Must-Try Spring Foods in Korea
KETA allows travelers to experience Korea’s rich culinary traditions, which change with each season. Spring in Korea is a time of renewal, bringing a variety of fresh, seasonal foods that highlight the distinct flavors of the season. If you visit Korea during spring, here are some must-try dishes to enjoy.
1. Jukkumi (Webfoot Octopus) Stir-Fry
Spring is the best time to enjoy jukkumi, a small octopus that becomes exceptionally tender and flavorful during this season. Jukkumi is rich in taurine, making it an excellent energy-boosting food.
✔ Best Way to Eat It: Spicy stir-fried with vegetables and gochujang sauce or grilled over an open flame.
2. Bomnamul (Spring Greens)
With the arrival of warmer weather, fresh greens start to grow, and Koreans enjoy a variety of nutritious wild vegetables known as bomnamul. These greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a perfect seasonal health food.
✔ Best Way to Eat It: Lightly seasoned with sesame oil, garlic, and soy sauce or added to bibimbap.
3. Dalgona Latte & Cherry Blossom Desserts
Spring in Korea brings the beauty of cherry blossoms, and many cafés offer cherry blossom-inspired treats and drinks. These limited-time desserts are a fun way to celebrate the beauty of spring.
✔ Best Way to Eat It: Try cherry blossom rice cakes, sakura-flavored macarons, or a creamy dalgona latte.
4. Gwamegi (Half-Dried Pacific Herring or Saury)
A specialty from Korea’s coastal regions, gwamegi is made by drying fish in the cold winter air and eating it fresh in early spring. It has a unique umami flavor and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
✔ Best Way to Eat It: Wrapped in seaweed with garlic, scallions, and a tangy sauce.
5. Ssuktteok (Mugwort Rice Cake)
Spring is the season for fresh mugwort (ssuk), a fragrant herb used in traditional Korean rice cakes.
Mugwort is believed to have health benefits, including detoxifying properties and aiding digestion.
✔ Best Way to Eat It: Steamed into soft rice cakes or added to soups.
Experience Korea’s Seasonal Delicacies!
Korea has four distinct seasons, each bringing a unique variety of delicious seasonal foods. If you’re planning to visit Korea in spring, be sure to apply for your KETA in advance. You can easily submit your application through ETAPORTAL and experience the wonderful flavors of Korea’s spring cuisine firsthand!
