Saturday, May 10, 2025
  • Login
KoreaTravelPost - South Korea's Leading Travel Media Publication
  • Home
  • Travel Industry News
  • TRAVEL
    • Accomodation
    • Activities
    • Attractions
    • Day Tours
    • Food & Drink
    • K-Entertainment Tours
    • Korean Culture
    • Must Buy
    • Shopping Destinations
    • Transportation
    • Travel Essentials
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel News in Korea
  • Cities
    • Busan
    • Daegu
    • Daejeon
    • Gwangju
    • Incheon
    • Jeju
    • Seoul
    • Ulsan
  • Regions
    • Gangwon-do
    • Gyeonggi-do
    • North Gyeongsang (Gyeongsangbuk-do)
    • North Jeolla (Jeollabuk-do)
    • South Chungcheong (Chungcheongnam-do)
    • South Gyeongsang (Gyeongsangnam-do)
    • South Jeolla (Jeollanam-do)
  • About us
No Result
View All Result
KoreaTravelPost - South Korea's Leading Travel Media Publication
  • Home
  • About Us
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result

Lost in Translation? Unlocking the Secrets of Korean Food Menu

Anyaa M by Anyaa M
May 1, 2024
in Food & Drink
0 0
0
Home TRAVEL Food & Drink

Traveling to Korea and worried about Korean food menus? Learn common Korean food menu dishes translation to navigate restaurants like a pro!

Korean cuisine is famous for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and vibrant culinary traditions. However, for those unfamiliar with the language and cultural nuances, navigating a Korean food menu can be a daunting task. And if you are a first time tourist to South Korea, it can be super difficult to identify food items on menu.

In this guide, we’ll unravel the mysteries of Korean menus, helping you understand unfamiliar dishes and enabling you to embark on a flavorful journey through Korean cuisine.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Understanding the Basics
    • Korean Script
    • Categorization
    • Descriptions
    • Menu Options for Mains
    • Extended Menu Options
    • Korean Barbecue Options
    • Conventional Snacks
    • Beverages
      • Wrapping up
      • Related Posts

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into translation of specific dishes and Korean food menu sections, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with some fundamental components of Korean food menus:

Korean Script

Korean menus are typically written in Hangul, the Korean alphabet. Learning to recognize basic Hangul characters can greatly aid in deciphering menu items.

Categorization

Korean menus often categorize dishes according to their main ingredients or cooking methods. Common categories include soups (guk/국), stews (jjigae/찌개), rice dishes (bap/밥), noodles (guksu/국수), and side dishes (banchan/반찬).

Descriptions

Korean menu items are often described using adjectives that highlight key flavors, cooking methods, or ingredients. Understanding these descriptors can provide valuable insights into what to expect from a dish.

Menu Options for Mains

Look for keywords that indicate the primary ingredient of a dish. For example, “samgyeopsal” (삼겹살) refers to grilled pork belly, while “bibimbap” (비빔밥) denotes a mixed rice dish with assorted vegetables and meat. Korean menu items often include descriptive adjectives that convey specific flavors. Terms like “spicy” (매운), “sweet” (달콤한), “savory” (고소한), and “sour” (시원한) can give you clues about a dish’s taste profile.

Most Popular Korean Foods Overseas Samgyeopsal and Galbi | Wikipedia
Samgyeopsal and Galbi | Wikipedia
KoreanPronunciationEnglish
된장찌개Dwen-jang-jji-gaeMiso soup
김치찌개Kim-chi-jji-gaeKimchi pot
부대찌개Bu-dae-jji-gaeArmy pot (Spicy ham and sausage)
청국장Cheong-guk-jangFast-fermented bean paste
쫄면Jjol-myeonSpicy cold chewy noodles
해물탕Hae-mul-tangSeafood soup
덮밥Deop-bapRice with toppings
국물/탕Guk-mul/TangSoup
비빔밥Bibim-bapBibimbap
냉면Naeng-myeonCold noodle soup
짜장면Jjajang-myeonFried noodles
볶음밥Bokkeum-bapFried rice
우동U-dongUdon
육개장Yukgae-jangSpicy beef soup
갈비탕Galbi-tangRibs soup
설렁탕Seolleong-tangWhite beef broth
곰탕Gom-tangBeef bone soup
갈비찜Galbi-jjimStewed ribs
콩국수Kong-guk-suBean juice noodles
칼국수Kal-guksuNoodle soup
수제비Suje-biClear soup with dumplings
삼계탕SamgyetangChicken soup
제육볶음Jeyuk-bokkeumSpicy fried pork
보쌈/수육Bossam/SuyukBoiled beef or pork slices
순대국밥Sundae-gukbapBlood sausage soup rice
국밥GukbapSoup rice (rice in soup)
쭈꾸미JjukkumiSpicy fried octopus
불고기BulgogiBulgogi (roast beef)
떡갈비TteokgalbiRoast beef patties
육회YukhoeRaw beef
돈까스DonkatsuTonkatsu (fried pork chops)
족발JokbalPig’s feet
김치KimchiKimchi (pickled cabbage)
오리지널치킨O-ri-ji-neol chi-kinOriginal fried chicken
양념치킨Yang-nyeom chi-kinSauced fried chicken
간장치킨Ganjang chi-kinSoy sauce fried chicken
순살치킨Sunsal chi-kinBoneless fried chicken
찜닭Jjim-dakStewed chicken
만두ManduDumplings
떡만두Tteok-manduRice cake dumplings
라면RamyeonRamen
감자탕GamjatangPotato ribs soup
뼈다귀해장국Beodeogwi-haejanggukPork bone sobering soup

