Korean cuisine is one of the world best. Here are 15 dishes every traveler must try.
## Must-Try Dishes
### 1. Bibimbap (비빔밥)
Mixed rice with vegetables, meat, egg, and gochujang sauce. Available everywhere. Try it at any local restaurant.
### 2. Bulgogi (불고기)
Marinated grilled beef. Sweet and savory. Order at Korean BBQ restaurants.
### 3. Kimchi (김치)
Fermented cabbage. Served with every meal. Try different types at a kimchi museum.
### 4. Samgyeopsal (삼겹살)
Pork belly grilled at your table. Wrap in lettuce with ssamjang sauce.
### 5. Japchae (잡채)
Stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables and meat. Sweet and chewy.
### 6. Tteokbokki (떡볶이)
Spicy rice cakes in gochujang sauce. Best as street food.
### 7. Korean Fried Chicken (치킨)
Double-fried chicken with sweet and spicy sauce. Order with beer (chimaek).
### 8. Sundubu Jjigae (순두부찌개)
Soft tofu stew. Spicy and warming. Perfect for cold days.
### 9. Kalguksu (칼국수)
Hand-cut noodle soup. Comfort food at its best.
### 10. Haemul Pajeon (해물파전)
Seafood pancake. Crispy and savory. Great with soju.
### 11. Jajangmyeon (자장면)
Black bean noodles. Korean-Chinese fusion. Order delivery.
### 12. Naengmyeon (냉면)
Cold buckwheat noodles. Refreshing in summer. Try Pyongyang-style.
### 13. Gopchang (곱창)
Grilled intestines. Popular with locals. Try at Hongdae.
### 14. Dakgalbi (닭갈비)
Spicy stir-fried chicken. Cheongju-style is the best.
### 15. Hotteok (호떡)
Sweet filled pancake. Street food classic. Best in winter.
## Where to Eat
– **Gwangjang Market** – Traditional street food
– **Myeongdong Kyoja** – Famous for mandu (dumplings)
– **Samcheok-dong** – Korean BBQ street
– **Any local neighborhood** – Best food is often away from tourist areas
## Dining Tips
1. Most restaurants do not have English menus
2. Point at what others are ordering
3. Korean BBQ is a social experience
4. Sharing dishes is the norm
5. Tipping is not expected
**Pro tip:** Try a different dish each day. Korean food is incredibly diverse and delicious.