So you’ve had Korean BBQ and Korean Fried Chicken – what now? Fortunately, that is just the tip of the iceberg, and you still have a world to explore in terms of Korean cuisine.
Until you join our tour to experience the amazinglicious world in person, here is a little cheat sheet for you!
Bap (밥) Think of bap (cooked rice) as the ultimate supporting actor in Korean cuisine – reliable, versatile, and always ready to step up to the plate. It’s the dependable base that anchors the bold flavors and textures of every dish, from spicy stews to sizzling barbecues. Bap may not steal the spotlight, but its presence is essential for bringing harmony and balance to the dining experience.
Gui (구이) Grilled dishes feature various types of meats such as bulgogi (marinated beef), samgyeopsal (pork belly), galbi (beef or pork ribs), and more, often cooked over an open flame.
Kimchi (김치) & Jangajji (장아찌) Kimchi and jangajji are two classic Korean side dishes that add a burst of flavor to any meal. Kimchi is spicy and tangy, made from fermented vegetables like cabbage or radish, while jangajji is pickled and offers a sweeter or tangier taste.
Guk (국), Jjigae (찌개) Jeongol (전골) This category encompasses hearty soups and stews like doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew), kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew), and mu-guk (radish soup), often cooked and served in a hot pot. Jeongol is a Korean hot pot dish known for its rich and flavorful broth simmered with various ingredients such as meat, seafood, tofu, and vegetables, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Banchan (반찬) Imagine banchan as the lively entourage accompanying the main star of the meal! These vibrant and flavorful side dishes are like the supporting actors in a blockbuster movie, adding depth, excitement, and flair to every dining experience. With banchan, each bite becomes a mini adventure, as you explore a kaleidoscope of tastes and textures ranging from spicy kimchi to crunchy pickled vegetables and savory pancakes.
Myeon (면) From slurp-worthy bowls of jjajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles) to refreshing and tangy bowls of mul naengmyeon (cold noodle soup), there’s a myeon dish for every craving. These noodles are typically made from wheat or buckwheat flour and come in various shapes and sizes, from thin and chewy to thick and hearty. Read more on
Congee/Juk (죽) Juk is like the cozy blanket of Korean comfort food. Also known as Korean rice porridge, juk is made by simmering rice in water or broth until it becomes soft and creamy. It’s often served with a variety of toppings like shredded chicken, beef, seafood, or vegetables, and seasoned with salt, sesame oil, or soy sauce for extra flavor. Juk is the ultimate feel-good dish, perfect for cold days, upset stomachs, or just when you need a hug in a bowl.
Jeon (전) Jeon is savory pancakes, crispy, flavorful, and utterly addictive! These pan-fried delights are made by coating various ingredients like seafood, vegetables, or meat in a light batter, then sizzling them up until golden and crispy. From classic favorites like kimchi jeon to more adventurous options like haemul pajeon (seafood scallion pancake), there’s a jeon for every palate.
Jang (장) – (Gochujang 고추장, Doenjang 된장, Ssamjang 쌈장 ) Jang is like the secret sauce (literally) behind Korean flavor magic – it’s bold, versatile, and packs a punch! These fermented sauces are essential to Korean cuisine, adding depth and complexity to dishes with their rich umami flavors. From the fiery heat of gochujang (red chili paste) to the savory richness of doenjang (soybean paste) and the tangy sweetness of ganjang (soy sauce), there’s a jang for every taste bud. Whether you’re dipping, marinading, or drizzling, Korean jang sauces are sure to elevate any dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Bunsik (분식) Bunsik is like the Korean street food party you never want to leave – it’s quick, casual, and bursting with flavor! These tasty snacks and light meals are the perfect pick-me-up for any time of day. From crispy hotteok (sweet pancakes) filled with gooey honey and nuts to addictive tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) drenched in fiery sauce, bunsik is is ingrained in everyone’s childhood memories and is a staple that Koreans grow up enjoying.
… and the world of desserts!
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