Korea gave the culinary world the gift of kimchi – that alone is enough to ensure the country's cuisine is forever held in high regard. But when it comes to food and drink, the fermented cabbage condiment only scratches the surface. Dig a little deeper and you'll discover one of the most fascinating cuisines and food scenes, filled with in-your-face flavours, unbeatable street food, time-honoured cooking techniques and a whole culture that's practically centred around eating and drinking.
From the bustling metropolis of Seoul which sees ancient temples sit next to neon-lit skyscrapers, to the majestic mountain ranges against a backdrop of coastline in Busan, Korea is a country of contrasting landscapes and ways of living. What brings everything together however is the Korean people's love of good food. Traditional products such as gochujang, doenjang and of course kimchi are now used by chefs and home cooks the world over, while more modern obsessions such as fried chicken and street food bites oozing with cheese prove that Korean chefs welcome influences and innovation wherever they can. Whether you're looking to delve into the flavours of Korea in your own kitchen or fancy learning more about the country for a potential trip, read on for a taste of what the country has to offer.
