Signature Korean Dishes by City

Korea is a country with a rich culinary culture, and every region has its own unique signature dish. From fiery stews to savory pancakes, Korean cuisine is a true delight for food lovers. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular signature dishes in Korean cities.

Busan - Dwaeji gukbap (Pork Rice Soup)

Busan Dwaeji Gukbap

Being Korea's second largest city, Busan is famous for many things: the seafood, tteokbokgi, milmyeon, just to name a few. However, there is one dish that stands out among the rest - pork rice soup, also known as dwaeji gukbap.

Dwaeji gukbap has a long history in Busan, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. During this time, the dish was a popular meal among the working class, as it was both affordable and filling. Today, dwaeji gukbap is still a beloved dish in Busan, and you can find it in many restaurants and street vendors throughout the city.

The key ingredients of dwaeji gukbap are pork, rice, and soup. The pork is usually boiled until it is tender and then sliced into small pieces. The rice is cooked separately and then added to the soup along with the pork. The soup is made from pork bones, onions, garlic, and other seasonings, and it is simmered for hours to create a rich, flavorful broth.

In addition to the pork, rice, and soup, dwaeji gukbap is usually served with a variety of side dishes, including kimchi, radish, and seaweed. These side dishes add extra flavor and texture to the dish, and they help to balance out the richness of the soup.

If you ever go to Busan, this is a must eat item.

Jeonju - Bibimbap

image courtesy of Jeonju City Blog

Jeonju bibimbap is a beloved Korean dish that has gained widespread popularity for its delicious combination of flavors and textures.

One of the main features of Jeonju bibimbap is the use of locally grown ingredients. The dish is typically made with high-quality, fresh vegetables that are sourced from the surrounding Jeolla Province. This includes ingredients such as bean sprouts, spinach, and fernbrake, which are commonly used in Korean cuisine but are particularly flavorful when grown in the fertile soil of Jeolla Province.

Another addition that sets Jeonju bibimbap apart is the high quality raw beef and egg served with the dish. You can't get away with serving raw ingredients unless its incredibly high quality and fresh and that's exactly what Jeonju bibimbap is all about.

Chuncheon - Dakgalbi (Spicy Chicken)

Excuse the mess, I was too busy eating to take a proper picture

One of my favorite experiences while living in Seoul is to go out for a one day bike ride to the nearby city of Chuncheon along the beautiful North Han River. It takes about 6 hours to get there, but the prize waiting at the end of the long ride is worth it: Chuncheon Dakgalbi. Or, you can just take a short 1-2 hour train ride...

Either way, Chuncheon dakgalbi alone is worth the trip. There are two variations, charcoal bbq and pan-fried. While both are great in their own ways, I'd highly recommend that you get the charcoal bbq variation. The spicy gochujang sauce chars up beautifully and makes for a divine smokey, spicy, sweet, savory, flavor combination.

You'll also want to pair that up with an order of mak-guksu, a spicy buckwheat noodle dish on the side.