Top 5 Seasonal Foods in Korea: Special Tastes from Spring to Winter

 

Top 5 Seasonal Foods in Korea: Special Tastes from Spring to Winter

Korea is known for its distinct four seasons,
and each season brings its own beloved traditional foods.
Enjoying seasonal dishes is an important part of Korean daily life and culture.

Here are the top 5 seasonal foods you must try in Korea!

1. Spring – Naengi Soup (Shepherd's Purse Soup)

When spring arrives, Koreans look forward to eating naengi soup.
This light, fragrant soup made with shepherd's purse helps replenish vitamins and minerals after the long winter.
The fresh herbal flavor and warm broth are a perfect match for the season.

Naengi soup is often cooked with simple anchovy broth or miso,
and is known for its refreshing taste that revives the body.

Naengi is rich in nutrients and traditionally believed to boost immunity and detoxify the body.

 

2. Summer – Cold Soybean Noodle Soup (Kongguksu)

During Korea's hot summer, nothing beats kongguksu.
This dish features cold, creamy soybean broth with chewy noodles,
offering a light but satisfying meal that cools you down.

Kongguksu is packed with plant-based protein,
making it not only refreshing but also energizing in the summer heat.

Each household and region in Korea has its own secret kongguksu recipe.

 

3. Autumn – Grilled Gizzard Shad (Jeoneo-gui)

In fall, Koreans enjoy grilled gizzard shad, known as jeoneo-gui.
There's a famous saying: "Even a runaway daughter returns home when smelling grilled jeoneo."
That's how irresistible its aroma and flavor are!

Fresh autumn jeoneo has rich, savory fat,
perfect for grilling over charcoal to bring out its natural taste.

Autumn gizzard shad is also eaten with the bones, making it a good source of calcium.

 

4. Winter – Roasted Sweet Potatoes (Gun-goguma)

When the cold winter wind blows, the scent of gun-goguma fills the streets.
Roasted sweet potatoes are a classic Korean winter snack,
warm and sweet, providing comfort against the chill.

You can find vendors selling them on the streets,
or easily bake them at home using an oven or air fryer.

Gun-goguma is rich in fiber and vitamin C, making it a healthy and hearty winter treat.

 

5. Winter – Rice Cake Soup (Tteokguk)

Tteokguk is Korea’s traditional New Year's Day dish.
This clear broth with thinly sliced rice cakes symbolizes growing one year older and starting anew.

Families gather to share bowls of tteokguk during Seollal (Lunar New Year),
creating warm, meaningful memories.

Tteokguk is often topped with colorful garnishes like egg strips, seaweed, and green onions.

Korean seasonal foods are more than just meals —
they are a way to celebrate the changing seasons and cherish everyday life.

From spring herbs to winter traditions,
experiencing Korea’s seasonal dishes allows you to taste the heart of Korean culture.