Eating in Korea

Kimchi is perhaps the most well known Korean food. The fiery, pungent, and tart pickled cabbage is served at almost every meal in Korea. For many visitors, it is an acquired taste. However, Korea has a lot more than just kimchi to put on the table. Those who love seafood, beef, and spicy foods will find themselves at ease in Korea. For those who prefer to find there excitement in places other than the table, Korea has many restaurants serving western foods (yes, even McD’s).

Jjigae is a spicy stew made with fermented bean paste. These stews can contain anything from fish to tofu to kimchi, of course. Some restaurants have a tabletop stove where you can cook your own Jjigae.

Barbecue dishes are probably some of the most accessible to visitors. Restaurants serving bulgogi (marinated meat) or galbi (not-marinated) usually simply place the raw meat on the table next to a small tabletop grill. Beef is the most common meat for barbecuing. Diners then cook their own meat. Lettuce and condiments are served with the barbecue, but are optional.

Being a peninsular nation with easy access to the sea, marine animals of all kinds are consumed frequently in Korea. Many dishes such as Jjigae can be made with fish. Dom Hoe is raw fish, usually cleaned and served whole. It is similar to Japanese sushi, and is usually eaten with a spicy bean and chili paste. Jjim is seafood which is slow cooked in soy sauce and served with vegetables. Carp and sea bass are often prepared this way. Ojingeo bulgogi is squid, which is marinated and grilled in the same way as beef bulgogi. And, yes, the rumors are true, live octopus is served at some restaurants.

There are various stir-fried noodle and rice dishes, many of them quite spicy. Rice (bap) is sometimes mixed with beans, nuts, or barley for added taste. There are many noodle shops serving the Korean version of Japanese ramen noodles. Vegetables, meats, fish, and kimchi accompany such dishes. Noodles are stir-fried or served in a soup.

Korea is a dessert lovers paradise. Sikhye is a sweet drink made from rice and flavored with ginger and, sometimes, honey. Gangjeong is a cookie made from rice and sesame seed, and Yaksik is a glutinous rice bar seasoned with honey and jujube. Of course, ice cream and chocolate are easy to come by as well as the traditionally desserts and snacks.

Food such as Hangwa (molded sweets) are an important part of some traditions. Most festive occasions call for particular foods, as do more somber occasions like ancestor memorial rites.

Eating in Korea can be an adventure. It’s worth a little time and effort to learn to enjoy this unique cuisine.