The Korean Peninsula is a fascinating place with a vibrant culture. When it comes to food, Koreans take their cuisine very seriously. There are endless varieties of dishes to enjoy, each with its own unique flavors and traditions.
In this complete culture guide, we'll explore the wonderful world of Korean food and cuisine, discussing why the Koreans find food so important, as well as taking a look at some of the different styles of cuisine available. We'll also show how you can get involved in Korean food yourself.
So without further ado, let's dive into the delicious world of Korean cuisine!
What is the food and cuisine culture in Korea?
The Korean food culture is heavily influenced by the country's history and geography.
The peninsula has been invaded and occupied numerous times over the centuries, with each new regime bringing its own culinary traditions. Evidence of this can be seen in the wide variety of dishes available today.
Another significant influence on Korean cuisine is the country's climate.
The hot and humid summers make Korean food often quite spicy to help you cool down. In the winter, you'll find heartier dishes that will warm you up.
That's the core of Korean cuisine and should be your main takeaway.
Koreans are very much in tune with their food. The food they eat usually has a purpose (as we'll explore later on in this guide), and there is significance in their choices.
While modern Korean culture is indeed shifting with the rise of technology and more culinary options available to everyday people, traditional Korean perspectives are still very common.
This means choosing healthy, nutritious foods that serve the mind and body are prioritized, and there's not so much of the snacking, unhealthy culture that is prevalent throughout the Western world.
So what are some of the different types of cuisine available in Korea? Let's take a look at a few of the most popular.
Traditional Korean cuisine
Rice, vegetables, and meats are at the heart of traditional Korean cuisine. The most common meats used are pork, beef, and chicken. Seafood is also very popular, especially in coastal areas.
One of the most iconic traditional Korean dishes is Kimchi. This dish is made of fermented cabbage and other vegetables and is often quite spicy. Kimchi is usually served as a side dish but can also be used as an ingredient in other dishes.
In fact, this dish is so popular and traditional in the country that the process of making and sharing Kimchi has been listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage asset since 2013. This means that the Korean government is working to protect and preserve this important part of their culture.
Most notably, traditional Korean diets have a considerable absence of dairy products.
Seafood and meat-based cuisine
As we mentioned, seafood is very popular in Korea thanks to the country's extensive coastline. Fish, crabs, clams, and shrimp are all commonly used in Korean dishes.
Further inland, traditional meats are commonplace. One of the most well-known dishes is samgyeopsal. This dish is made of grilled pork belly and is often served with sides like Kimchi, mushrooms, onions, and garlic. It's a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for sharing with friends.
Modern Korean cuisine
As the country has become more Westernized, so has its cuisine. You'll now find various Western-style restaurants in Korea, serving dishes such as pizza, pasta, and burgers.
Of course, these dishes have been given a Korean twist. For example, a Korean pizza tends to have a lot of sweet elements rather than being a traditionally savory dish. This is a fun activity for many Koreans as they love to try new and interesting toppings, testing the limits of what's possible. This can even include larger items, like T-bone steaks!
Western-influenced cuisine
Hand in hand with the point above, there is, of course, Western-inspired food, just like there is Eastern-inspired food in western countries.
Since the late 19th century, Western culture has significantly influenced Korea. This can also be seen in the food, with several dishes being created that are a fusion of Korean and Western cuisine.
One of the most popular Western-influenced Korean dishes is called jjajangmyeon. This dish consists of noodles in a black bean sauce, with added vegetables and meat (usually pork or beef). Jjajangmyeon is often considered a comfort food in Korea.
Another popular fusion dish is called kimbap. Kimbap is similar to sushi but with a Korean twist. The rice is replaced with marinated vegetables, and the seaweed wrapper is often replaced with beef or pork.
We'll get into more of the top dishes a little later, but let's dive into why food is crucial to the Korean people.
Why is food so important to Koreans?
For Koreans, food is more than just a way to nourish the body - it is an essential part of culture and heritage. Food plays a central role in Korean society, and much of the country's customs and traditions revolve around mealtimes.
In Korea, it's customary to always offer guests food, even if they are not hungry. It is seen as a way to show hospitality and generosity.
Koreans also believe that food has the power to heal the body and soul. This is why there is such an emphasis on healthy eating in Korean culture. When Koreans are sick, they will often eat special foods believed to have medicinal properties.
Korean food is also seen as a way to bring people together. Meals are often shared with family and friends, and it is considered rude not to eat everything on your plate.
Again, this is the core of Korean food culture.
Food is a sociable and communal element of day-to-day life. It brings people together, is seen as a way to show hospitality, and is believed to have healing properties. Bringing this all together, it's no wonder food is such an important part of Korean culture.
How is Korean food treated as medicine?
Korean cuisine has a long history of using food as medicine. This is because the Korean people believe that food has the power to heal the body and soul.
