Korean Food Recommendation Guide for Foreign Tourists

Start your Korean food journey—every bite is a delight!

Korea isn’t just famous worldwide for K-POP and K-dramas—its authentic and diverse cuisine is just as unforgettable. Whether you’re a spice lover, a dessert fan, or someone who enjoys soups and noodles, your taste buds are in for a treat. Based on different flavor preferences, this guide will recommend the must-try Korean dishes for foreign travelers.

🍚 Flavor-Based Recommendations

🧡 Love spicy food? Time to challenge your spice tolerance!

1. Spicy Rice Cakes (Tteokbokki, 떡볶이)

Chewy rice cakes soaked in a spicy, flavorful sauce, tteokbokki is one of Korea’s most popular street foods. Paired with fish cakes and boiled eggs, it's the perfect spicy indulgence.

📍Recommended Locations: Sinchon, Hongdae, Myeongdong street vendors

2. Budae Jjigae (Army Stew)

Budae Jjigae, combining sausages, ham, instant noodles, cheese, and spicy sauce, is a representative post-war creative dish, perfect for sharing with a group.

📍Recommended Location: 남기남 부대찌개 명동점

Address: 16-1 Myeongdong 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, 2nd Floor / 서울 중구 명동4길 16-1 2층 남기남 부대찌개

How to get there: Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station (Line 4), walk 313m

💛 For those who love sour flavors: A dual experience of fermentation and freshness

1. Kimchi (김치)

Korea’s national fermented food, kimchi not only stimulates the appetite but also aids digestion. You can try different flavors like napa cabbage kimchi, radish kimchi, and white kimchi.

📍Recommended Location: Almost every restaurant in Korea

2. Naengmyeon (Cold Noodles)

A refreshing choice for summer, the cold broth has a slight tanginess, paired with chewy thin noodles, making it incredibly refreshing and perfect for relieving greasiness.

📍Recommended Location: 미도갈비

Address: 25, Samil-daero 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 1st Floor / 서울 종로구 삼일대로15길 25 1층

💚 For soup lovers: Korea’s “healing soup” to soothe your body and mind

1. Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)

The whole chicken is stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, red dates, chestnuts, and more, offering a warming, health-boosting effect that is perfect for relieving travel fatigue.

📍Recommended Location: 천계 닭한마리 신당본점

Address: 28, Toegye-ro 76-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul / 서울 중구 퇴계로76길 28

2.Soft Tofu Stew (Sundubu Jjigae, 순두부찌개)

Made with soft tofu, clams, and spicy sauce, served piping hot with a fragrant aroma, this dish is the perfect winter comfort food.

📍Recommended Location: 하얀집 2호점

Address: 10, Toegye-ro 42-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul / 서울 중구 퇴계로42길 10

💙 For noodle lovers: A paradise for Korean noodle enthusiasts

1. Jajangmyeon (炸醬麵)

A classic black bean paste noodle dish in Korean Chinese restaurants, with thick sauce and stir-fried onions and meat, complemented perfectly by pickled vegetables.

📍Recommended Location: 한양중식 종로점

Address: 2nd Basement, Jongno Tower, 51 Jongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul / 서울 종로구 종로 51 종로타워 지하 2층 한양중식

2. Kalguksu (칼국수, Knife-Cut Noodles)

Kalguksu is a traditional Korean noodle dish made with hand-cut noodles and rich broth, offering a smooth texture and a warm, comforting experience.

📍Recommended Location: 을지로칼국수

Address: 2, Seoae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, 2nd Floor / 서울 중구 서애로 2 2층

💖 For those with a sweet tooth: The blissful taste of street sweets

1. Hotteok (호떡, Korean Sweet Pancake)

Crispy on the outside, filled with rich syrup and nuts on the inside, this is a classic winter street snack in Korea.

📍Recommended Location: Sinchon, Hongdae, Myeongdong Street Stalls

2. Bingsu (Korean Shaved Ice)

Available at dessert shops and convenience stores everywhere, it’s recommended to try flavors like green tea, red bean, or mango for a refreshing and delightful treat.

📍Recommended Location: 포엠

Address: 13, Myeongdong 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul / 서울 중구 명동4길 13

🖤 For those who love savory flavors: For fans of bold tastes!

1. Korean Fried Chicken (양념치킨) Honey Garlic Fried Chicken

Whether original, sweet and spicy, or soy sauce-flavored, Korean fried chicken has crispy skin and tender meat, making it the perfect match for beer at night.

📍Recommended Location: 교촌치킨 종로1호점

Address: 15, Jongno 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 1st Floor, Core Building / 서울 종로구 종로12길 15 코아빌딩 1층

2. Grilled Samgyeopsal (삼겹살, Pork Belly)

Korean grilled samgyeopsal is one of Korea’s iconic dishes, featuring thick-cut pork belly grilled directly, with rich, juicy meat and a chewy texture. It’s enjoyed with various fresh vegetables, sauces, and side dishes, offering a unique and enjoyable flavor.

📍Recommended Location: 삼겹살 전문점 대통령

Address: 249-24, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul / 서울 중구 장충단로 249-24

Conclusion

Korea is not only famous for its beautiful landscapes and diverse culture, but its food is also a stunning journey for your taste buds. From street snacks to traditional dishes, no matter what flavor you prefer, you’ll find something to suit your taste. Whether you love spicy food, enjoy soups, or have a sweet tooth, Korean cuisine will easily win your heart.
I hope this guide becomes your thoughtful note before you head out and a handy companion during your travels.
Remember to slow down, open your taste buds, and savor every bite.
Because the beauty of travel is often hidden in these warm details.
Eat well and have fun!