Vocabulary10 min read504 views
Korean Food Vocabulary — 80 Words to Order Like a Local
Decode a Korean menu like a local. The 80 words I see on menus every day in Seoul.
Published on February 8, 2026
Decode a Korean Menu Like a Local
After 12 years in Seoul, knowing food vocabulary is probably the most immediately useful Korean skill.
Main Dishes
비빔밥 (bibimbap), 불고기 (bulgogi), 삼겹살 (samgyeopsal), 김치찌개 (kimchi stew), 떡볶이 (spicy rice cakes)
Cooking Methods — The Menu Decoder
| Korean | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 구이 | Grilled |
| 볶음 | Stir-fried |
| 찌개 | Stew |
| 탕 | Thick soup |
| 전 | Pancake |
| 튀김 | Deep-fried |
💡 Pro tip: combine ingredient + cooking method to decode any dish.
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