Korea is a beautiful country known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and of course, outstanding food. In the world of food, Korea is renowned all over the world for its delicious and diverse dishes, many of which are regional specialties. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many unique regional tastes and flavors of Korean cuisine. We’ll focus on dishes that are not only delicious and traditional, but also must-try dishes for any traveler visiting Korea.
Introduction to Korean Cuisine
Korean cuisine is rich and diverse, with flavors and dishes varying across the country. Much of Korean cuisine is based on the principles of the yin-yang balance, which is rooted in the philosophy of Taoism. This balance is expressed in the flavors of each dish, which is generally made up of 5 basic tastes: sour, bitter, sweet, hot, and salty. Korean food is also often characterized by its umami, which is a savory, meaty flavor.
Koreans also value the variety of side dishes, known as banchan, that accompany their meals. These side dishes often vary in flavors and textures, and can range from pickles and kimchi to tofu and roasted eggplant. Banchan are a vital part of Korean cuisine and can change with the seasons, providing an ever-changing set of flavors with each meal.
Must-Try Regional Dishes
Jeju Island - Tangun Gui
No list of must-try Korean dishes is complete without mentioning the famous grilled specialties of Jeju Island. The most popular dish from this region is Tangun Gui, or grilled mackerel served with a tangun (seasoned soy sauce). This dish is grilled over open heat for a unique smoky taste, and is served with a dipping sauce made of sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar. The smoky flavors, combined with the light and tangy dipping sauce, make for a unique and flavorful dish that truly exemplifies the flavors of Jeju Island.
Gyeonggi-do - Samgyetang
Moving to Gyeonggi-do province in South Korea, we’ll find another iconic regional dish: samgyetang. Samgyetang is a traditional Korean stew made of a whole chicken stuffed with sticky rice, ginseng, garlic, jujubes, and ginkgo nuts. The chicken is then cooked in a broth flavored with salt, pepper, and other seasonings, resulting in a nourishing and soothing stew. Samgyetang is said to have medicinal properties and is believed to be a miracle cure for many ailments. It is an especially popular meal during the hot Korean summer months.
Jeolla-do - Maze-bibimbap
Jeolla-do province in the southwest is home to another unique regional dish: maze-bibimbap. Also known as “crackling bibimbap”, this dish is made of various mixed vegetables and grains, such as mung beans, soybeans, and sweet peppers. The vegetables are stir-fried in a hot sauce and served over a bowl of steamed rice. The crispy texture of the vegetables, combined with the flavor of the hot sauce, provides a delightful burst of flavor. Maze-bibimbap is a unique and flavorful dish that will leave you wanting more.
Hangul-do - Hoe-deopbap
We move next to Hangul-do province in the southeastern part of the Korean peninsula, which is home to the popular dish hoe-deopbap. This dish is made of fresh raw seafood over a bed of sesame oil and spicy sauce. The seafood is typically marinated with a mixture of garlic, sesame oil, and other seasonings. The seafood is tossed with the spicy sauce and served over a bed of steamed white rice. This unique mix of flavors and textures makes hoe-deopbap a must-try dish for any fan of Korean cuisine.
Gangwon-do - Jangdokdae
Finally, we arrive in the Gangwon region of Korea, which is home to the famous dish jangdokdae. This dish consists of marinated beef or pork cooked in a thick stew. The marinated meat is cooked in a broth made of soy sauce, garlic, onions, ginger, and other seasonings. The flavor of the stew is earthy and deep, and is typically served over steamed white rice. This hearty dish is the perfect meal for a cold winter night, and is sure to fill you up!
Conclusion
Korean cuisine is diverse and delicious, and is quickly becoming a favorite cuisine around the world. There are so many mouth-watering dishes to explore in the various regions of Korea, and each has its own unique flavor and complexity. From the grilled mackerel on Jeju Island to the hearty stew of jangdokdae in Gangwon-do, there’s truly something for everyone when it comes to Korean food. So if you’re planning a trip to Korea, be sure to add all of these must-try dishes to your list!