The Best Food in Korea: From Kimchi to Bibimbap
Korean cuisine is one of the most vibrant and group-friendly in the world. It offers not just incredible flavors but cultural traditions rooted in sharing and community. For educators planning student travel, exploring the best food in Korea is a meaningful way to connect students with the local culture, language, and each other.
Korean BBQ: Interactive and Ideal for Groups
Korean BBQ, unlike western BBQ, is done indoors. Each table has a small central grill, and you’re brought a range of sliced meats to cook and enjoy throughout the evening. You then wrap the meat in a leaf with a range of toppings and sides. This means everyone can eat as much or as little as they like and customize the flavor to suit their own tastes.
It’s a highly interactive and social meal—ideal for student groups experiencing the best food in Korea together.
Fried Chicken: A Crowd-Please for All Tastes
It might come as a surprise to see fried chicken on a list of traditional Korean food, but Korean fried chicken is a standout. Lighter in texture than its Western counterpart, it’s known for its crispiness and bold sauces, such as spicy yangnyeom and soy-based ganjang.
Popular and approachable, Korean fried chicken gives students a taste of contemporary Korean food culture—perfect for relaxed, social dining experiences.
Bibimbap: A Nutritious, Hands-On Korean Classic
Bibimbap is a warm, comforting dish made of mixed ingredients over rice, typically served in a hot stone bowl. Toppings often include vegetables, meat strips, and a raw egg. Stir it together and enjoy the crispy layer of rice that forms at the bottom.With its colorful mix of ingredients and customizable options, bibimbap is a healthy, engaging way for students to learn about Korean nutrition and food symbolism.
Kimchi: A Spicy Korean Staple Not to Be Missed
No exploration of the best food in Korea would be complete without kimchi. This fermented, spicy dish made from cabbage, radish, and other vegetables is more than a side—Kimchi has a tradition surrounding it that dates back hundreds of years. Families often gather once a year to make large batches, a custom known as kimjang.
Making or tasting kimchi offers students a cultural deep dive into Korea’s fermentation traditions and its UNESCO-recognized culinary heritage.
Buchimgae: Savory Pancakes Perfect for Cooking Classes
Buchimgae is a type of Korean pancake, usually savory and made with flour, eggs, and a mix of ingredients such as courgettes, spring onions, or kimchi. Some versions also include meat or seafood.
A fun, hands-on dish often made in cooking classes, buchimgae introduces students to Korean home-style cuisine and encourages group interaction through shared meals.
There are many more traditional Korean dishes to discover, but these are some of the best foods in Korea to begin your introduction to Korean culture, and a perfect addition to any study trip. Food offers a meaningful and memorable way for students to engage with local customs. From kimchi-making workshops to group BBQ dinners, cuisine opens the door to language, culture, and lasting memories.
Ready to start planning your trip to Korea? Our team can help design an immersive, curriculum-aligned experience tailored to your group’s goals, including opportunities to try all the best food in Korea. Get in touch today to start planning your Korean foodie adventure.
