One of the greatest things about traveling is being able to experience the traditional foods of different parts of the world. It's honestly one of the most planned-out aspects of any trip I go on. It was no different on my recent trip to Seoul, South Korea. I had posts, Reels, TikToks, and pins on Pinterest, of different things I wanted to try. Eating my way through Seoul, South Korea was something I'll never forget.
What is Korean cuisine?
Korean cuisine, or hansik, is characterized by "a clear distinction between the main dish (rice, noodles, etc.) and the side dish (called banchan), diverse recipes, a balanced mix of animal and plant products, and refined fermented foods created with great care over long periods. The Korean people have also believed that food and medicine share the same origin, following the adage that “food is the best medicine.”" From Korea.net.
Most popular dishes/ingredients in Korean cuisine
Kimchi is considered the "soul food" of Korea. It's a salted and fermented food made with vegetables like napa cabbage and radish. It's also the national dish of the country. Bibimbap means mixing, and bap is cooked rice. It's served with a variety of different vegetables, tofu, and/or meat. It's then mixed with a spicy sweet sauce called gochujang. Tteokbokki is a traditional Korean street food. It's made with slices of garaetteok (boiled rice cake), fish cake, onions, diced garlic, salt, sugar and assorted vegetables. They're stir-fried in sweet red chili sauce. Delicious! And then there's Doenjang or Soybean paste. It's fermented soybeans and is often compared with Japanese miso paste. It's mostly used in soups & stews, but it can also be used as a sauce when making side dishes.
This barely scratches the surface when it comes to Korean food. While I was there, I was able to try a lot of, but not all, of the things I wanted to. Hope you enjoy my journey of eating my way through Seoul through food.
Pebbles and friend enjoy soju and Korean BBQ
PebblesJeanne was a friend of a friend who I met for a special Korean BBQ experience. We also drank soju which is Korea's national drink. You take it straight, and I only had a couple shots, but I can see how it could catch up with you.
Korean BBQ
PebblesSo. Much. Food!
Ssam (Korean Lettuce Wraps)
PebblesMy favorite thing about eating this is that you shove the whole thing in your mouth at once. So many flavors at one time!
Korean BBQ
PebblesAt some places, you cook yourself, but here we had someone cooking the meat for us.
Mandu Guk (Korean Dumpling Soup)
PebblesThis dish is so simple, but so delicious. I ate this after a stumbled into a restaurant looking for something to warm myself up after a long cold day.
Kongnamul gukbap (soybean sprout soup with rice)
PebblesThis was also a breakfast meal. What most people eat here in America like bacon, eggs, pastries, etc., aren't typically eaten there for breakfast.
Kimchi Jeon (pancake) with soybean soup and kimchi
PebblesThis was something I had in the area of Jeonju for breakfast. So delicious!
Bibimbap
PebblesBibimbap is always a good choice!
Jjimdak (Korean braised chicken)
PebblesThis was the very first thing I ate in Korea. It was enough food for 5 people. I took it home and ate it for three days! Lol
Gongoguma (Roasted Sweet Potato)
PebblesBeautiful and delicious!
Pebbles eating Gungoguma (Roasted Sweet Potato)
PebblesThis had me living my kdrama dreams. I see them eating these in them all the time. Better than any sweet potato I've ever had.
Elderflower Iced Tea and Black Sesame Croissant
PebblesAs delicious as it was beautiful. I had this at one of the man cafes that Seoul has to offer.
Mandu Guk (Dumpling Soup)
PebblesOut of the two mandu guks that I had, this one was my favorite. Probably the best thing I ate the entire time I was there. I still dream of that broth which was salty and savory and so complex and flavorful.
Plate of Sannakji (raw octopus)
PebblesThis comes still moving. Yes I know you're probably grossed out and I thought I would never try it, but I did try one piece and it was surprisingly flavorful.
Bibimbap with side dishes
PebblesI ate this at a restaurant called, "Good Restaurant." It was empty and right next door to a Michelin starred restaurant with a huge line. I was too hungry to wait, and this was so good. I think they should change their name to "Great Restaurant."
Bibimbap, soup, and sides
PebblesMade in the cooking class that I took. So good if I do say so myself!
Seafood Jeon (pancake)
PebblesAnother thing I made in my cooking class. Those crispy edges were *chef's kiss!*
Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew) and rice
PebblesMaybe my second favorite dish. I've had this at home, but nothing compared to this spicy stew. It had my nose running but I loved it.
Bento Box and Seaweed Soup
PebblesSitting at a counter with an open window looking out on the street. I felt like a local!
Pebbles holding a Hweori Gamja (Tornado Potato)
PebblesOfficially my favorite street food. Or at least until I try more. This was crispy and savory and soft inside. Yum!
