stews and soups.
Kongguksu (Korean Cold Soy Milk Noodles)
A refreshing and protein-rich Korean summer noodle dish featuring chilled noodles served in a creamy, homemade cold soy milk broth. It's surprisingly simple to make and incredibly satisfying.
Kongnamul Muchim (Seasoned Soybean Sprouts)
A classic and essential Korean banchan (side dish), Kongnamul Muchim features blanched soybean sprouts seasoned to perfection, offering a refreshing crunch and savory flavor.
Naengmyeon (Korean Cold Noodles)
A refreshing Korean summer dish featuring chewy buckwheat noodles served in a bracingly cold, tangy broth or tossed with a spicy sauce. This recipe focuses on the classic mul naengmyeon (water naengmyeon).
Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Baechu Kimchi)
Korea's quintessential fermented dish, this vibrant Napa cabbage kimchi is packed with probiotics and flavor. It features a spicy, savory paste made from gochugaru, garlic, ginger, and salted seafood, coating tender, brined cabbage leaves.
Ojingeo Bokkeum (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Squid)
A vibrant and flavorful Korean dish featuring tender squid stir-fried in a spicy, savory gochujang-based sauce with fresh vegetables. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal.
Saeng Galbi (Korean Unseasoned Short Ribs)
Saeng Galbi, meaning 'raw ribs,' is a classic Korean BBQ dish featuring unseasoned beef short ribs grilled to perfection and served with a simple yet flavorful salt-sesame oil dipping sauce. This recipe highlights the pure, unadulterated taste of high-quality beef.
Saengseon Jjim (Korean Braised Fish)
A comforting and flavorful Korean braised whole fish, cooked in a rich, spicy sauce with tender radish and vegetables. This dish is often served for special occasions and celebrations.
Samgyeopsal (Korean Grilled Pork Belly)
Samgyeopsal is a popular Korean dish featuring thick slices of grilled pork belly, cooked at the table and enjoyed wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves with various accompaniments. It's a communal and interactive dining experience.
Sigeumchi Namul (Seasoned Spinach)
A classic Korean banchan (side dish), Sigeumchi Namul features blanched spinach seasoned with garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce, finished with toasted sesame seeds. It's a simple, healthy, and flavorful addition to any meal.
Sujeonggwa (Korean Cinnamon Punch)
A traditional Korean sweet and spicy cinnamon ginger punch, often enjoyed during holidays, featuring the unique flavor of dried persimmons and a hint of pine nuts. It's known for its refreshing taste and digestive properties.
Tteok-galbi (Korean Grilled Short Rib Patties)
Tteok-galbi are delicious, savory-sweet patties made from finely minced beef short ribs, often mixed with pork for texture. Traditionally a specialty of Gwangju, these patties are marinated and then grilled to a perfect caramelization, resulting in a juicy interior and a flavorful crust. The inclusion of pear acts as a natural tenderizer.
Yeongeun Jorim (Korean Braised Lotus Root)
Yeongeun Jorim is a classic Korean banchan (side dish) featuring tender yet slightly crunchy lotus root braised in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce. The beautiful, lace-like pattern of the lotus root makes it visually appealing, while its unique texture and flavor profile make it a delightful accompaniment to any meal.
🥟Appetizer Dishes(15)
Bungeoppang (Korean Fish-Shaped Pastry)
Bungeoppang are delightful fish-shaped pastries, a popular Korean street food, typically filled with a sweet red bean paste. This recipe will guide you to create these warm, crispy, and slightly chewy treats at home.
Dakgangjeong (Korean Crispy Sweet Soy Glazed Chicken)
Experience the irresistible crunch of Dakgangjeong, a popular Korean street food featuring double-fried chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory soy glaze. This recipe ensures a perfectly crispy exterior and tender interior, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Dotorimuk (Korean Acorn Jelly)
A unique and refreshing Korean banchan (side dish) made from nutty acorn starch, this Dotorimuk is a jiggly, translucent jelly that's typically served chilled and dressed with a savory soy-sesame sauce. It's a healthy and satisfying appetizer or side.
Gyeran Bbang (Korean Egg Bread)
Gyeran Bbang is a popular South Korean street food. It's a slightly sweet, fluffy mini bread with a whole egg baked inside, often with a sprinkle of cheese. It's a delightful combination of savory and sweet, perfect for a quick snack.
