5 Korean Foods That May Surprise You — and Why They’re Worth Trying

Korean food is about much more than kimchi, Korean barbecue and fried chicken.

Some dishes may look unfamiliar to first-time visitors. You might see raw beef on a plate, slices of pork with glossy skin, Korean-style sausage, spicy chicken feet or seafood grilled over charcoal.

But here is something worth knowing: these are not just strange foods made for adventurous travelers. They are established parts of Korean food culture, enjoyed by many people in Korea. You do not need to be an expert in Korean cuisine to give them a try.

If you are visiting Seoul or exploring Hongdae, here are five dishes to discover, what they taste like and how to approach them if you are trying them for the first time.

1. Yukhoe (육회) — Korean-Style Raw Beef

Yukhoe is thinly sliced raw beef seasoned with ingredients such as sesame oil, soy sauce and garlic. It is often served with Korean pear, sesame seeds and sometimes egg yolk.

What does it taste like?

Good-quality beef has a clean, savory flavor and a tender texture. Korean pear adds a refreshing sweetness and a light crunch, while sesame oil gives the dish a rich aroma.

If you enjoy beef tartare or other raw-beef dishes, yukhoe may be an interesting addition to your Korean food experience.

Is it difficult to try?

The biggest obstacle is usually the idea of eating raw beef rather than the flavor itself. Start with a small portion at a reputable restaurant that handles raw meat properly.

Yukhoe is intentionally served raw, so it carries food-safety risks. Travelers who are pregnant, immunocompromised or otherwise at increased risk from foodborne illness should choose a cooked alternative.

Good to know: Ask whether the dish contains raw egg, and check the ingredients if you have food allergies.

2. Jokbal (족발) — Korean Braised Pig's Trotters

Jokbal is made by slowly braising pig's trotters with ingredients commonly including soy sauce, garlic, ginger and other seasonings. The meat is sliced and served on a platter, often with lettuce, garlic, sauces and side dishes.

What does it taste like?

Think of tender, savory-sweet braised pork. The meat is rich and flavorful, while the skin and connective tissue have a soft, gelatinous texture.

The traditional version is generally not spicy. Its texture may be unfamiliar, but the flavor is often more approachable than its name suggests.

How do you eat it?

Place a slice of jokbal on a lettuce leaf, add a little sauce and your preferred accompaniments, then wrap it into a bite.

Jokbal is commonly shared at the table, making it a good option for a group meal.

First-time tip: Start with a slice containing mostly lean meat if you are unsure about the softer texture of the skin.

3. Sundae (순대) — Korean-Style Sausage

First, an important clarification: Korean sundae is pronounced roughly “soon-dae.” It is not the sweet ice-cream dessert.

Sundae is a traditional Korean sausage commonly made with a casing filled with glass noodles, rice or other ingredients. Traditional versions may contain pork blood, and recipes vary by region and restaurant.

What does it taste like?

The flavor is generally savory and relatively mild. The filling can be soft and slightly chewy, with a texture influenced by the noodles and other ingredients.

Sundae is commonly sold at traditional markets and casual Korean snack shops. It can also be served in soup or stir-fried with vegetables.

Is it difficult to try?

You may find its appearance unfamiliar, but the flavor is not necessarily strong. A few slices with seasoned salt are a simple introduction.

If you would rather avoid organ meats, ask what the plate includes. Some shops serve sundae alongside boiled liver or other offal, which you do not have to order.

Good to know: Traditional sundae may contain pork blood and pork intestine casing, so check the ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.

4. Dakbal (닭발) — Spicy Chicken Feet

Dakbal means chicken feet. In Korea, they are often braised or grilled and coated in a spicy red sauce.

This dish is especially known for its combination of heat and chewy texture.

What does it taste like?

The sauce is often spicy, savory and slightly sweet. The texture comes from the skin and connective tissue rather than the familiar texture of chicken breast or thigh meat.

Some restaurants serve bone-in chicken feet, while others offer boneless versions.

How do you eat it?

If you are new to dakbal, a boneless version may be easier to handle. Ask about the spice level before ordering, because even a restaurant's milder version may be hot for some people.

Dakbal is often shared with rice balls or other side dishes.

First-time tip: You do not need to order the hottest version to experience the dish. Choose a heat level that you can comfortably enjoy.

5. Kkomjangeo (꼼장어) — Korean-Style Grilled Hagfish

Kkomjangeo is a Korean name commonly used for hagfish, a marine animal that is sometimes loosely described as eel in English. It is often prepared on a grill, with seasoning that may include chili, garlic and other ingredients.

What does it taste like?

Expect a savory grilled seafood flavor and a firm, chewy texture. The seasoning and preparation vary by restaurant.

It is often cooked over a grill or stir-fried, making it a different experience from eating a fillet of familiar fish.

Is it difficult to try?

The appearance may be unfamiliar, but the dish is essentially a grilled seafood experience. If you enjoy grilled seafood and do not mind a chewy texture, it may be worth trying.

Ask the restaurant how the dish is prepared and whether it is spicy. Make sure the seafood is thoroughly cooked before eating.

First-time tip: Order a small portion to share rather than committing to a full meal of an unfamiliar dish.

Which Dish Should You Try First?

• Prefer familiar meat flavors? Start with jokbal.
• Enjoy beef tartare? Consider yukhoe, provided raw beef is appropriate for you.
• Curious about Korean street food? Try sundae.
• Love spicy food? Dakbal may be your kind of dish.
• Enjoy grilled seafood? Give kkomjangeo a chance.

Remember that preparation, flavor and texture vary from restaurant to restaurant. If you are uncertain, ask questions and start with a small serving.

Final Thoughts: Korean Food Is More Diverse Than You Think

Travel is an opportunity to discover flavors and traditions you may not encounter at home.

Yukhoe, jokbal, sundae, dakbal and kkomjangeo may look unfamiliar at first, but each has a place in Korea's diverse food culture. They are not compulsory challenges, and you do not have to like everything you try.

Choose what interests you, learn what is in your food, and enjoy the experience at your own pace.

Exploring Korea through food is not about being fearless. It is about being curious.

VISIT HONGDAE helps international travelers discover Korean food, local culture and the experiences that make a visit to Korea memorable.