Korean cuisine, known for its bold flavors and diverse ingredients, is an integral part of the cultural experience. Meals often feature a variety of banchan (side dishes) and a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes.
Must-try dishes include kimchi (a staple of fermented vegetables - mostly cabbage and radishes - with a spicy kick and hundreds of varieties); bibimbap (a mixed rice dish topped with vegetables, meat - most commonly beef - and a fried egg, served with gochujang chili paste); bulgogi (marinated beef grilled to perfection); and samgyeopsal (Grilled pork belly enjoyed with dipping sauces and wrapped in lettuce leaves).
Exploring traditional markets is a culinary adventure. Gwangjang Market in Seoul is famous for its street food, including bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls). Seoul´s Namdaemun Market, the largest traditional market in Korea, offers a plethora of food stalls and shops selling local products.
From tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes) to odeng (fish cake skewers) and gyeranppang (egg bread), the variety of street food is endless. Night markets like Myeongdong and Dongdaemun are perfect places to indulge in these delicious snacks.
Read more in Tripatini contributor Sunil Buri´s post A Cultural and Historical Tour of South Korea.
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