Haemul Pajeon (Korean Seafood Pancake)
A savory and crispy Korean pancake generously filled with fresh seafood (shrimp, squid, mussels) and vibrant green scallions. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, especially on a rainy day.
Hotteok (Korean Sweet Pancakes)
Hotteok are delicious, chewy Korean sweet pancakes, traditionally enjoyed as a popular street food, especially during colder months. The yeasted dough encases a warm, gooey filling of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
Kimbap
Kimbap are Korean seaweed rice rolls, featuring seasoned rice and a colorful assortment of fillings rolled tightly within a sheet of gim (dried seaweed). They are a popular and convenient picnic food, snack, or light meal.
Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
Experience impossibly crispy Korean fried chicken, achieved through a double-frying technique. The chicken is coated in a light, crunchy batter and then tossed in a sweet, spicy, and savory gochujang glaze. This recipe ensures the coating stays delightfully crisp even after saucing.
Korean Mandu (Dumplings)
Authentic Korean dumplings filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, firm tofu, crisp vegetables, and chewy glass noodles. These versatile dumplings can be steamed to a tender perfection, boiled, or pan-fried for a delightful crispy exterior. A beloved dish often enjoyed during holidays and family gatherings.
Modeum Jeon (Assorted Korean Pan-Fried Delicacies)
Modeum Jeon is a delightful assortment of Korean pan-fried dishes, featuring a variety of thinly sliced vegetables and proteins, coated in a light batter and pan-fried to a perfect golden crisp. It's a popular dish for holidays and special gatherings, often served with a savory dipping sauce.
Myeolchi Bokkeum (Korean Stir-Fried Anchovies)
A popular Korean banchan (side dish) or snack, myeolchi bokkeum features small, dried anchovies coated in a sweet and savory glaze. They are stir-fried until crispy and slightly chewy, making for a delightful textural contrast. This dish is a fantastic source of calcium and is often packed in lunchboxes.
Nakji Bokkeum (Spicy Stir-Fried Baby Octopus)
Nakji Bokkeum is a vibrant and popular Korean dish featuring tender baby octopus stir-fried in a fiery, savory, and slightly sweet sauce. It's known for its bold flavors and quick cooking time, making it a fantastic weeknight meal or appetizer.
Pajeon (Korean Scallion Pancake)
A savory and crispy Korean pancake loaded with fresh scallions and optional seafood. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, especially on a rainy day.
Samgak Kimbap (Korean Tuna Mayo Triangle Kimbap)
Samgak Kimbap, often found in Korean convenience stores, is a delightful and portable rice ball shaped into a triangle, similar to Japanese onigiri, but with distinctly Korean flavors. This version features a classic tuna mayo filling.
Yaksik (Korean Sweet Rice)
Yaksik, also known as Yakbap, is a traditional Korean sweet rice dessert made with glutinous rice, nuts, dried fruits, and a sweet syrup. It's often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions.
🍲Soup Dishes(20)
Agujjim (Spicy Monkfish and Soybean Sprout Stew)
A fiery and flavorful Korean stew featuring tender monkfish and crunchy soybean sprouts, coated in a rich, spicy sauce. This dish, a specialty of Masan, is known for its bold flavors and satisfying texture.
Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)
Budae Jjigae, meaning 'army stew,' is a hearty and spicy Korean soup that originated after the Korean War. It ingeniously uses readily available processed ingredients like Spam and hot dogs, combined with kimchi and ramen noodles, to create a comforting and flavorful dish. Perfect for a chilly evening or a communal meal.
Dak Bokkeumtang (Korean Spicy Braised Chicken)
A hearty and flavorful Korean comfort food, Dak Bokkeumtang features tender, bone-in chicken pieces braised in a rich, spicy, and savory sauce with hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots. It's a perfect one-pot meal that's both satisfying and warming.
Doenjang Guk (Korean Soybean Paste Soup)
A comforting and simple Korean soybean paste soup, perfect for an everyday meal. It's light, flavorful, and packed with vegetables.
Doenjang Jjigae (Korean Soybean Paste Stew)
A hearty and deeply flavorful Korean stew made with fermented soybean paste (doenjang), tender vegetables, and soft tofu. This earthy and savory dish is a staple in Korean home cooking, perfect for a comforting meal.
