No Tears, Just Taste: A Beginner’s Guide to Korean Food

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Visiting a new country and finding the right food that suits your taste can be more challenging than expected. True satisfaction comes not just from trying the country’s famous dishes, but from finding ones that match your personal preferences.

When it comes to Korean cuisine, many of the globally well-known dishes are actually quite spicy — which can be overwhelming for first-time foreign visitors. If you dive into the spiciest dishes without preparation, you might end up feeling regret rather than satisfaction, wondering, “Why did I choose this?”

🌶️ Why Is Korean Food So Spicy?
Koreans grow up eating spicy food from a young age. Ingredients like kimchi, gochujang (red chili paste), and gochugaru (red chili flakes) are staples on the Korean dining table. But the ability to enjoy spicy food doesn’t develop overnight. Just like you start with light exercises when beginning a workout routine, approaching Korean food gradually—step by step—is the key to truly enjoying it.

Smart Ways for Beginners to Start Enjoying Korean Food
Step 1: Start with Familiar Flavors

  • Bulgogi: Grilled beef in a sweet soy-based marinade

  • Galbi: Tender ribs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce

  • Gyeranjjim: Soft, savory steamed egg dish

  • Japchae: Stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables in a mildly sweet sauce

These dishes focus more on sweet and savory flavors rather than spiciness, making them easy to enjoy regardless of nationality.

Step 2: Gently Explore Korean Flavors

  • Bibimbap: Mixed rice with vegetables, where you can add gochujang (chili paste) little by little to adjust the spice level

  • Kimchi Fried Rice: The spiciness of kimchi is mellowed through stir-frying

  • Mandu: Korean dumplings filled with familiar and mild ingredients

  • Dwaeji Galbi: A traditional Korean soybean paste stew with a deep. earthy flaver

These options let you experience authentic Korean tastes without overwhelming your palate.

I hope this guide helps foreign friends who are visiting Korea for the first time, and I wish everyone an enjoyable and delightful first encounter with Korean cuisine.


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