3 Unique Dishes You Can Only Try in Korea
Korea is a country where traditional cuisine and modern fusion dishes coexist, offering a diverse and exciting food culture. While globally recognized Korean dishes like bulgogi, bibimbap, and kimchi are widely enjoyed,
there are also unique dishes that can only be fully experienced in Korea.
Today, we will introduce three special dishes that foreign travelers must try while visiting Korea. These dishes are prepared using traditional Korean cooking methods and ingredients, making them a rare culinary experience that cannot be easily found elsewhere.
1. Sundae – Korea’s Take on Sausage and a Must-Try Street Food
Sundae is a distinctive Korean street food that can be considered a Korean-style sausage. It is made by stuffing pig intestines with ingredients like glass noodles, glutinous rice, congealed pig’s blood, and vegetables, then steaming them to perfection.
In Korea, sundae is enjoyed in various ways:
it can be eaten on its own, dipped in tteokbokki (spicy rice cake) sauce,
or served as part of sundaeguk (sundae soup), a popular comfort dish.
This dish offers a soft and chewy texture that blends perfectly with the flavors of the stuffing, making it an addictive snack once you’ve had a taste.
While it might seem unusual to foreigners at first, pairing sundae with a spicy dipping sauce makes it easier to enjoy, making it one of Korea’s most iconic and beloved street foods.
Recommended places to try:
- Gwangjang Market in Seoul
- Jagalchi Market in Busan
2. Jjimdak – Sweet and Savory Braised Chicken with Glass Noodles
Jjimdak is a unique Korean braised chicken dish that combines chicken, glass noodles, potatoes, and vegetables, all simmered in a soy sauce-based sweet and savory broth.
This dish is known for its deeply infused flavors and the perfect balance between tender chicken and chewy glass noodles. It’s an absolute favorite among locals and a fantastic dish to share with family and friends.
One of the most famous variations is Andong Jjimdak, which originates from Andong, a city known for its rich culinary traditions. This version includes a slightly spicy kick that enhances the overall taste, making it even more flavorful.
Jjimdak is an excellent dish for foreigners to try as its flavors are both rich and mild, allowing anyone to enjoy it without feeling overwhelmed by strong seasonings.
Recommended places to try:
- Andong Gu Market (the home of Andong Jjimdak)
- Jjimdak specialty restaurants in Gangnam & Hongdae, Seoul
3. Gopchang – Chewy and Flavorful Korean Grilled Intestines
Gopchang is a Korean-style barbecue dish made from the cleaned and grilled intestines of cows or pigs. It is a unique delicacy that you won’t easily find outside Korea and is highly popular among food lovers.
The cooking process enhances its chewy texture and rich, smoky flavor,
as the fat inside melts while grilling, creating a crispy, golden-brown outer layer.
Gopchang is often enjoyed with soju or beer, making it a top choice for Korean nightlife and social gatherings.
At first, some foreigners might find the idea of eating intestines unusual, but when grilled to perfection and paired with side dishes like garlic, chives, onions, and kimchi,
it becomes a deeply satisfying and uniquely Korean dining experience.
A meal of gopchang is typically finished with fried rice cooked in the leftover seasoning from the grill, adding another layer of richness to the dish.
Recommended places to try:
- Gopchang Alley in Gangnam, Jongno, or Sinchon, Seoul
- Pyeonghwa Market in Daegu (famous for Daegu-style Makchang, a variation of gopchang)
Apply for K-ETA and Enjoy Unique Korean Foods Korea is home to a rich and diverse food culture, offering foreign travelers a chance to experience flavors that cannot be found elsewhere.
The three dishes introduced today – Sundae, Jjimdak, and Gopchang – are among the most unique and authentic Korean foods, making them must-try items for anyone visiting Korea.
Before traveling to Korea, don’t forget that applying for K-ETA is required for entry.
Make sure to complete your K-ETA application in advance and start planning your trip.
Indulge in Korea’s exclusive dishes and enjoy a culinary adventure like no other.
