FOOD AND DRINKS

Food in South Korea is centred around rice and soup accompanied by a meat or fish dish, with
numerous sides available.

Kimchi (chim ci)

Kimchi (chim ci) is a bit part of the national identity and is therefore served with pretty much every
meal in South Korea. It’s usually made from fermented cabbage and chili, and it’s fair to say it’s a bit
of an acquired taste for travellers.

Barbecue

Generally at a barbecue restaurant you’ll find on offer bulgogi (bul go ghi), cuts of marinated meat
(usually pork or beef), and galbi (gal bi) , ribs that are usually unmarinated. You cook these yourself at
your table, and then choose from a number of sides or sauces to complete the meal.

Soups and stews

You’ll find soups and stews made with vegetables, kimchi (chim ci), seafood, meat, tofu, noodles, and
more, sometimes all at once.

Drinks

South Korea is the home of cheap alcohol and heavy drinking: someone considered to be an average
drinker here could well be considered a heavy drinker in the UK.
The national drink of South Korea is soju (so dju). It’s a bit like vodka (around 20% proof), and you’ll
usually find it’s the cheapest beverage on the menu.
You can also try takju (tac dju), Korean rice wine, and ginseng wine, which is more expensive but
generally has a better taste.
You can also try sikhye (sic hi), a sweet and grainy rice drink sometimes served with dessert, and
sujeonggwa (su djong ua), a cinnamon-flavoured drink made from persimmons (curmal japonez).