Discover South Korea: Food Edition

Hi everyone, welcome back to my blog where we discuss anything Korea-related! In case you guys did not know, I am a huge foodie. This is why I thought it would be interesting to explore South Korea through local food specialties. In this blog post, we will be visiting four of South Korea’s most populated cities, as well as one of my dream destinations, Jeju-do. Since I only selected a few dishes to highlight, you can rest assured that there are many more local delicacies to discover.

Let's travel to South Korea! ✈️

Seoul (서울)

Does Seoul even need an introduction? Seoul is South Korea’s capital and its most populated city, with a population of close to 10 million. While this city is already well-known globally for its multiple attractions including shopping, palaces, museums, and K-pop experiences, we cannot forget about its delicious food! In particular, Seolleongtang (설렁탕), or ox-bone soup, is known to have originated from Seoul. Historically, this dish goes back to the Joseon Dynasty and was reportedly eaten after ritual ceremonies for good harvest. This soup made of ox bone, brisket and seasoned with black pepper and salt can be enjoyed throughout the year but is especially popular in winter. The white and milky appearance of the broth is achieved through many hours of simmering.

Busan (부산)

From left to right: milmyeon (밀면) and Ssiat Hotteok (씨앗호떡).

Despite being Korea’s second most populous city, Busan is relatively quiet compared to most other South Korean cities, making it a nice getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle. For instance, tourists can relax at Busan’s hot springs or beautiful beaches. The city also has a rich cultural past with beautiful temples to visit. On the food front, Busan is known for multiple dishes including milmyeon (밀면), or cold wheat noodles. This dish first appeared during the Korean War when many North Koreans fled to Busan and recreated their favorite dish of cold buckwheat noodles called naengmyeon (냉면), but replacing buckwheat noodles with wheat noodles due to availability. Both these noodle dishes come in 2 versions: cold broth (mul milmyeon – 물밀면) or with a spicy, gochujang-based paste (bibim milmyeon - 비빔밀면). If you have a sweet tooth like me, you should also check out Ssiat Hotteok (씨앗호떡).This is a twist on Hotteok (호떡), the street food sweet Korean-style pancake. Because the filling consists of seeds like peanuts, almonds, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds, this version of Hotteok is larger, thicker, and crunchier, but less sweet than the traditional kind.

Incheon (인천)

Jjajangmyeon (짜장면) - photo credits to www.ohmyfoodrecipes.com

Next up, we have Incheon, the metropolitan city that borders Seoul. In fact, when you fly into South Korea, you will most likely land at Incheon International Airport. Besides being a transportation hub, Incheon also has lots to offer in terms of food. For instance, jjajangmyeon (짜장면), which is a Chinese-style Korean noodle dish with a black bean sauce, is reported to have originated from Incheon. The noodle dish dates back to 1883 when Korea opened up its borders to the rest of the world. The Chinese people that came to Korea at that time were the ones that introduced this dish to the country. After the mixing of Chinese and Korean cuisine throughout the years, jjajangmyeon as we know it today was created. In particular, you can enjoy these delicious noodles in Incheon’s Chinatown. You can also head there to enjoy delicious Cantonese food.

Fun facts: Black Day (the Korean opposite of Valentine’s Day) is an unofficial holiday observed on April 14 each year where single people eat jjajangmyeon. Jjajangmyeon is also commonly eaten on moving day, or graduation day.

Daegu (대구)

Left image: Jjim galbi (찜갈비) - photo credits to Food & Restaurants In Daegu

Right image: Napjak Mandu

While Daegu is Korea’s fourth largest city, it is often overshadowed by cities like Seoul or Busan. Daegu has a rich history and was Korea’s economic motor during the mid-20th century thanks to its textile industry. Today, this metropolitan city features a large variety of scenic attractions and beautiful mountains. As for local food specialties, Daegu will be perfect for you if you like spicy beef. For instance, the city is known for Jjim galbi (찜갈비), which are spicy stewed beef ribs seasoned with spicy red pepper powder and chopped garlic. This dish contrasts the steamed short ribs cooked in soy sauce served in other parts of Korea. There is also Daegu spicy beef soup (ttarogukbap - 따로국밥). As per the name, what is unique about this dish is that rice and soup (국밥) are served separately (따로), as opposed to mixed. If you are not a fan of spicy, don’t worry! Daegu is also renowned for flat dumplings called Napjak Mandu (납작만두). Sometimes also called Flat poor-man’s dumplings, this variation was created to be cheap, flavourful, fast and filling, making it perfect for workers who have little time to eat. These crescent-shaped dumplings, lightly filled with glass noodles and vegetables, are boiled and then pan-fried until crispy.

Fun fact: Daegu is also known for growing delicious apples!

Jeju Island (제주도)

Left image: Jeju Black Pork (photo credits to Jeju Tourism Organization)

Right image: Haemultang (해물탕)

While Jeju Island does not figure among the most populated cities, I included it because it is a destination I really want to visit. Its dreamy scenery and beaches have made it a popular travel destination among both domestic and international travellers. Additionally, Jeju Island is Korea’s one and only UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Beyond its phenomenal mountains, volcanoes and beaches, it boasts many famous dishes, such as Jeju Black pork or Heuk Dwaeji (흑돼지). This is such a popular dish that there is even a street named Black Pork Street filled with restaurants serving Black Pork BBQ. Jeju Island is also famous for its fresh seafood. In fact, the island is known for women who dive under the sea for shellfish like abalone and sea urchin. These women, called haenyeo, are part of Jeju’s history and represent its character and people’s spirit! If you are a fan of fresh seafood, you should definitely try local specialities such as haemultang (해물탕), a seafood hot pot stew. You can also indulge in any abalone dish, whether it be abalone sizzling stone pot rice, grilled abalone or rice porridge with abalone.

I hope you had fun exploring some of South Korea's most populous cities through their local food delicacies. Fingers crossed that we will get to travel soon and actually try these dishes! In the meantime, please let me know if you would like to see a Part 2 with more cities!

See you in the next post!

Tash