비빔국수 Bibimguksu
Thin wheat noodles served cold in a sweet and sour chili paste sauce, mixed before eating.
Spice: Medium
Occasion
Korean summer dishes
Dishes Koreans eat to get through the hot months: cold noodles, shaved ice and ginseng chicken soup. Cold noodles come in icy broth or a spicy sauce, and staff will cut the noodles with scissors if you ask. Ginseng chicken soup is eaten on purpose on the three hottest days of the year (boknal), when restaurants have long lines; the idea is to fight heat with heat. Bingsu cafés stay busy all summer, and cucumber kimchi is at its best in the warm months.
- 5 dishes
빙수 Bingsu
A large bowl of finely shaved ice, often made with milk, topped with sweet red beans or fruit and shared.
Spice: Not spicy
Cold noodles
냉면 Naengmyeon
Chewy buckwheat or starch noodles in an icy, tangy broth, with a spicy mixed version on most menus.
Spice: Not spicy
오이소박이 Oisobagi
Cucumber pieces slit and stuffed with chili flakes, garlic and green onion or chives, served cold as a side dish.
Spice: Mild
삼계탕 Samgyetang
A whole young chicken stuffed with rice and ginseng, in a clear broth.
Spice: Not spicy