Korean Food & Drink Vocabulary: Essential Words for Eating in Korea

Indeed, learning a new language goes hand in hand with immersing yourself in its culture. And what better way to do that than through the delightful realm of food and drink? Korean cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, and knowing the vocabulary will help you navigate menus and markets. If you’re new to Korean, start with our beginner’s guide to learning Korean!

In this lesson, we’ll dive into the world of Korean cuisine — introducing you to the names of dishes, drinks, fruits, vegetables, and useful phrases for dining out. Whether you’re ordering in a bustling Seoul restaurant or cooking a traditional Korean dish at home, these words will come in handy. Get ready for a flavourful journey through the Korean language! 🍜

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

So, grab your chopsticks and let’s embark on this tasty linguistic adventure together!

So get ready to explore Korean food and drink vocabulary, practice with grammar exercises, and uncover the delicious flavours of the Korean language. Let’s dig in! 🥢

---

Section 1: Basic Korean Food Vocabulary

For starters, embarking on a journey through Korean cuisine starts with familiarizing yourself with some fundamental food vocabulary. Korean dishes are renowned for their unique flavours and diverse ingredients. Here’s a list of essential Korean dishes along with their names in Korean, to help you navigate through any Korean menu or cooking class.

Kimchi (김치)

• Specifically, A staple in Korean cuisine, this famous side dish is made from fermented vegetables, usually cabbage.
• For example, “김치는 한국 음식에서 빠질 수 없는 요소이에요.” (Kimchi is an indispensable element in Korean cuisine.)

Bibimbap (비빔밥)

• For example, a popular Korean rice dish mixed with assorted vegetables, meat (usually beef), and a fried egg, bibimbap is served in a hot stone bowl for a satisfying meal.
• For instance, “비빔밥에는 다양한 채소와 고기가 들어가요.” (Bibimbap contains a variety of vegetables and meat.)

Bulgogi (불고기)

• For instance, A juicy and savoury dish, bulgogi is thinly sliced beef that’s marinated and grilled. The marinade usually includes soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and pepper.
• For example: “불고기는 한국의 대표적인 고기 요리 중 하나이에요.” (Bulgogi is one of Korea’s representative meat dishes.)

Japchae (잡채)

• Notably, A festive dish often served at Korean parties and special occasions, consisting of stir-fried sweet potato noodles mixed with vegetables, soy sauce, and a bit of sugar.
• For example, “잡채는 특별한 날에 자주 먹는 음식이에요.” (Japchae is often eaten on special occasions.)

Tteokbokki (떡볶이)

• Additionally, A popular street food, tteokbokki is made with chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy sauce made from gochujang.
• As an example, “떡볶이는 매운 맛을 좋아하는 사람들에게 인기 있는 간식이에요.” (Tteokbokki is a popular snack among those who like spicy flavors.)

Samgyeopsal (삼겹살)

• Furthermore, A beloved Korean BBQ dish, samgyeopsal consists of thick, fatty slices of pork belly meat grilled at the diner’s table.
• For instance, “삼겹살은 친구들과 함께 먹기 좋은 음식이에.” (Samgyeopsal is a great food to eat with friends.)

Why Learn Korean Food Vocabulary?

Furthermore, knowing these basic food terms not only enriches your dining experience but also opens up a world of culinary exploration. As you continue to learn Korean, adding more dishes to your vocabulary will deepen your appreciation and understanding of the rich Korean food culture.

Next, in the following section, we’ll explore the vocabulary for Korean drinks, an equally important part of the nation’s culinary heritage.

Section 2: Korean drinks

Additionally, Korean cuisine is not only about delicious foods but also about a variety of unique and traditional drinks. From refreshing beverages to traditional alcoholic drinks, knowing these terms will enhance your dining experience and add depth to your understanding of Korean culture.

