First Time in Korea? Must-Try Korean Foods for Foreign Visitors

Is this your first visit to Korea? If you're curious about Korean cuisine but not sure where to start, we've prepared a delicious guide just for you. As a foreign visitor, you might find some Korean flavors surprisingly familiar, while others will be entirely new adventures.

Top 7 Korean Dishes Foreign Visitors Love

• 1. Bulgogi (불고기)
  Thinly sliced beef marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, then grilled to perfection. Bulgogi is universally loved for its soft texture and familiar flavors — similar to teriyaki or BBQ. Wrap it in lettuce with a bit of rice and try the "ssam" (wrap) style Koreans enjoy.

A hot bowl of bulgogi served in a Ttukbaegi — Korea’s heat-retaining clay pot that keeps stews and meats warm to the last bite.

 

• 2. Bibimbap (비빔밥)
  A colorful bowl of warm rice topped with seasoned vegetables, egg, and optional meat. Mix it with gochujang (chili paste) or soy sauce. Healthy, balanced, and vegetarian-friendly — a great introduction to Korean home-style food.

Bibimbap served in a sizzling hot stone bowl, known as Dolsot , with vegetables, egg, and rice forming a colorful harmony.

 

• 3. Samgyeopsal (삼겹살)
  Korean pork belly BBQ — grilled at the table. No spicy marinade by default, so it's perfect for first-timers. Enjoy it with dipping sauces and fresh lettuce wraps. Interactive and social — ideal for group dining.

Korean pork belly BBQ — grilled at the table

 

• 4. Haemul Pajeon & Makgeolli (해물파전 + 막걸리)
  A crispy Korean-style pancake made with green onions and seafood — but don’t let the word “pancake” fool you! It’s savory, not sweet, and more like a fritter or seafood omelet. Best enjoyed with a bowl of chilled, slightly fizzy rice wine called makgeolli.

Haemul Pajeon 해물파전 - Korean-style pancake made with green onions and seafood [ⓒPhoto Korea - KTO_Kim Jiho]

 

• 5. Galbijjim (갈비찜)
  Slow-braised short ribs in a sweet-savory soy sauce base. Rich, tender, and deeply comforting — similar to a hearty stew, yet unmistakably Korean.

Galbijjim (갈비찜)

[ⓒPhoto Korea - Toraii Republic]

 

• 6. Maeuntang (매운탕)
  Spicy fish stew with fresh vegetables, tofu, and chili paste-based broth. Don’t let the name scare you — it's bold but clean, often compared to spicy Mediterranean fish soups. Perfect if you love seafood and want to try something more adventurous.

Maeuntang (매운탕) [ⓒPhoto Korea - KTO_Kim Jiho]

 

• 7. Gimbap (김밥)
  Korea’s beloved rice roll — filled with colorful vegetables, egg, and optional meat or tuna, all wrapped in seaweed. It’s not sushi — no raw fish here — but it’s just as photogenic and delicious. Easy to eat, perfect for a quick lunch or picnic!

Gimbap (김밥) [ⓒPhoto Korea - Korea Tourism Organization Frame Studio]

 

Want to Try Something Spicy?

If you're open to a spicy kick, these two dishes are local favorites — but we recommend asking for a mild version first:

• Tteokbokki (떡볶이): Soft rice cakes in a sweet and spicy gochujang-based sauce. Try rose tteokbokki if you prefer creamy and less spicy flavors.
• Dakgalbi (닭갈비): Stir-fried spicy chicken with cabbage, sweet potato, and rice cakes. Cheese topping makes it extra fun — and slightly milder.

Tteokbokki (떡볶이) & Dakgalbi (닭갈비) [ⓒPhoto Korea - Toraii Republic, Studio 4cats]

 

Atmosphere Matters Too

• Traditional Restaurants: Ideal for bulgogi, bibimbap, galbijjim, or maeuntang. Quiet and cultural.
• BBQ Houses: Great for samgyeopsal. Casual and interactive, perfect for groups.
• Korean Pubs (Pocha Style): Try pajeon and makgeolli in a relaxed, local vibe.

A Few Korean Dining Tips

• Don’t be afraid to ask for non-spicy options — most places can adjust.
• Wrap grilled meat in lettuce with garlic, sauce, and rice — it’s called ssam and it’s fun!
• Using metal chopsticks? Take your time — it’s part of the experience.

“Korean food is not just a meal — it’s a shared experience. From sizzling grills to comforting stews, there’s a flavor for everyone.”

If you'd like local restaurant suggestions or prefer halal/vegetarian options, just ask — we're happy to recommend places that fit your taste!