Korean cuisine – it’s like a magnet for food lovers and travelers alike. From sizzling Korean BBQ to flavorful street foods, it’s no wonder that exploring the culinary landscape of Korea is a must-do on many travel lists. But let’s be real: diving into the world of Korean food, especially if you’re in Korea for the first time, can be as daunting as it is exciting. There’s so much to try, so many flavors to explore, and let’s not even start on navigating the etiquette and customs.
That’s where this article comes in. Think of it as your friendly guide to eating your way through Korea, minus the rookie mistakes. We’ll talk about everything from understanding spice levels to embracing the full spectrum of Korean dishes (and drinks!). Let’s make your food experiences in Korea as memorable and enjoyable as possible!
Mistake #1: Overlooking Street Food
If you are traveling to Korea, do NOT pass the street food stalls or you’ll miss out on some of the best food Korea has to offer, trust me!
Street food is a huge part of Korean food culture and a must-try if you want to experience authentic Korean food. Plus: Street food is budget-friendly!
You will find little stalls selling street food scattered across every Korean city. They are located in and around subway stations, on highly frequented streets, and inside traditional markets (시장/ si-jang), such as Gwangjang Market in Seoul.
Speaking to friends and family members who traveled to Korea, I noticed a lot of them avoid street markets due to misconceptions about hygiene. I would like to stress that street food in South Korea is generally safe to eat. The South Korean government has implemented strict regulations to ensure the safety of street food. Vendors must obtain a license to sell food on the street, and they are subject to regular inspections to ensure they are following proper food safety guidelines.
Of course, you should still be cautious when consuming street food. Just look for busy stalls as an indicator of freshness and quality.
Here are some must-try Korean street foods to put on your list:
- Tteokbokki (Spicy rice cakes)
- Mandu (Korean dumplings)
- Odeng/Eomuk (Fishcake skewers)
- Kimbap (Filled rice roll, wrapped in seaweed)
- Kkwabaegi (Korean twisted doughnut)
- Dakgangjeong (Sweet Korean Fried Chicken)
- Hotteok (Sugar-filled pancake)
Travel Tip: Dedicate an evening to exploring a local traditional food market, such as Gwangjang or Mangwon Market in Seoul.
Mistake #2: Misinterpreting Spice Levels
No question, Korean cuisine is spicy. Unlike many Western cuisines where “spicy” can range from mild to moderately hot, Korean dishes often pack a much more potent punch. That’s why, when choosing your menu, it is essential to understand how much spice you can tolerate, to not overwhelm your palate.
In a lot of Korean restaurants, staff will point out to foreigners when a dish they are about to order is especially spicy. If you are still worried about the food being too hot you can also ask for the spice level to be adjusted by saying phrases like:
- 맵지 않게 해주세요. (maep-ji anh-ge hae-ju-se-yo) = Please make it not spicy.
- 매운 거 못 먹어요. (mae-un geo mot meok-eo-yo) = I can’t eat spicy food.
- 매워요? (mae-wo-yo?) = Is it spicy?
But what if you can’t handle spicy food at all? No problem, there is still a variety of Korean foods you can opt for that are very mild. Examples are Bulgogi (soy sauce-marinated beef), Japchae (glass noodles with stir-fried vegetables), Tteokguk (rice cake soup), and Kalguksu (knife-cut noodles).
Travel Tip: Some restaurants have different spice levels to choose from for generally very spicy foods such as Tteokbokki or Jjimdak. Just keep an eye on the menu or ask the restaurant staff!
Mistake #3: Ignoring Dietary Restrictions
Do you have any dietary restrictions? If so, you might want to do some extra research before trying Korean food in Korea.
Korean cuisine is diverse and has a lot to offer, but it often includes ingredients like meat, seafood, and soy, which might not suit everyone’s dietary needs, such as vegetarians, vegans, or those with allergies. Overlooking these details can lead to uncomfortable situations or even health issues – And, of course, you would want to avoid that!
Especially if you have very specific restrictions it might be worth researching restaurants that align with your needs beforehand and incorporating them into your itinerary.
Travel Tip: Spend a few minutes researching common ingredients in Korean dishes and how they align with your dietary needs. Write down key phrases in Korean or download a translation app that can help you communicate your dietary restrictions to restaurant staff.
Mistake #4: Sticking to Well-Known Dishes Only
You know how when you travel, it’s so easy to just stick to the foods you know?
Like in Korea, it’s tempting to keep ordering Bibimbap and Kimchi Jjigae because they’re familiar and, let’s be honest, pretty awesome. However, there’s so much more to Korean food than just these classics.
Korea’s culinary landscape is rich with flavors and textures, ranging from savory to sweet, and from crunchy to tender. If you venture beyond what you already know, you might discover new favorite dishes and gain a deeper understanding of Korean culinary culture.
Travel Tip: Challenge yourself to pick something new when trying Korean food in Korea. Ask the server for recommendations if you’re not sure where to start.
Mistake #5: Skipping Traditional Korean Beverages
When you’re out there trying all the amazing food, don’t just stop at the dishes – Korean traditional drinks are a whole adventure on their own!
Think about it: every culture has its unique drinks that go hand-in-hand with their food, right? In Korea, it’s no different. These drinks aren’t just about quenching your thirst; they actually add a whole new layer of flavor to your meal.
For example, imagine you’re digging into a hearty Korean meal and you pair it with Makgeolli – that’s smooth, slightly sweet rice wine. Or maybe you’re in the mood for something non-alcoholic, so you go for a traditional Korean tea. Either way, you’re not just eating; you’re savoring the full spectrum of Korean flavors.
Travel Tip: Add a visit at a traditional Korean tea house to your Korea-itinerary!
Mistake #6: Not Using Technology to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of technology!
Apps and online resources can be a huge help when trying Korean food in Korea. There’s this misconception that trying authentic food is all about wandering around and randomly picking places. But hey, we’re living in the 21st century!
In fact, younger Koreans will ALWAYS look up a restaurant or café online before visiting. Naver Map is the go-to app for this. The app will show you what the best restaurants in your area are, organized by categories, ratings, and reviews. It’s like having a local food guide without the guide.
Additionally, apps like Google Lens and translation apps can help you translate menus, or communicate more efficiently with restaurant staff.
Travel Tip: Download & familiarize yourself with Naver Map and translation apps before your trip.
Conclusion
And there you have it – a little insider’s guide to making the most out of your culinary adventures in Korea. Remember, diving into Korean cuisine is about more than just filling your stomach; it’s about embracing a rich, vibrant culture one bite (and sip) at a time.
Now, I want to hear from you! Have you tried Korean food in Korea? What were your favorite dishes? Did you discover any hidden gems or have any funny food stories to share? Drop your experiences and tips in the comments below – I’d love to read about your adventures and learn from them too.
And hey, if you’re hungry for more travel and food-related content, make sure to check out my other travel tips as well!
