Korean cuisine is taking over the world — from smoky samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) to the iconic kimchi, people around the globe are falling in love with its bold flavors and unique textures. In this post, we’ve ranked 25 of the most searched and beloved Korean foods by international fans over the past year. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Korea or just curious about what to eat, this list is your go-to guide.
Top 25 Korean Foods Loved Worldwide
- Kimchi (fermented cabbage)
- Bibimbap (mixed rice bowl)
- Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)
- Korean BBQ (samgyeopsal, galbi, chadolbaegi)
- Fried Chicken (yangnyeom or crispy style)
- Japchae (glass noodles stir-fry)
- Sundubu-jjigae (soft tofu stew)
- Bulgogi (marinated beef)
- Naengmyeon (cold noodles)
- Kimbap (Korean rice roll)
- Hotteok (sweet pancake)
- Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)
- Doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew)
- Jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles)
- Bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry with red bean)
- Galbitang (short rib soup)
- Kimchi-jjigae (kimchi stew)
- Bossam (boiled pork wrap)
- Hangover Soup (haejangguk)
- Hoddeok (honey-filled pancake)
- Makgeolli (Korean rice wine)
- Sikhye (sweet rice drink)
- Yakgwa (traditional honey cookie)
- Gopchang (grilled beef intestines)
- Chimaek (fried chicken with beer)
Why These Foods Are So Popular
The global love for Korean food has exploded thanks to K-dramas, K-pop, and the Korean wave (Hallyu). Viewers fall in love with the food they see on screen and actively seek them out in restaurants, recipes, and travel itineraries. These 25 dishes represent not only the most-searched but also the most frequently tried and reviewed on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
"If you're new to Korean food, start with the top five — you’ll be hooked before you know it."
Conclusion
Whether you’re dining in Seoul or cooking at home, these 25 dishes are your ultimate guide to understanding why Korean cuisine continues to rise in global popularity. Bookmark this list, try them all, and share your favorites!
Written by Alice — Korean foodie, home cook, and street market explorer.
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