Ordering food in a new country can be intimidating. You stare at a menu full of unfamiliar words and red broths and think:
"Is this going to be too spicy? Is this raw? What is inside that bowl?"
Don't worry! Korean cuisine (Hansik) is incredibly diverse. While we love our spice, we also have plenty of savory, sweet, and comforting dishes that are perfect for beginners.
To make your first meal easy, here are the Top 5 Beginner-Friendly Dishes you need to try.
Pronounced: Bi-bim-bap
If you want something healthy, colorful, and filling, this is it.
- What is it? A bowl of warm rice topped with neatly arranged vegetables (carrots, spinach, bean sprouts), a fried egg, and often beef.
- How to eat it: It comes with a side of Gochujang (red chili paste). Add a spoonful and mix everything together vigorously! The magic is in the mix.
- Calories: Generally 500–700 kcal. It’s a balanced meal in a bowl.
Pronounced: Bul-go-gi
This is usually the #1 favorite dish for foreigners because it isn't spicy at all.
- What is it? Thinly sliced beef marinated in a sauce made of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and sesame oil, then grilled to perfection.
- The Taste: It is savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly tender.
- Protein Power: It’s high in protein and usually served with rice and lettuce wraps.
Pronounced: Kim-chi Jji-gae
Every station has clear English signs, so you won't get lost.
- To Enter: Tap your T-Money card on the turnstile sensor.
- To Exit: Tap it again when you leave.
- Cost: A typical ride costs between ₩1,250 and ₩1,500 (about $1.00 USD). Transfers between subway lines and buses are usually free or heavily discounted if you tap out and in within 30 minutes!
Pronounced: Tteok-bok-ki
Walk through any market in Seoul, and you will see big red pans bubbling with this snack.
- What is it? Chewy, cylinder-shaped rice cakes and fish cakes simmered in a sweet and spicy Gochujang sauce.
- The Vibe: It is chewy, comforting, and cheap. It’s the perfect "quick bite" while shopping.
Pronounced: Sam-gye-tang
Feeling tired from jet lag? Eat this.
- What is it? A whole young chicken stuffed with sticky rice, garlic, jujube (dates), and Ginseng. It is boiled until the meat falls off the bone.
- Why try it? Traditionally, Koreans eat this to boost their stamina and energy. The broth is mild, creamy, and deeply nourishing.
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Don't just point at pictures! Learn these words to spot your favorite ingredients.
- 밥 (Bap) — Rice / Meal
- 고기 (Go-gi) — Meat
- 소고기 (So-go-gi) — Beef
- 돼지고기 (Dwae-ji-go-gi) — Pork
- 매워요? (Mae-wo-yo?) — Is it spicy?
- 맛있어요 (Ma-si-sseo-yo) — It’s delicious!
The best way to understand Korean culture is to taste it. But reading a Korean menu is a skill that takes practice.
Whether you want to cook these simple dishes at home or order them with confidence in Seoul, we can help.
Check out our easy recipes and language tips at InWorldKorea.com.
