Kimchi, a traditional Korean side dish of salted and fermented vegetables (usually napa cabbage or radish) with seasonings like chili powder, garlic, and ginger, is widely considered South Korea's national dish, served with nearly every meal and embodying Korean culture and community. While there isn't a single "national meal," kimchi is the indispensable staple that defines Korean cuisine and is central to family gatherings and tradition, especially during the communal kimjang (kimchi-making) season.
Kimchi is Korean 'soul food'
"Kimchi is our soul food in Korea, our national dish, and there is never a meal in our family when kimchi is not on the table," she said. "I would go as far as to say that if there was no kimchi with the meal, I do not think I would be able to eat."
South Korea's 52-hour work rule caps most employees' weekly working hours at 52, consisting of 40 standard hours plus 12 allowed overtime hours, aiming to reduce overwork, improve work-life balance, and boost productivity by ending excessively long workweeks previously common in the country. Implemented in phases for different company sizes, this law applies to a seven-day week, including weekends, and was a major revision to the Labor Standards Act, phasing in from 2018 to 2021 for most businesses.
A typical meal at a Korean household consists of a bowl of rice, a bowl of soup or stew and numerous banchan (side dishes.) Fun fact: Koreans love spicy food more than ever. Kimchi, for example, now uses 12x as much chili pepper in 2010 as 1930!
In korean meals the rice IS the main dish. In fact, the word for a 'meal' is the same as the word for 'rice. ' Most korean meals are in fact a bowl of rice with a few side dishes.
The "3 date rule" in Korean dating refers to the common practice of establishing an official couple status (boyfriend/girlfriend) by the third date, moving from casual "talking" (sseom) to a defined relationship quickly, a faster pace than typical Western dating, allowing for deeper getting-to-know-you stages after becoming official, though it's becoming less strict with younger generations. It's about rapid commitment assessment, with the first few dates gauging chemistry before locking things down.
Fish and seafood
Both fresh and saltwater fish are popular, and are served raw, grilled, broiled, dried or served in soups and stews. Common grilled fish include mackerel, hairtail, croaker and Pacific herring. Smaller fish, shrimp, squid, mollusks and countless other seafood can be salted and fermented as jeotgal.
10 foods to try in South Korea
What salary is needed to live comfortably in South Korea? To live comfortably in South Korea, especially in big cities like Seoul, you should aim for a monthly salary between 2.5 and 3 million Korean won (about 2,000 to 2,400 USD).
Korean households often structure their meals similarly, regardless of the time of day, which means that rice, banchan (an assortment of small side dishes), soup, and cooked meats and proteins can all appear in a breakfast spread.
4B movement, South Korean feminist activist movement and political stance defined by four deliberate refusals: bihon (“no marriage”), bichulsan (“no childbirth”), biyonae (“no dating”), bisekseu (“no sex [with men]”).
Sealy Bed Surveys 20,000 People Around the World The average Korean sleep time is only 4-6 hours. 95% said, "I don't feel refreshed in the morning". According to a survey, the average sleeping time of Koreans is only 4-6 hours, which falls short of the global level.
A total of 118 days off will be available for South Korean workers throughout the year, including Saturdays and 70 so-called “red days” -- public holidays and Sundays -- marked in red ink on standard Korean calendars, according to the Korea Aerospace Administration's official calendary.
Persimmon is native to southeastern China, being the national fruit both in Japan and Korea, and its cultivation has reached countries such as Brazil, Vietnam, Taiwan, Lebanon, Iran, Israel, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the United States, North Africa, Corsica and southern France.
This eating regimen is based on traditional Korean food habits, which are naturally loaded with whole foods, fermented ones like kimchi and plenty of vegetables and lean protein. Unlike most Western diets, it refrains use of dairy and red meat, instead focus on seafood, vegetables, rice, and broth-based dishes.
Kimchi is a traditional vegetable fermented food representing Korea, which is well known for its unique flavor and functional aspect.
Based on up-to-date 2024 data from the Korea Real Estate Board and statistics analyzed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (source), the average sale price for a 3 bedroom home (approximately 85–100㎡ or 914–1,076 sq ft) in Seoul falls between ₩800 million to ₩2.5 billion KRW ($600,000–$1.8M USD).
The cheapest months to fly to Korea are typically during the shoulder seasons, with April, May, February, and September often cited as the lowest-cost periods, avoiding peak summer (June-Aug) and late December holidays. Prices vary by departure location, but spring shoulder months (April/May) and late autumn/winter (Feb/Sept) generally offer the best balance of good weather and lower fares, while March and February can be very cheap but colder.
11 Amazing Korean Foods You Must Try
What are the most popular Korean drinks?
Yes, Korean food is balanced and nutrient-rich, with a focus on fresh vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods that support heart health, digestion, and immunity.
Choco Pie is one of the most famous of all Korean snacks. It's pretty much impossible to meet a Korean who doesn't know about choco pies. They're an integral part of Korean society, similar to a national symbol.
Frequently Asked Questions on Things to Buy in South Korea
K-beauty products, Korean snacks, K-pop merchandise, hanbok, and traditional crafts like hanji paper are your must buy in South Korea. All these products represent both modern Korean culture and traditional heritage.
Bulgogi, or Korean barbecued beef, is made with marinated sliced beef. Most recipes call for crushed pear to tenderize the meat. My boyfriend's Korean mother says Coca-Cola can also be used for the same purpose. This recipe uses very thinly-sliced sirloin steak, so tenderization isn't necessary.