Korean food is globalizing quickly, and most menus at Korean restaurants outside of Korea are usually filled with galbi, naengmyun, bibimbap, kimchi jjigae and the same dozen other options that everyone knows. Of course they’re delicious, but Korean food has so much more than that. Here’s a list of Korean foods that most people have never heard about but should definitely try!

Note 1: Of course everyone’s knowledge of Korean food is different. This post is meant for those whose Korean food experience is limited to the all stars of Korean food cuisine (galbi, bulgogi, naengmyun, bibimbap, tteokbokki, etc.). Although those are the most popular for a reason, we want to highlight a few not-as-popular, but just-as-delicious Korean foods you have to try when you come visit Korea.

Note 2: There’s hundreds perhaps even thousands of Korean foods that can be placed on this list. But here’s a quick list of 30 to get you started on your Korean food journey.

Korean BBQ & Meats

1. Galbijjim (갈비찜) - braised short rib – You all should know galbi, but galbijjim is a galbi variation that isn’t so easy to get simply because it takes longer and more effort to make. And although it’s not grilled, don’t worry, it’s just as delicious as galbi (maybe even better!). This is a guaranteed instant favorite. We are very serious. Instant. Favorite.

2. Gopchang Gui(곱창구이) & Daechang Gui (대창구이) – grilled intestines – You all know Korean BBQ, but as some people think intestines are gross, you probably haven’t heard of this one. Although you might think Korean BBQ is just galbi and samgyupsal, gopchang and daechang are two Korean BBQ dishes that are chewy, fatty, and ultra delicious. If you like galbi, definitely give this a try. Not sure where to go? Try hongdae’s Gopchang alley (see this google map). (Click here for image)

3. Jogaegui (조개구이) - grilled shellfish – Meats get the most coverage of the Korean BBQs, but sometimes you just need some good ol’ loving from the sea. Sit down at a Korean BBQ pit and dump a bunch of shelled goodies on the grill and wait for them to crack open on their own. When they’re ready, start digging in. Oh, and don’t forget to slurp up the juices in the open shells. Mmmm, saltwater goodness! Best eaten near the East Sea, but still delicious at all places Korea.

4. Andong Jjimdalk (안동 찜닭) – steamed marinated chicken – Rumored to be the anti Korean fried chicken, Andong jjimdalk is a Korean chicken dish that will have you craving non-fried Korean style chicken. With big ol’ pieces of chicken (non-fried of course), glass noodles, potatoes, carrots and other vegetables, this undoubtedly has a very Korean taste. Go to Andong if you can, but Andong jjimdalk restaurants can still be found all over Korea. (Click here for image)

5. Bossam (보쌈) & Suyuk (수육) – braised pork loins – This slow-cooked, ultra tender version of samgyupsal is commonly found in Korea at big ol buffets. But this is also a very delivery-friendly food that is delivered to all parts of Korea. If you’re a carnivorous Korean food enthusiasts and not a fan of making your clothes smell like Korean bbq all day long, this is an excellent alternative. And you’ll get a special kind of kimchi with any order of bossam (not suyuk). Grab a take-out food booklet (or ask your hotel for one). Bossam restaurants deliver to all parts Korea. (Click here for image)

6. Yukhoe (육회) - raw beef slices (aka steak tartare) – Some people are freaked out by eating slices of raw beef, but worry not; this is a safe and delicious Korean food to eat. Sometimes it’s a dish just on its own, and sometimes it’s used as a topping for bibimbap. It can get a bit pricy though as the most tender parts of the beef are used. Give this Korean delicacy a try and discover a new item to add to your list of must eat Korean foods!

Korean Seafood Dishes

7. Ganjangejang (간장게장) – soy marinated raw crabs – Raw crab might sound a bit strange, but this is a wildly popular dish in Korea. It’s also a lot of fun to eat too! You take a bite into a crab and suck the meat out and also take the crab shell and use it as a dish for your rice. Don’t forget to get all that yummy goo too! Sometimes you might get lucky at restaurants that serve this as banchan, but it’s a totally different experience when you’re eating this as the main course.

8. Golbaengi muchim (골뱅이무침) – sea snail salad – Anything with the word snail in the title sounds gross, so it’s not the most marketable Korean food. But if you’re into spicy foods, salads and noodles, this is the perfect dish for you. Typically eaten as an anju (안 주), a food to accompany alcohol, golbaengi muchim is one of the spicier options you’ll find on this list. But wash it down with some beer, and you’ll be straight. (Click here for image)

9. Godeungeo/galchi jorim (고등어/갈치 조림) – braised fish with radish – Godeungeo is mackerel and galchi is hairtail, and both are used in this really homely Korean dish. The chunks of mackerel and radish are cooked in a spicy soy-based sauce. The fish chunks are good, but some people love the radish even more. Whatever your preference, head over to Namdaemun Market and ask the tourist guides where you can find the jorim golmok (조림골목), a street with a bunch of restaurants selling this specialty.

10. Agujjim (아구찜) - steamed angler – Fish is not always number one on people’s choice of Korean foods, but if you’re a fish lover, this spicy dish is a Korean food that will be sure to get your mouth on fire. Agujjim can get pretty expensive and range anywhere from 20,000 won to 50,000 won for a big pot. But it’s a great food to get delivered to your house or hotel in Seoul, so why not try ordering in for some spicy, fishy goodness you’ll pretty much find only sold in Korea. (Be careful of fish bones. These ones are sharp!) (Click here for image)

11. Hoedeopbap (회덮밥) – raw seafood bibimbap – This ultra healthy dish is similar to bibimbap in that you mix all the goodies in your bowl together. But the taste is very different as you’ll have raw seafood cubes, different types of vegetables and sauce to mix around. Hoedeopbap is low in fat and has all those healthy greens along with some rice to help keep you full. Here’s a simplified formula for hoedeopbap: salad + rice + hoe (raw seafood) = crazy delicious!

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