Extended Menu Options

Many Korean dishes come with accompanying side dishes or condiments known as “banchan.” These may include kimchi (fermented vegetables), pickled radishes, or seasoned greens. Pay attention to these additions, as they can enhance the overall dining experience.

KoreanPronounciationEnglish
김치전Gimchi-jeonKimchi pancakes
파전Pa-jeonPancakes
해물파전Haemul-pajeonSeafood pancakes
감자전Gamja-jeonPotato pancakes
김치찜Gimchi-jjimStewed kimchi
비빔밀면Bibim-milmyeonCold wheat noodles
모래주머니Moraeh-jumeoniFried chicken chop
고등어구이Godeungeo-guiGrilled fish
조개구이Jogae-guiGrilled shell fish
(물)회(Mul)hoe(Water mix) sashimi
빈대떡BindaetteokMung bean pancakes
잡채JapchaeStir-fried glass noodles

Korean Barbecue Options

K-BBQ is something that you must try! You can check out guide on meat cuts for a great barbecuing experience.

korean bbq meat cuts korean food menu translation
KoreanPronunciationEnglish
삼겹살SamgyeopsalPork belly
목살MoksamPork neck
항정살HangjeongsalPork shoulder
등심DeungsimBeef tenderloin
한우HanwooKorean beef
곱창GopchangSmall intestine
돼지막창DwaejimakchangPig intestine
소막창SomakchangBeef intestine
껍데기GgeodegiPork skin
돼지갈비DwaejigalbiPork ribs
닭갈비DakgalbiChicken ribs
소갈비살SogalbisalBeef ribs
가브리살GabrisalPork cheek meat
차돌박이ChadolbagiBeef brisket
안심AnsimBeef tenderloin
살치살SalchisalChuck flap tail

Conventional Snacks

Korean street food is legendary, but those menus can be as mysterious as ancient scrolls! Worry not – here are some of the sweet, spicy, and other snacks!

Korean snacks and beverages to warm your winter in South Korea
Korean snacks and beverages in South Korea | Pinterest
KoreanPronunciationEnglish
떡볶이TteokbokkiSpicy rice cake
치즈CheeseCheese
오징어OjingeoSquid
순대SundaeBlood sausage
야채YachaeVegetables
튀김TwigimFries
고구마GogumaSweet potato
김말이Kim MariSeaweed rolls
새우SaewooShrimp
김밥GimbapGimbap (Korean seaweed rolls)
만두ManduDumplings
오뎅OdengFish cake
핫도그HatdogHot dog
붕어빵Bungeo BbangTaiyaki
떡꼬치Tteok KkochiRice cake skewers
닭강정Dak GangjeongFried chicken
호떡HotteokSugar cake

Beverages

Drinks @ One Piece Cafe (Photo from Facebook page) korean food menu translation
Drinks @ One Piece Cafe (Photo from Facebook page)
KoreanPronunciationEnglish
소주SojuSoju
맥주MaekjuBeer
카스KaseuCASS (beer)
하이트HaiteuHITE beer)
처음처럼Cheoeum CheoreomLike the First Time (soju)
참이슬/후레쉬Cham Iseul/HureushiCham Iseul/Fresh (soju)
청하CheonghaCheongha (soju)
자몽JamongGrapefruit (soju)
청포도CheongpodoGreen grape (soju)
순하리SunhariSoonhari (soju)
사과SagwaApple (soju)
막걸리MakgeolliMakgeoli (rice wine)
동동주DongdongjuDong dong ju, or Winter wine
사이다SaidaSprite
콜라KollaCola

Wrapping up

Deciphering a Korean food menu may initially seem challenging, but with a basic understanding of Korean script, culinary terminology, and translation apps, you can confidently explore the diverse world of Korean cuisine. By embracing new flavors and culinary experiences, you’ll embark on a gastronomic adventure that celebrates the richness and diversity of Korean food culture.

