South Korea is known for its delicious and varied cuisine, which has developed over centuries of cultural exchange between the country and its neighbouring countries, such as China and Japan. South Korean food is characterised by a mix of fresh flavours, including spicy and sweet.
The country is especially famous for its distinctive kimchi, a fermented cabbage dish which is served as a side in almost every meal.
Korean barbecue is another popular dish. This consists of thin strips of marinated meat, usually beef or pork, which are cooked on a charcoal grill at the table. It is often served with pickled vegetables, garlic and chilli paste.
Rice dishes are also popular in South Korea. Bibimbap, for example, is a popular dish made with rice and vegetables topped with chilli sauce and an egg. Japchae, on the other hand, consists of stir-fried glass noodles mixed with vegetables.
Seafood also plays an important role in Korean cuisine. Popular dishes include haemul pajeon, a savoury pancake made with seafood such as squid or shrimp; soondubu jjigae, a spicy stew made with soft tofu; and jjamppong, a noodle soup made with seafood.
South Korea is also famous for its street food. Popular snacks include tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes topped with fishcake; odeng – boiled fishcake on a stick; gimbap – seaweed-wrapped sushi rolls; and hotteok – stuffed pancakes.
Conclusion:
South Korea has an array of delicious dishes that have been enjoyed by locals for centuries. The country is particularly renowned for its kimchi and barbecue dishes as well as its variety of rice dishes such as bibimbap and japchae.
Its street food offerings are equally popular among visitors to South Korea, including tteokbokki, odeng and gimbap.