How Often Do Koreans Eat Outside of Home and What Type of Food Do They Prefer?

In South Korea, dining out is quite common, with many individuals regularly visiting restaurants, street food stalls, or cafes. On average, Koreans dine outside their homes several times a week. This frequency can vary based on a range of factors, including work schedules, family commitments, and personal lifestyles.

Types of Food Preferred by Koreans

Traditional Korean Cuisine

Traditional Korean cuisine is a significant part of the dining experience in South Korea. Popular dishes include kimchi, bibimbap, bulgogi, and jjigae stews. Korean barbecue, also known as Korean BBQ, is particularly popular for social gatherings. It offers a range of cooking styles and ingredients, allowing people to customize their meals according to their preferences.

Street Food

Street food is another beloved part of Korean culture. Items such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and kimbap (seaweed rice rolls) are favored by all age groups. These convenient and delicious foods are widely available and enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Fast Food

Fast food, including international chains like McDonald's and local fast food options, is also popular, especially among younger generations. These quick and easy meals cater to those who prefer a quick and convenient dining option.

Foreigners Living in Korea

Adapting to Local Dining Culture

Expatriates and foreigners living in Korea often adapt to the local dining culture but may also seek out international cuisines. Many enjoy trying traditional dishes and often develop a taste for Korean BBQ and fried chicken. Others may be more inclined towards international cuisines such as Italian, Mexican, and various Asian dishes, which are widely available in larger cities like Seoul.

Интересные еды (Interesting Foods)

One particularly interesting element of Korean cuisine is banchan, the small side dishes served with meals. These diverse dishes often include fermented vegetables, seasoned greens, and seafood. The communal aspect of sharing these dishes enhances the dining experience and reflects the cultural emphasis on community and hospitality.

Personal Experiences

I live with my Korean fiancé, and as such, we have a balance of both home-cooked meals and dining out. If a dish can be cooked at home without giving off stinky smells or leaving lingering odors, we prefer to cook it at home. This covers most Korean dishes, although specialty foods are often eaten once in a while or when they are difficult to prepare. We consistently make different soups, gimbap, chobap, side dishes, and other Korean dishes at home. Sometimes, we dine out simply because we want to or don't feel like cooking, but we cook at home most days.

Generally, I cook a mix of Korean and Western food. However, I find it safer and more cost-effective to make specific Western dishes at home, such as pasta, tacos, and Southern comfort food. For Korean food, I particularly enjoy soups like yukejang, samgyetang, seollungtang, soondubujiggae, kimchijiggae, and budaejiggae. Spicy tofu stew (soondubujiggae) is my favorite. It's important to be open to trying new foods, regardless of preconceived notions on what might be considered "weird" or "bad" food.

Conclusion

Korea's vibrant food scene, a blend of traditional and modern cuisine, offers a rich culinary experience for both locals and foreigners. Whether dining out or cooking at home, there is always the opportunity to explore the delicious and diverse foods that Korea has to offer.