Soju (소주)

• Also, A clear, colourless distilled beverage, soju is the most popular and widely consumed alcoholic drink in Korea. It’s traditionally made from rice, wheat, or barley.
• Similarly, “소주는 한국에서 매우 인기 있는 술이에요.” (Soju is a very popular alcoholic beverage in Korea.)

Makgeolli (막걸리)

• Moreover, A milky, off-white, and lightly sparkling rice wine with a sweet and tangy taste. It is one of Korea’s oldest alcoholic beverages.
• In particular, “막걸리는 한국의 전통적인 쌀 와인이에요.” (Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine.)

Bokbunja-ju (복분자주)

• Generally, A Korean fruit wine made from fermented Korean black raspberries. It’s known for its sweet and slightly tart flavor.
• For example, “복분자주는 달콤하고 약간 신 맛이 나요.” (Bokbunja-ju is sweet and slightly tart.)

Barley Tea (보리차)

• Importantly, A staple in Korean households, this non-alcoholic drink is made by steeping roasted barley in hot water. It’s enjoyed both hot and cold.
• Now, “보리차는 여름에 차갑게 마시기 좋은 음료이에요.” (Barley tea is a good beverage to drink cold in the summer.)

Ginseng Tea (인삼차)

• Interestingly, A traditional Korean tea made from ginseng, known for its earthy and slightly bitter flavor. It’s often consumed for its health benefits.
• For instance, “인삼차는 건강에 좋아요.” (Ginseng tea is good for health.)

Sikhye (식혜)

• Specifically, A sweet traditional Korean rice beverage, usually served as a dessert. It’s made from fermented rice and is known for its refreshing and mildly sweet taste.
• For example, “식혜는 식사 후에 마시기 좋은 달콤한 음료이에요.” (Sikhye is a sweet drink that is good to have after a meal.)

Moreover, understanding these drink names not only prepares you for a variety of Korean dining experiences but also deepens your cultural insights. Whether you’re toasting with soju or sipping on barley tea, each drink carries a piece of Korea’s rich heritage and traditions.

Fruits in Korean

Vegetables in Korean

Korean	Romanization	English
야채	Ya-chae	Vegetable
당근	Dang-geun	Carrot
양파	Yang-pa	Onion
마늘	Ma-neul	Garlic
생강	Saeng-gang	Ginger
진생	Jin-saeng	Ginseng
고추	Go-chu	Red pepper
감자	Gam-ja	Potato
토마토	To-ma-to	Tomato
오이	O-i	Cucumber
상추	Sang-chu	Lettuce
청경채	Cheong-gyeong-chae	Bok Choi
시금치	Shi-geum-chi	Spinach
브로콜리	Beu-ro-ko-li	Broccoli
꽃양배추	Kkot-yang-bae-chu	Cauliflower
피망	Pi-mang	Bell pepper
버섯	Beo-seot	Mushroom
콩나물	Kong-na-mul	Bean sprouts
호박	Ho-bak	Zucchini
무	Mu	Radish
콩	Kong	Beans
양배추	Yang-bae-chu	Cabbage
고구마	Go-gu-ma	Sweet potato
가지	Ga-ji	Eggplant
파	Pa	Green onion
완두콩	Wan-du-kong	Peas

Meat and Fish in Korean

Korean	Romanization	English
고기	Go-gi	Meat
쇠고기	Soe-go-gi	Beef
돼지고기	Dwae-ji-go-gi	Pork
닭고기	Dak-go-gi	Chicken
양고기	Yang-go-gi	Lamb
오리고기	O-ri-go-gi	Duck
칠면조고기	Chil-myeon-jo-go-gi	Turkey
햄	Haem	Ham
베이컨	Be-i-kon	Bacon
소시지	So-si-ji	Sausage
삼겹살	Sam-kyeop-sal	Pork belly
불고기	Bul-go-gi	Marinated Beef slices
스테이크	Seu-te-i-keu	Steak
생선	Saeng-seon	Fish
해산물	Hae-san-mul	Seafood
참치	Cham-chi	Tuna
멸치	Myeol-chi	Anchovy
연어	Yeon-eo	Salmon
오징어	o-jin-geo	Squid
문어	Mun-eo	Octopus
조개	Jo-gae	Clams
새우	Sae-u	Prawn/shrimp
게	Ge	Crab
홍합	Hong-hap	Mussel
굴	Gul	Oyster
전복	Jeon-bok	Abalone
장어	Jang-eo	Eel

