Korean food information

Korea's food culture is diverse and rich. This includes regional characteristics, seasonal food, and important elements of Korean food.

 

Korean food culture

Regional Features

Although Korea is a small country, each region has its own unique food culture. For example, you can find many dishes using seafood in Busan, and in Jeju Island, you can enjoy unique menus such as Dombe meat and mackerel sashimi. Bibimbap and moju are famous in Jeonju, and Matgimchi and Chungmu Gimbap are popular in Chungcheong-do.

 

Seasonal Food

Korean food varies from season to season. I enjoy cold noodles or frozen samgyetang in summer and prefer warm soup dishes such as kimchi stew and pork and rice soup in winter.

 

Side Dish Culture

Side dishes are one of the most important things on the Korean table. It is mainly served with rice and there are various kinds prepared. Because of various side dishes such as kimchi, vegetables, and salted fish, the meal is not monotonous even if you eat the same main dish every day.

 

Kimchi and Jangryu

Kimchi and Jangryu (soy sauce, red pepper paste, and soybean paste) are also an important part of Korean food. They make the flavors of various dishes harmonize.

 

Sharing Culture

Sharing is important in Korean culture. This is because most restaurants serve food in large bowls that many people can share together.

 

 Health and Nutrition Value

Many Korean foods have health and nutritional value. For example, kimchi supplies probiotics as a fermented food, and vegetables and ssam vegetables provide the nutrition of fresh vegetables.

Caution when eating Korean food culture

 

Spicy Food

Korean food is often known for its spicy taste. Especially, kimchi, tteokbokki, budae jjigae, etc. can be spicy because they are made using peppers. People who try Korean food for the first time should be prepared for these spicy foods, and if necessary, restaurants can ask for spiciness control.

 

Allergic Reaction

Korean cuisine uses a variety of ingredients, so people with allergies need to be careful. In particular, people who are allergic to seafood, nuts, and peppers should take this into account when choosing a menu.

 

Fish Thorns

Be careful of small thorns when eating fish dishes. Especially in sashimi or grilled fish, small spines may remain, so be careful when eating.

 

Food Sharing Culture

In Korea, many people share food in the same bowl. If you are not familiar with this culture, it may be a little awkward at first, but it is also one of the Korean food cultures.

 

 Reordering side dishes

You can reorder side dishes (kimchi, vegetables, etc.) provided by most Korean restaurants. If you run out of side dishes, we will provide additional food as a service, so feel free to request it.

 

Raw fish dishes (sashimi, etc.)

Some raw fish dishes (especially raw fish) should only be enjoyed in a safe restaurant as freshness and hygiene are important. If you remember a few precautions as above, you can enjoy Korean food more safely and happily.

I will recommend Korean food.

 

Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a dish that is topped with various vegetables, meat, and eggs and mixed with red pepper paste or soy sauce. This dish is popular because you can enjoy various flavors and nutrients in one bowl.

 

Pork Belly

Pork Belly is a dish of grilling pork belly, and it is one of Koreans' favorite barbecues. If you wrap it in lettuce or perilla leaves and eat it with ssamjang, garlic, and red pepper, it's excellent.

 

Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a simple dish made by frying rice cakes and fish cakes in a sweet yet spicy sauce. It is mainly sold in snack bars, and it is one of Korea's representative snacks.

 

Kimchi Stew

One of the national foods, kimchi stew is made by boiling ripe kimchi, pork, and fish cake. The unique cool and rich taste is excellent.

 

Budaejjigae

Budaejigae is also one of the popular stews and is known for being good for hangover. It boasts a superb taste with various ingredients such as ham, sausage, and ramen noodles.

 

Galbitang

It is one of the traditional Korean broth dishes that makes you feel relaxed. It is cooked with ribs in the broth that has been brewed for a long time, and the soft meat and rich broth taste are excellent.

 

Stir-fried spicy pork

It is a dish made by seasoning pork with red pepper paste, soy sauce, sugar, etc. and then stir-frying it. It is a spicy and sweet dish that is delicious with rice.

 

The above dishes are examples of the diversity of Korean food. However, there are many other delicious foods in Korea, so I recommend you to try various kinds.