The Korean Cuisine Guide

Craving the bold and vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine? Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned enthusiast, we’ve got everything you need. Explore the origins, signature dishes, expert tips, and all you should know to master the art of Korean cooking.

The ABCs of Korean Cuisine

Start here to explore what Korean cuisine is, its origins, and how to enjoy it the right way.

Traditional Korean feast spread with kimchi, barbecue, and steaming stews, vibrant colors, rustic wooden table, cultural and historical ambiance, realistic.

Korean Cuisine History

Korean cuisine, called “Hansik,” is known for much more than just great food. It reflects the traditions and history of Korea over hundreds of years. With bold tastes, a mix of ingredients, and cooking methods passed down through generations, Korean dishes have changed over time, influenced by the country’s culture and environment. From warming stews […]

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Assorted Korean ingredients on a wooden table, including kimchi, gochujang paste, fresh vegetables, and fermented sauces, vibrant colors, traditional and inviting.

Korean Cuisine Ingredients

Learning about Korean cooking starts with getting to know the main ingredients used in its dishes. Korean food is recognized for its balance of fermented foods, fresh vegetables, and careful seasoning. Korean recipes often follow traditions and use seasonal produce, with many foods preserved through fermentation. This creates meals that are both healthy and full […]

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Korean food table spread, banchan side dishes, kimchi, gochujang, steaming stew, vibrant colors, traditional, appetizing, cozy lighting.

Typical Korean Food: A Deep Dive Into Flavors and Traditions

What makes Korean food “typical”? Korean food is known for its strong flavors, fresh ingredients, and old traditions. Meals are meant to be shared, with many small side dishes (banchan) served with every meal. Fermentation is a big part of the taste, giving dishes like kimchi their strong and unique flavors. Besides the classics you […]

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Colorful spread of healthy Korean food including kimchi, side dishes (banchan), and soups (kuk) on a wooden table, bright and fresh, realistic.

Is Korean Food Healthy?

Yes, for the most part, Korean food is seen as very healthy. The cuisine is well-known for its bright flavors and a variety of fresh ingredients, most of which are good for your health. Korean dishes usually focus on vegetables, lean meats, and fermented foods that help your gut. While some meals are more of […]

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Traditional Korean meal layout with rice, banchan side dishes, and kimchi, vibrant colors, cozy atmosphere, realistic.

What Makes Traditional Korean Food Unique?

Traditional Korean food, called hansik, is more than just a meal-it brings together history, natural resources, and the idea that what you eat can help keep you healthy. Hansik is known for its balance in flavor, texture, and nutrition. It features a lot of fermented foods and meals are typically made up of a main […]

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Korean street food market, vibrant stalls with various snacks on sticks, lively atmosphere, bustling city street, traditional Korean style, colorful and appetizing.

Korean Street Food: A Taste of Culture and History

Korean street food, known as gilgeori eumsik (한국의 길거리 음식), is much more than just snacks-it’s a lively and important part of Korean culture that has become popular worldwide. These foods are easy to find, enjoyable to eat, and provide a window into the everyday life and tastes of Korea. Whether it’s a quick bite […]

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Fun Facts About Korean Cuisine

Here are some fun facts to deepen your Korean cuisine knowledge.

1

The Importance of Kimchi

Kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish (usually cabbage), is central to Korean cuisine. It’s a staple at almost every Korean meal and is said to have numerous health benefits due to its probiotic content.

2

Korean BBQ Culture

Korean BBQ isn’t just about food; it’s an experience! Diners grill their own meat (usually beef, pork, or chicken) at the table, often accompanied by banchan (small side dishes).

3

Rice is Essential

Rice is a foundational part of every Korean meal, served alongside almost every dish, including bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables, meat, and chili paste) and juk (rice porridge).

🍲 Expert Tips & Hacks

Use High-Quality Gochujang: Gochujang (Korean chili paste) adds a signature sweetness and heat. Use a good-quality brand for authentic flavor.
Perfect Your Rice: Use short-grain rice for a sticky texture that pairs well with Korean dishes.
Balance the Flavors: Korean cuisine is all about balancing sweet, salty, spicy, and umami flavors. Adjust seasonings to get that perfect mix.
Get Familiar with Banchan: Korean meals are often accompanied by small side dishes (banchan). Experiment with simple banchan like pickled radish, sautéed spinach, or kimchi.
Don’t Overcook the Meat: For Korean BBQ, grill your meat just enough to keep it tender and juicy. It should be slightly charred but not dried out.
Use Sesame Oil and Seeds: Add depth of flavor with sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds, commonly used in Korean cooking to bring nuttiness and richness to dishes.

Top 100 Korean Recipes Everyone Loves

Below are 3 delicious ideas — click to see the full list.

Best Korean Restaurants in Major Cities

Find and book tables at top Korean restaurants — from local gems to internationally renowned Korean BBQ spots.

Argentina

Argentina

57+ restaurants

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Brazil

Brazil

73+ restaurants

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Colombia

Colombia

37+ restaurants

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El Salvador

El Salvador

3+ restaurants

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Guatemala

Guatemala

30+ restaurants

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Honduras

Honduras

7+ restaurants

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Mexico

Mexico

100+ restaurants

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Nicaragua

Nicaragua

19+ restaurants

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Peru

Peru

57+ restaurants

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Latest Posts

Check out our newest articles and tips
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Gun Mandu: The Art of Korean Pan-Fried Dumplings

Introduction to Gun Mandu Gun mandu (군만두) are beloved Korean pan-fried dumplings cherished for their golden, crisp exterior and flavorful fillings. Offering a delicious contrast between crunchy and savory, gun mandu are enjoyed as appetizers, street snacks, or an accompaniment to diverse Korean meals. Defining Characteristics Gun mandu distinguish themselves from other types of Korean […]

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September 29, 2025 Diet and nutrition

Ssiat Hotteok: Korea’s Nutty, Seed-Stuffed Sweet Pancake

Introduction to Ssiat Hotteok Ssiat hotteok is a beloved Korean street snack renowned for its chewy texture, sweet nutty filling, and comforting warmth. While hotteok in general is a popular winter treat throughout Korea, ssiat hotteok—literally “seed hotteok”—distinguishes itself by adding a generous blend of mixed seeds and nuts to the classic syrupy filling. This […]

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