The Spiciest Foods in Korea – Can You Handle the Heat?
Korea is famous for its bold and fiery flavors, making it a paradise for spice lovers. If you enjoy spicy food, you’re in for a treat. From intensely spicy stews to street food that sets your taste buds on fire, Korea offers a wide range of dishes that challenge even the most seasoned spice enthusiasts. Here are some of the spiciest foods you must try in Korea.
1. Buldak (Fire Chicken)
As the name suggests, buldak is a grilled or stir-fried chicken dish coated in an extremely spicy gochujang-based sauce.
✔ Why It’s Spicy: The sauce is made with Korean chili powder, gochujang, and additional spicy peppers for an extra kick.
✔ Where to Try It: Many Korean BBQ restaurants serve buldak, but you can also find it as a popular instant noodle flavor.
✔ Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 – Not for the faint-hearted!
2. Jjambbong (Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup)
This rich, red-hot noodle soup is packed with seafood, vegetables, and an incredibly spicy broth.
✔ Why It’s Spicy: The broth is infused with chili oil and Korean dried chili flakes, making it one of Korea’s hottest soups.
✔ Where to Try It: Local Chinese-Korean restaurants serve this dish, with some places offering ultra-spicy versions for the brave.
✔ Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 – A slow burn that intensifies with every sip.
3. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
A classic Korean street food, tteokbokki is made of chewy rice cakes simmered in a thick, fiery red sauce.
✔ Why It’s Spicy: The sauce is a bold combination of gochujang, sugar, and garlic, giving it a sweet yet powerful heat.
✔ Where to Try It: Visit any street food market in Korea, such as Gwangjang Market in Seoul, for an authentic taste.
✔ Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶 – Mild to extra spicy depending on the vendor.
4. Maeundae Galbijjim (Spicy Braised Short Ribs)
This dish features tender, slow-braised short ribs coated in a dangerously spicy sauce.
✔ Why It’s Spicy: Loaded with fresh chili peppers, gochujang, and gochugaru, it delivers a deep and lingering heat.
✔ Where to Try It: Spicy galbijjim specialty restaurants, especially in areas like Sinchon and Gangnam.
✔ Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 – A challenge for those who love rich, spicy flavors.
5. Cheongyang Chili Pepper Dishes
Cheongyang chili peppers are among the spiciest in Korea and are often used to intensify the heat of various Korean dishes.
✔ Why It’s Spicy: These small green chilies pack an intense spice level, much hotter than standard gochugaru.
✔ Where to Try It: Look for dishes like Cheongyang chili doenjang jjigae (fermented soybean stew) or raw chili served with ssamjang.
✔ Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 – A single bite can set your mouth on fire!
Experience the Addictive Heat of Korean Spicy Foods!
Korean spiciness isn’t just about the heat—it’s about bold, flavor-packed, and addictive spice that keeps you coming back for more. If you’re ready to take on the challenge, be sure to apply for KETA through ETAPORTAL so you can experience Korea’s most flavorful and fiery dishes firsthand!
