Must-Try Korean Foods and Dining Tips

When travelling to South Korea, everyone should try some of its delicious food. Korean food has a lot of different tastes that are fun to try. For example, kimchi has a spicy tang, and bulgogi is savoury heaven. Not only knowing what to eat, but also how to properly enjoy these foods can make your eating experience a lot better. This guide will show you some of the best Korean foods to eat and give you tips on how to enjoy every bite.

Kimchi is an important part of Korean food. It is a pickled vegetable dish that is usually made from napa cabbage and radishes and has chilli pepper, garlic, and ginger in it. Bulgogi, a popular Korean BBQ dish with thinly sliced marinated beef, is often served with this main meal. Warm bibimbap, a meal of mixed rice with beef, vegetables, a fried egg, and gochujang (chilli pepper paste), is a great way to satisfy your hunger. Tteokbokki, which are spicy stir-fried rice cakes, is another favourite. These are great for people who like their food hot.

When you eat in Korea, following the local practices will make your meal more enjoyable. Sharing is a big part of Korean meals, so there will likely be a bunch of banchan (small side foods) in the middle of the table for everyone to enjoy. You should wait for the oldest person to start eating before you do, and you should be careful with your tools. Koreans usually use chopsticks and spoons made of stainless steel. Don't rush, because meals can last a long time and involve a lot of people.

Korean eating manners also stress the art of drinking, and soju, a distilled rice liquor, is often a part of this. When you get a drink, hold your glass with both hands and pour drinks for your friends. As a sign of respect, you should turn your head slightly away from older people when you take a sip. By getting to know these must-try Korean foods and dining tips, you can fully immerse yourself in Korea's rich culinary traditions and make sure that your trip is a true and memorable culinary adventure.