Which foods are commonly included in a traditional Korean meal?

A traditional Korean meal is centered on grains, particularly rice, and is typically composed of three main components: rice, soup or stew, and a variety of side dishes.1

A staple side dish that almost invariably accompanies these meals is kimchi, a spicy, fermented dish made from vegetables such as napa cabbage, daikon, and cucumber. Seasoned with ingredients like red chili pepper, onion, and garlic, kimchi is a fundamental element of Korean cultural identity.231

Beyond these staples, other popular dishes often featured in Korean cuisine include:

• Bibimbap: A dish of rice mixed with vegetables, egg, a spicy sauce, and sometimes meat.1
• Bulgogi: Marinated meat that is grilled over charcoal.1
• Samgyetang: A restorative soup made of stewed whole chicken stuffed with rice and ginseng.1
• Jjajangmyeon: Noodles served in a black-bean sauce.1

Additionally, during special holidays like Seollal and Chuseok, families often prepare special foods such as various types of rice cakes known as dduk.1