Special note

Notably, a lot of people will probably hear or learn the word “물고기” for fish since the literal translation to English is “water meat”. However, if you are referring to fish as the food you eat, it’s more appropriate to use 생선.

Dairy and Animal Products in Korean

Korean	Romanization	English
요제품	Yo-je-peum	Dairy
계란	Gye-ran	Eggs
치즈	Chi-jeu	Cheese
두부	Du-bu	Tofu
우유	U-yu	Milk
요거트	Yo-geo-teu	Yoghurt
버터	Beo-teo	Butter
크림	Keu-rim	Cream

Condiments in Korean

Korean	Romanization	English
간장	Gan-jang	Soy sauce
소금	So-geum	Salt
설탕	Seol-tang	Sugar
식초	Shik-cho	Vinegar
후추	Hu-chu	Pepper
고추장	Go-chu-jang	Red pepper paste
기름	Gi-reum	Oil
참기름	Cham-gi-reum	Sesame oil
겨자	Gyeo-ja	Mustard
마요네즈	Ma-yo-ne-jeu	Mayonnaise
게첩	Ke-cheop	Ketchup
굴소스	Geul-so-seu	Oyster sauce
된장	Doen-jang	Soybean paste
고춧가루	Go-chut-ga-ru	Red pepper flakes
참깨	Cham-ggae	Sesame seeds
와사비	Wa-sa-bi	Wasabi
미소	Mi-so	Miso
밀가루	Mil-ga-ru	Flour
꿀	Kkul	Honey
시나몬	Shi-na-mon	Cinnamon

Pantry Staples and Other Words in Korean

Korean	Romanization	English
음식	Eum-shik	Food
식사	Shik-sa	Meal
밥	Bap	Food/rice
쌀	Ssal	Rice
빵	Ppang	Bread
파스타	Pa-seu-ta	Pasta
김치	Kim-chi	Kimchi
면	Meyon	Noodle
떡	Ddeok	Rice cake
만두	Man-du	Dumplings
전	Jeon	Pancake
아침	A-chim	Breakfast
점심	Jeom-shim	Lunch
저녁	Jeo-nyeok	Dinner

Special note

In fact, rice is such a staple food in Korea that “밥” can mean both, food and rice. To refer to rice specifically, you would use 쌀.

Beverages and Soft Drinks in Korean

Korean	Romanization	English
음료	Eum-ryo	Beverage
물	Mul	Water
커피	Keo-pi	Coffee
차	Cha	Tea
주스	Ju-seu	Juice
콜라	Kol-la	Coca Cola
사이다	Sa-i-da	Lemon-lime soda
레모네이드	Le-mo-ne-i-deu	Lemonade
우유	U-yu	Milk

Alcoholic Beverages in Korean

Korean	Romanization	English
술	Sul	Alcohol
맥주	Maek-ju	Beer
소주	So-ju	Soju
막걸리	Mak-keo-li	Rice wine
와인	Wa-in	Wine

Verbs

Korean	Romanization	English
요리하다	Yo-ri-ha-da	To cook
끓이다	Kkeu-li-da	To boil
볶다	Bok-da	To fry
구워먹다	Gu-wo-meok-da	To grill
굽다	Gup-da	To bake
구우다	Gu-u-da	To bake
볶음하다	Bokk-eum-ha-da	To stir fry
재워두다	Jae-wo-du-da	To marinate
섞다	Seokk-da	To mix
먹다	Meok-da	To eat
마시다	Ma-shi-da	To drink
만들다	Man-deul-da	To make
좋아하다	Jo-a-ha-da	To like
안 좋아하다	An jo-a-ha-da	To not like

