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Stay cool in Korea with seven summer dishes, from naengmyeon to kongguksu, plus Boknal tips, festival tie-ins, and where to try each.
Summer in Korea can be oppressively hot, but despite the discomfort of high temperatures and constant humidity, several summertime foods help make the heat bearable. Many Korean dishes will undoubtedly change your dislike of the summer. From icy noodle soups to creamy desserts, these dishes are designed to cool you down or, in some cases, give your body the stamina to fight the heat.
Whether you’re craving a chilled, flavorful entrée or a refreshing frozen treat, here are seven Korean summer dishes updated for 2025—including where to try them and why they’re beloved.
#1 Bingsu (Shaved Ice Dessert): Sweet, icy indulgence
This hugely popular summer dessert is available at countless cafés and dessert shops across the country. Traditional patbingsu comes topped with sweetened red beans, chewy rice cakes, and condensed milk, while modern variations feature matcha ice cream, chocolate, mango, strawberries, and even tiramisu.
Where to try: Sulbing (a national dessert café chain) or small independent cafés in Hongdae and Gangnam.
#2 Oi-naengguk (Chilled Cucumber Soup): Hydration in a bowl
Paper-thin cucumbers float in a light, tangy broth made with vinegar, garlic, sesame seeds, and a dash of sugar. It’s ultra-refreshing, naturally hydrating, and a great low-calorie side to any summer meal.
Tip: You’ll often find oi-naengguk at traditional restaurants in July and August as part of the banchan (side dishes).
#3 Naengmyeon (Cold Buckwheat Noodles): The icy classic
When the weather heats up, Koreans turn to naengmyeon, or cold noodles, to stay cool. They are long, chewy buckwheat or sweet potato noodles served in an icy beef or chicken broth (mul naengmyeon) or mixed with a spicy, gochujang-based sauce (bibim naengmyeon). Garnished with cucumber, Asian pear, radish, and a soft-boiled egg, it’s both filling and cooling.
Ordering tip: Add a splash of vinegar and mustard at the table to brighten the flavor.
#4 Chimaek (Chicken + Beer): The ultimate evening cooler
Chimaek, which means “chicken and beer,” is the classic summer snack, best savored on a restaurant patio or along the Han River (where it can be delivered directly to your picnic spot). Nothing says summer in Korea quite like chimaek, the combination of crispy Korean fried chicken and ice-cold beer. The famous twice-fried chicken of Korea (which has a festival devoted to it) comes frequently with a side of radish cubes, which help to cool the chicken down. You’ll stay cool no matter how hot the weather gets with the crunchy, crisp radishes and the ice-cold Cass.
Festival alert: The Daegu Chimac Festival (July) celebrates this pairing with live music and endless chicken options.
#5 Kongguksu (Cold Soy Milk Noodles): Creamy, plant-based comfort
Kongguksu, hand-cut noodles served in a cool, thick broth made from soybeans, is another popular summer dish, especially among vegetarians. It is one of the most popular Korean food dishes, perfect for summer. Silky fresh soy milk is poured over thin wheat noodles, then topped with cucumber and sesame seeds. Naturally vegan and protein-rich, it’s a satisfying way to stay cool. Many locals even add ice cubes to make it extra chilled.
Where to try: Traditional noodle shops in Insadong or Gwangjang Market.
#6 Korean Ice Cream & Summer Snacks: Convenience store treasures
Korean ice cream bars are as standard as they are tasty, and you can find them at both convenience stores and supermarkets. While Korea offers a range of traditional ice cream flavors, it also boasts a plethora of unique options for the more adventurous diner. Melona bars, for example, are a creamy, delicious ice cream treat flavored with honeydew melon. The Samanco, on the other hand, is a goldfish-shaped rice wafer filled with vanilla ice cream and a layer of sweetened red beans that is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Korea’s ice cream game is strong—and budget-friendly. Prices hover around ₩1,000–₩1,500, so you can sample a variety without guilt.
Insider pick: Try the seasonal, limited-edition flavors that appear in summer Korean convenience stores.
#7 Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup): “Fight heat with heat”
According to the iyeolchiyeol philosophy, you combat summer heat by eating hot, nourishing foods. Samgyetang is the star of Korea’s Boknal days (Chobok, Jungbok, Malbok—the three hottest days of summer). A whole young chicken is stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, garlic, and jujube, and simmered until tender. It’s believed to restore energy, improve circulation, and boost stamina.
Cultural tip: Many restaurants offer special samgyetang menus during Boknal, often with black chicken (ogye) or herbal variations.
Quick Tips for Enjoying Summer Foods in Korea
- Timing: Visit noodle shops for lunch to avoid the evening crowds.
- Heat waves: Use this as an excuse to linger in air-conditioned cafés over bingsu.
- Festival tie-ins: Pair your food exploration with seasonal events like the Boryeong Mud Festival or Hangang Summer Festival.
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