Dwaeji Gukbap (Korean Pork and Rice Soup)
A hearty and comforting Korean pork soup with rice, a beloved specialty from Busan. This dish features a rich, milky broth made from simmering pork bones and shoulder, served with tender slices of pork and rice, allowing each diner to season to their preference.
Galbitang (Korean Short Rib Soup)
A comforting and deeply flavorful Korean soup featuring tender beef short ribs simmered in a clear, savory broth. This classic dish is known for its simplicity and the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the ribs.
Gamjatang (Spicy Korean Pork Bone Soup)
A deeply flavorful and hearty Korean soup made with tender pork spine, potatoes, and a rich, spicy broth. Traditionally enjoyed as a comforting meal and even a hangover cure.
Jjamppong (Spicy Korean Seafood Noodle Soup)
A vibrant and fiery Korean-spicy seafood noodle soup, brimming with a generous assortment of fresh seafood and tender vegetables in a rich, chili-infused broth. This dish offers a delightful balance of heat, umami, and texture.
Kalguksu (Korean Knife-Cut Noodle Soup)
A comforting and hearty Korean noodle soup featuring hand-cut wheat noodles simmered in a rich anchovy broth with tender vegetables.
Kimchi Jjigae (Spicy Korean Kimchi Stew)
A quintessential Korean comfort food, this hearty and spicy stew features fermented kimchi, tender pork, and silken tofu, simmered to perfection. It's best enjoyed piping hot, especially on a cold day.
Kkori Gomtang (Korean Oxtail Soup)
A deeply nourishing and comforting Korean oxtail soup, characterized by its rich, milky bone broth achieved through a long, slow simmer. This recipe focuses on extracting maximum flavor and collagen from the oxtail for a truly authentic experience.
Kkotgetang (Spicy Korean Crab Stew)
A flavorful and hearty Korean crab stew, Kkotgetang, is a seasonal delicacy featuring tender blue crab in a rich, spicy broth. This recipe balances the sweetness of the crab with the savory depth of doenjang and the vibrant kick of gochugaru, making it a comforting and delicious meal.
Kongnamul Guk (Korean Soybean Sprout Soup)
A simple, refreshing, and deeply comforting Korean soybean sprout soup, often hailed as a potent hangover remedy. Its clean flavor and delicate texture make it a staple in Korean households.
Miyeok Guk (Korean Seaweed Soup)
Miyeok Guk, often called Korean Seaweed Soup, is a comforting and nutritious dish traditionally served to new mothers to aid recovery and celebrated on birthdays. This simple yet deeply flavorful soup features tender seaweed and your choice of protein in a savory broth.
Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
Samgyetang is a deeply nourishing and restorative Korean soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, garlic, jujubes, and chestnuts. Traditionally enjoyed on the hottest days of summer to combat fatigue, this dish is believed to have significant health benefits.
Seolleongtang (Korean Ox Bone Soup)
A deeply nourishing and comforting Korean ox bone soup, characterized by its rich, milky white broth achieved through hours of slow simmering. This soup is traditionally seasoned at the table to personal preference.
Sogogi Gukbap (Korean Beef and Rice Soup)
A comforting and clear Korean beef soup, featuring tender brisket and rice, traditionally a specialty of Daegu. This recipe focuses on building a rich, clean broth from beef bones and brisket.
Sundae Gukbap (Korean Blood Sausage Soup)
A deeply savory and comforting Korean soup featuring tender pork bone broth, chewy sundae (blood sausage), various pork offal, and served with rice. This dish is known for its rich flavor and hearty nature, often enjoyed as a full meal.
Sundubu Jjigae (Korean Soft Tofu Stew)
A comforting and spicy Korean stew featuring silken tofu, seafood, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a chilly day.
🥔Side Dishes(4)
Dolsot Bibimbap (Korean Hot Stone Pot Rice)
A vibrant and flavorful Korean rice dish served in a sizzling hot stone pot. Dolsot Bibimbap features a base of perfectly cooked rice, topped with an assortment of colorful, seasoned vegetables, tender marinated beef, and a sunny-side-up egg. The magic happens when the hot pot creates a delightful crispy rice crust at the bottom, adding a wonderful texture to every bite. Served with a savory and spicy gochujang sauce.
Injeolmi (Korean Roasted Soybean Rice Cake)
Injeolmi is a traditional Korean rice cake (tteok) made from steamed glutinous rice flour, pounded until smooth and chewy, then coated in a generous amount of roasted soybean powder. It's a delightful chewy, slightly sweet treat often enjoyed during celebrations and holidays.