Describing taste

Korean	Romanization	English
맛있다	Ma-shitt-da	Delicious
달다	Dal-da	Sweet
매우다	Mae-u-da	Spicy
시다	Shi-da	Sour
짜다	Jja-da	Salty
쓰다	Sseu-da	Bitter
싱겁다	Shin-geop-da	Bland
뜨겁다	Ddeu-geop-da	Hot (temperature)
차갑다	Cha-gap-da	Cold
바삭하다	Ba-sak-ha-da	Crispy
부드럽다	Bu-deu-reop-da	Soft
시원하다	Shi-won-ha-da	Refreshing
느끼하다	Neu-kki-ha-da	Greasy

Since we have now learned some vocabulary around food and drink in Korean, are you ready to start the practice of using these words in a sentence? Let’s get right into it!

Also, please note that I have added particles for completion purposes but if they confuse you or you are not familiar with them yet, just focus on the vocabulary and the correct sentence order as that is the point of this blog post. You can however check some of my other blog posts on marking particles.

Exercise 1

Now, use the given food or drink vocabulary to complete the sentences using the appropriate subject-object-verb sentence structure. More Korean vocabulary: Family Vocabulary, Jobs & Professions, Feelings & Emotions, and Hobbies & Leisure, Days, Months & Years.

1. 물-마시다-저 – I drink water.
2. 과일 – 우리 – 먹다 – We eat fruit.
3. Also, 마시다 – 우리 – 커피 – 같이 – We drink coffee together.
4. 뜨겁다 – 차 – The tea is hot.
5. 요리하다 – 저 – 오늘 – I cook today.
6. 구워먹다 – 우리 – 고기 – We grill meat.
7. 엄마 – 안 좋아하다 -술 – Mum does not like alcohol.

Practice 2

Now, complete the following sentences using the appropriate vocabulary.

1. 이거 __________? – Is this spicy?
2. ___________를 못 먹어요. I cannot eat pork.
3. ________ 주세요. – Please give me water.
4. ________ 몸에 좋아요. – Vegetables are good for you.
5. 이 콜라 너무 ________. This coca cola is very refreshing.
6. 매운 _______ 잘 먹어요. I can eat spicy food.
7. 저는 _______ 안 먹어요. I don’t eat breakfast.

Challenge 3

Finally, complete the following dialogue using the appropriate grammar and vocabulary.

• A: _______는 어때요? – How is the Kimchi?
• 조금 ________. It is a bit salty.
• 아 그렇군요. ______는요? Ah I see. How about the coffee?
• 너무 ________. It’s very delicious.

Below are the answers for Exercise 1

1. 물 마셔요 – I drink water.
2. 우리 과일을 먹어요 – We eat fruit.
3. 우리 같이 커피를 마셔요 – We drink coffee together.
4. 차가 뜨거워요 – The tea is hot.
5. 오늘 요리해요 – I cook today.
6. 우리는 고기를 구워먹어요 – We grill meat.
7. 엄마가 술을 안 좋아해요 – Mum does not like alcohol.

Check your answers for Practice 2

1. 매워요? – Is this spicy? (이거 = this)
2. 돼지고기를 못 먹어요. I cannot eat pork.
3. 물 주세요. – Please give me water.
4. 야채 몸에 좋아요. – Vegetables are good for you.
5. 이 콜라 너무 시원해요. This coca cola is very refreshing.
6. 매운 음식 잘 먹어요. I can eat spicy food.
7. 저는 아침 안 먹어요. I don’t eat breakfast.

Here are the answers for Challenge 3

• A: 김치는 어때요? – How is the Kimchi?
• 조금 짜요. It is a bit salty.
• 아 그렇군요. 커피는요? Ah I see. How about the coffee?
• 너무 맛있어요. It’s very delicious.