From picturesque landscapes to hidden gems and cultural adventures, follow KoreaTravelPost’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Flipboard for a thrilling journey through the heart of Korea.

Related Posts

  • Visit These 10+ Korean Restaurants for Extraordinary Valentine’s Day in Seoul
  • Top Tips for Solo Women Travelers in Seoul!
  • The Ultimate Foodie’s Guide to Gangnam: Top Restaurants to Explore
  • Savoring Korean Cuisine: Expert Tips for Navigating Busy Restaurants in South Korea You Must Not Miss!
  • Learn How to Eat Korean BBQ (Galbi) the Right Way!

 4,072 total views,  9 views today

What’s your thoughts?
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
1
Facebook Twitter Email
[the_ad id="11418"]
Tags: hangulKorean FoodtranslationTravel Tips
ShareTweetShareSendSend
[the_ad id="11418"]
Anyaa M

Anyaa M

With an insatiable curiosity for all things Korea, Anyaa is a passionate storyteller and seasoned traveler who brings the country’s most captivating destinations to life. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the serene landscapes of Jeju Island, every article is an invitation to explore, offering insider tips, hidden gems, and carefully curated itineraries. More than just a travel guide, each piece is a vivid journey, ensuring that every reader experiences Korea in a way that is both effortless and unforgettable.

Related Posts

Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Jeju Food & Wine Festival 2025: Taste the Island Like Never Before!
Food & Drink

Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Jeju Food & Wine Festival 2025: Taste the Island Like Never Before!

May 8, 2025
best chicken dish in Korea
Food & Drink

Best 5 Chicken Dishes To Relish In Seoul

April 15, 2025
Adorable Tiny Cakes: Best Places to Buy in South Korea
Food & Drink

Adorable Tiny Cakes: Best Places to Buy in South Korea

April 14, 2025
North Korea-view Starbucks
Food & Drink

World’s Most Dangerous Starbucks: The North Korea-view in Korea DMZ

April 14, 2025
Small but Mighty: The Secret Behind South Korea Tiny Cake Trend
Food & Drink

Small but Mighty: The Secret Behind South Korea Tiny Cake Trend

April 13, 2025
3 Unique Spots to Escape the City in Seoul: From Tropical Cafes to DIY Takoyaki Fun
Food & Drink

3 Unique Spots to Escape the City in Seoul: From Tropical Cafes to DIY Takoyaki Fun

April 10, 2025
Next Post
Best korean sundae gukbap restaurants in gangnam

Savor the Authentic Taste of Korean Sundae Gukbap from These Hidden Restaurants in Gangnam  

No Result
View All Result

PRODUCTS

TESSAN Germany France Travel Power Adapter

Lonely Planet Korea 12

Korean Snack Box Variety Pack

OSULLOC Lovely Tea Gift Box Set

More from our network


  • ktd

  • atd

  • itd

  • ktt

  • kgd

  • kpp

  • ktp

  • kpoppost

  • ustechtimes

Categories

  • Accomodation
  • Activities
  • Attractions
  • Day Tours
  • Events
  • Food & Drink
  • K-Entertainment Tours
  • Korean Culture
  • Medical Tourism
  • Must Buy
  • Shopping Destinations
  • Transportation
  • TRAVEL
  • Travel Essentials
  • Travel Industry News
  • Travel News in Korea
  • Travel Tips

FREE NEWSLETTER

Follow Us

  • instagram
  • twitter

Copyright © 2024 About Us| Terms of Use |Privacy Policy|Cookie Policy| Contact : [email protected]

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Travel Industry News
  • TRAVEL
    • Accomodation
    • Activities
    • Attractions
    • Day Tours
    • Food & Drink
    • K-Entertainment Tours
    • Korean Culture
    • Must Buy
    • Shopping Destinations
    • Transportation
    • Travel Essentials
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel News in Korea
  • Cities
    • Busan
    • Daegu
    • Daejeon
    • Gwangju
    • Incheon
    • Jeju
    • Seoul
    • Ulsan
  • Regions
    • Gangwon-do
    • Gyeonggi-do
    • North Gyeongsang (Gyeongsangbuk-do)
    • North Jeolla (Jeollabuk-do)
    • South Chungcheong (Chungcheongnam-do)
    • South Gyeongsang (Gyeongsangnam-do)
    • South Jeolla (Jeollanam-do)
  • About us

Copyright © 2024 About Us| Terms of Use |Privacy Policy|Cookie Policy| Contact : [email protected]