Food has a funny way of bringing people together, creating a safe space for people to be happy and do something they enjoy. People of different cultures use food to express their love for spices, flavors and a variety of seasonings. South Korean food is no different. The food is diverse, unique and delicious. If you are a first-time traveler to South Korea or just looking to try something new, here’s a list of foods to dig into:
1. Naengmyeon
Naengmyeon is a dish made with thin hand pulled noodles made of flour, buckwheat, potatoes and starch. This dish is served cold in a beef broth. After the noodles are cooked, they are washed under cold water before being placed in a metal bowl with a soft-boiled egg and toppings of your choice, which can include green onions, cilantro or other vegetables. This dish is perfect to eat on a hot day or when you need to bring your temperature down.
2. Samgyeopsal
Samgyeopsal is grilled pork belly that is just fat and meat. This dish is known to be very savory and soft without having overwhelming flavors. This is a good dish to show off your barbecue skills. If you’re interested in slowly dipping your feet into South Korean flavors, this is a good meal to introduce to your taste buds and palette.
3. Godeungeo Gui and Galbi
Godeungeo Gui and Galbi is grilled mackerel and short ribs. This dish is made after the meat has been marinated and then grilled. Some restaurants will grill it for you, but others will place a grill in front of you so the meat is cooked to your preference. This meal has a smoky tangy flavor that stems from the smoke of the grill and the seasoning of the marinade. If you are looking to try a variety of flavors and put your chopstick skills to the test, this is the meal for you.
Regardless of the culture or region, trying something new can be a life-changing experience that can be a gateway to developing anyone into a better version of themselves. Trying different foods can connect people and their cultures, making it easier to explore a different lifestyle and develop a taste palate surrounded by new experiences.
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