Sikhye (Korean Sweet Rice Punch)
A traditional Korean sweet beverage made from malted barley and cooked rice, known for its refreshing sweetness and the delightful texture of floating rice grains. It's often enjoyed as a dessert drink or a digestive aid.
Songpyeon (Korean Half-Moon Rice Cakes)
Delicate, half-moon shaped rice cakes filled with a sweet sesame seed mixture and traditionally steamed over fragrant pine needles. Songpyeon are a quintessential treat enjoyed during Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival.
🍰Dessert Dishes(8)
Baesuk (Korean Poached Pears)
Baesuk is a traditional Korean dessert and folk remedy, featuring pears gently poached in a fragrant syrup infused with ginger and honey. It's often served warm as a comforting treat, especially during cold and flu season.
Bindaetteok (Korean Mung Bean Pancake)
A savory and hearty Korean pancake made from ground mung beans, filled with a flavorful mixture of kimchi, bean sprouts, and optional ground pork, pan-fried until golden brown and crispy. A popular street food, especially from Gwangjang Market.
Dalgona (Korean Honeycomb Toffee)
A popular Korean sugar candy, also known as honeycomb toffee, famous for its pressed shapes and its prominent role in the TV series 'Squid Game'. This recipe details how to make it at home.
Hobak Juk (Korean Pumpkin Porridge)
Hobak Juk is a sweet, comforting, and nourishing Korean porridge made from kabocha squash and glutinous rice flour. It's often enjoyed as a light meal, a dessert, or a restorative dish, especially when feeling unwell. The addition of chewy rice balls (sae-alshim) adds a delightful texture.
Jjimdak (Korean Braised Chicken)
A hearty and flavorful Korean braised chicken dish, traditionally from Andong, featuring tender chicken, chewy glass noodles, and root vegetables in a savory-sweet soy-based sauce with a hint of spice.
Patbingsu (Korean Shaved Ice)
A refreshing and customizable Korean shaved ice dessert, featuring a mountain of finely shaved ice topped with sweet red bean paste, chewy rice cakes (tteok), fresh fruit, and a drizzle of condensed milk. Perfect for a hot summer day.
Tangsuyuk (Korean Sweet and Sour Pork)
A beloved Korean-Chinese dish featuring crispy fried pork coated in a vibrant, tangy sweet and sour sauce with fresh vegetables and fruit. The contrast between the crunchy pork and the bright sauce is its signature.
Yangnyeom Chicken
Korean spicy fried chicken - crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy gochujang-based sauce. This dish is known for its addictive sweet, spicy, and savory flavor profile with a satisfyingly crunchy texture.
🥨Snack Dishes(3)
Jjolmyeon (Spicy Chewy Cold Noodles)
Jjolmyeon is a popular Korean street food and cafeteria dish featuring delightfully chewy wheat noodles tossed in a vibrant, spicy-sweet sauce with crisp vegetables. It's a refreshing and satisfying meal, perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage)
A traditional Korean street food, Sundae is a type of blood sausage made by stuffing pig intestines with a flavorful mixture of glass noodles, glutinous rice, pork blood, and sometimes other ingredients like tofu. It's typically steamed and served sliced with a simple salt and pepper dipping sauce.
Tteokbokki
Korea's beloved street food - chewy rice cakes bathed in a fiery-sweet gochujang sauce, complemented by tender fish cakes and fresh scallions. A comforting and addictive dish.
🧂Condiment Dishes(3)
Baechu Kimchi (Spicy Fermented Napa Cabbage)
A staple of Korean cuisine, this spicy, tangy, and funky fermented napa cabbage kimchi is a complex condiment and side dish that develops incredible flavor over time. This recipe focuses on the traditional method of salting and seasoning the cabbage before allowing it to ferment.
Chicken Mu (Korean Pickled Radish)
Crisp, refreshing, and slightly sweet-tart pickled daikon radish cubes, a classic accompaniment to Korean fried chicken, offering a delightful contrast to the richness of the fried dish.
Jangajji (Korean Soy Pickled Vegetables)
Jangajji is a classic Korean banchan (side dish) made from preserving vegetables in a savory and slightly sweet soy sauce brine. This recipe focuses on garlic, green peppers, and optional perilla leaves for a flavorful and long-lasting condiment.