South Korea Tours & Holidays

South Korean cuisine is a harmonious blend of flavours, textures, and traditions, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and regional diversity. The foundation of most Korean meals is rice, served alongside an array of side dishes known as banchan, which can include kimchi (fermented vegetables), namul (seasoned vegetable dishes), and jeon (savoury pancakes).

One of South Korea's most iconic dishes is Bibimbap, a colourful bowl of rice topped with an assortment of vegetables, meat, a fried egg, and gochujang (red chilli paste). For a comforting meal, try Samgyetang, a nourishing chicken soup with ginseng, often enjoyed during hot summer days. Bulgogi, thinly sliced marinated beef grilled to perfection, is another must-try dish that showcases the balance of sweet and savoury flavours in Korean cuisine.

Street food is an integral part of South Korean culinary culture. Explore local markets and you'll find vendors selling tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), odeng (fish cakes), and hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar and nuts). Another popular street food is Korean fried chicken, known for its crispy texture and variety of flavours.

In coastal regions, seafood plays a significant role in the diet. Try Haemul Pajeon, a savoury pancake filled with various seafood and green onions, or Jogaegui, grilled clams served with a spicy sauce.

Korean barbecue, or Gogi-gui, is a social dining experience not to be missed. Meats like samgyeopsal (pork belly) and galbi (marinated beef short ribs) are grilled at your table and eaten with various accompaniments like lettuce wraps, garlic, and ssamjang (a thick, spicy paste).

For those with a sweet tooth, Korean desserts offer a unique twist. Sample Bingsu, a shaved ice dessert topped with sweet red beans, fruit, and condensed milk, or try Hotteok, a sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.

To fully immerse yourself in Korean food culture, consider taking part in a traditional tea ceremony or joining a cooking class to learn how to make kimchi or other Korean staples. Visit a local jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse) to experience the custom of eating sikhye (sweet rice drink) and gyeran-bbang (egg bread) after a relaxing soak.

From the fiery heat of gochujang to the complex umami of doenjang (fermented soybean paste), South Korean cuisine offers a symphony of flavours that will delight your palate and leave you craving more.