Explore Korea one bite at a time—discover signature dishes across every corner of the country.
Korea’s culinary heritage is deeply tied to its regions—shaped by geography, climate, and culture. From mountain herbs in Gangwon to spicy stews in Jeolla, each province brings its own delicious twist to the table.
Here’s your province-by-province guide to iconic Korean dishes, so you can eat your way through Korea with purpose.
🥢 Seoul – The Heart of Hansik (Korean Cuisine)
Signature Dish: Galbijjim (갈비찜) – Braised beef short ribs
Rich, tender, and slightly sweet, this luxurious dish often appears at festive meals and traditional Korean restaurants.
📍 Try at: Tosokchon or Gwangjang Market
🌾 Jeonju (North Jeolla) – The Food Capital of Korea
Signature Dish: Bibimbap (비빔밥) – Mixed rice with vegetables, meat, and gochujang
Known for its harmony of colors, textures, and flavors—Jeonju’s version is the most authentic.
📍 Try at: Gogung Restaurant or Jeonju Hanok Village
🗝️ Also try: Kongnamul-gukbap (bean sprout soup)
🌶️ Gwangju (South Jeolla) – Spicy, Rich, and Earthy
Signature Dish: Tteokgalbi (떡갈비) – Minced beef patties
Made with marinated short ribs, these juicy meat patties are grilled to perfection.
📍 Try at: Songjeong Tteokgalbi Street
🗝️ Also try: Jeolla-style kimchi and namul (wild vegetables)
🌊 Busan (South Gyeongsang) – Coastal Seafood Heaven
Signature Dish: Milmyeon (밀면) – Wheat noodles in icy broth
A local twist on naengmyeon, milmyeon is perfect for hot summer days.
📍 Try at: Gukje Market or Seomyeon
🗝️ Also try: Dwaeji-gukbap (pork soup with rice)
🐟 Gangneung / Sokcho (Gangwon) – Mountain & Sea Fusion
Signature Dish: Chodang Sundubu (초당순두부) – Soft tofu stew
Made with fresh spring water and sea salt, this silky tofu dish is light yet flavorful.
📍 Try at: Chodang Tofu Village in Gangneung
🗝️ Also try: Ojingeo Sundae (squid stuffed with noodles)
🍚 Andong (North Gyeongsang) – Preservation of Noble Recipes
Signature Dish: Andong Jjimdak (안동찜닭) – Braised chicken in soy sauce
This savory-sweet chicken dish is cooked with glass noodles, vegetables, and black soy-based broth.
📍 Try at: Andong Old Market
🗝️ Also try: Heotjesabap (ritual-style rice set)
🐖 Chungcheong – Understated, Earthy Comfort
Signature Dish: Bossam (보쌈) – Boiled pork with cabbage wraps
Mild and tender pork served with kimchi and raw garlic for wrapping. A dish for gatherings and family-style meals.
📍 Try at: Local restaurants in Cheongju or Daejeon
🗝️ Also try: Makgeolli-paired jeon (Korean pancakes)
🏔️ Jeju Island – Volcanic Soil, Ocean Flavors
Signature Dish: Heuk-dwaeji (흑돼지) – Black pork BBQ
Native Jeju black pigs have tender, juicy meat with a smoky taste unique to the island.
📍 Try at: Black Pork Street in Jeju City
🗝️ Also try: Haemul ttukbaegi (seafood hot pot), abalone porridge
🍂 Ulleungdo – Remote Island, Rich Harvest
Signature Dish: Honghapbap (홍합밥) – Mussel rice
This lesser-known specialty mixes steamed mussels with fragrant rice, sesame oil, and seaweed.
📍 Only available on: Ulleungdo Island
🗝️ Also try: Squid dishes, Sanchae-jeongsik (mountain herb set meal)
✨ Why Regional Food Matters in Korea
Korean cuisine isn’t just about what’s in the dish—it’s about where it’s from. Each province’s food tells a story of survival, celebration, and nature’s bounty.
📍 Travel Tip: Plan Your Trip Around Food
Want to see Korea through its flavors? Try a “food-first itinerary” where every stop is guided by what you’ll eat.
🍱 Save this post, and tag your journey with #KoreanFoodMap and @KoreaThread.