There are a number of dishes that are believed to have medicinal properties. This is known as the idea of 'Yak Sik Dong Won,' which translates as body-healing resources are the same as eating food.
This is represented in Korean society as eating food before trying to seek medical advice. In many cases, only after eating proper foods and seeing no results will a disease then be treated with medicine.
This isn't always the case these days with the rise of the modern medical system, but it is still prevalent.
For example, ginseng chicken soup is often eaten when someone is sick, as it is thought to boost the immune system.
Seaweed soup is another popular dish that is believed to have health benefits. It is often eaten during pregnancy, which is thought to help with morning sickness and promote a healthy pregnancy.
What's more, several Korean ingredients are thought to have medicinal properties. Ginseng, for example, is thought to boost energy levels and improve circulation. Garlic is believed to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
How can I get involved in Korean food and cuisine?
If you're interested in trying Korean food, there are a few ways you can go about it.
One option is to visit a Korean restaurant. Many cities have Korean restaurants that serve both traditional and fusion dishes. Different styles of these restaurants are available, some offering soups and dumplings, whereas others will focus more on barbecued meat.
Another option is to try making Korean dishes at home. There are many recipes available online, or you can purchase a Korean cookbook.
Finally, if you want to learn more about Korean culture and cuisine, you can consider taking a cooking class or traveling to Korea. This will give you a first-hand look at how food is prepared and eaten in the country.
Of course, if you want to cook things properly and succeed in creating that authentic Korean taste, you'll need the right tools for the job.
Here's a list of essential Korean cooking items that you'll need to get started:
- Rice cooker: Rice is a staple in Korean cuisine, so a good rice cooker is essential.
- Gochujang: This spicy red pepper paste is used in many Korean dishes.
- Kimchi: As mentioned before, Kimchi is a fermented cabbage dish that is often served as a side.
- Korean BBQ: Korean BBQ refers to the method of grilling meat over an open flame.
- Soju: Soju is a popular Korean alcoholic beverage made from rice.
Now you know more about Korean food and cuisine, why not give it a try with these fantastic dishes?
Top 15 Korean Dishes You Have to Try for Yourself
- Kimchi - Kimchi is a fermented cabbage dish that is often served as a side. It is made by combining cabbage, radishes, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers with a variety of seasonings.
- Bibimbap - Bibimbap is a rice dish that is typically served with vegetables, meat, and a spicy sauce called gochujang.
- Jjajangmyeon - Jajangmyeon is a noodle dish in a black bean sauce, with vegetables and meat (usually pork or beef) added.
- Bulgogi - Bulgogi is a Korean BBQ dish made with marinated beef. The beef is typically grilled over an open flame and is often served with rice and vegetables.
- Samgyeopsal - Samgyeopsal is a type of Korean BBQ that is made with pork belly. It's typically grilled over an open flame, often served with rice and vegetables.
- Galbi - Galbi is a Korean BBQ dish made with marinated short ribs. Just like Samgyeopsal, the ribs are typically grilled over an open flame, and are often served with rice and vegetables.
- Tteokbokki - Tteokbokki is a dish made with rice cakes, vegetables, and a spicy sauce called gochujang. It is often served as a street food or snack.
- Japchae - Japchae is a noodle dish made with sweet potato noodles, vegetables, and meat (usually beef). It is often served as a side dish or appetizer.
- Soondae - Soondae is a type of blood sausage made with pig's blood, rice, and noodles. It is often served as a street food or snack.
- Haemul pajeon - Haemul pajeon is a Korean pancake made with scallions and seafood (usually shrimp, squid, or clams). It is often served as an appetizer or side dish.
- Gimbap - Gimbap is a type of Korean sushi that is made with rice, vegetables, and meat (usually beef or pork). It is often served as a side dish or snack.
- Dak galbi - Dak galbi is a Korean chicken dish made with marinated chicken, vegetables, and gochujang sauce. It is typically cooked in one pan over an open flame and is often served with rice.
- Soondubu jjigae - Soondubu jjigae is a soft tofu stew typically made with seafood, vegetables, and gochujang sauce. It is often served as a main dish.
- Budae jjigae - Budae jjigae is a type of stew that is made with ham, sausage, and vegetables. It is often referred to as "Army Base Stew" or "Korean Spaghetti."
- Samgyetang - Samgyetang is a chicken soup made using a whole chicken, rice, ginseng, and garlic. It is typically served as a main dish.
Final Thoughts
Korean cuisine is rich and diverse, with something to offer everyone. Whether you're looking for a delicious and healthy meal, or something hearty and filling, Korean food has it all.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and try some Korean dishes for yourself!
And, if you're looking to really get involved with Korean food culture, check out the Mandu Market store. Here, you'll find our extensive range of Korean ingredients, cookware, and kitchenware to help you make authentic Korean dishes in your own kitchen.
From rice cookers to chopsticks, discovering Korean food culture has never been more exciting.
Happy cooking!