A Guide to the Most Popular Korean Soups

Korean cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and diverse dishes, among which soups hold a prominent place. Comforting and nutritious, they are an essential part of Korean meals, combining various ingredients and aromas. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular Korean soups that you must try.

1. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
Kimchi jjigae is perhaps the most famous Korean soup. Made with fermented kimchi, tofu, pork, and various vegetables, it delivers a perfect balance of spiciness and umami. Often enjoyed with steamed rice, this hearty stew provides comfort, especially during cold winter months.

2. Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
Samgyetang is a traditional Korean dish made by stuffing a young chicken with glutinous rice, ginseng, garlic, and various herbs. This nutritious soup is known for its health benefits and is traditionally consumed during the hot summer months to replenish energy. Its rich, savory flavor makes it a staple in Korean households.

3. Tteokguk (Rice Cake Soup)
Tteokguk is a symbolic dish traditionally eaten during the Lunar New Year to celebrate the coming of age. It consists of thinly sliced rice cakes cooked in a clear broth, often accompanied by beef, egg, and vegetables. The white rice cakes represent purity and the start of a new year, making tteokguk a dish filled with cultural significance.

4. Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)
Sundubu jjigae features uncurdled tofu simmered in a spicy broth with seafood, vegetables, and sometimes meat. The addition of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or gochugaru (chili powder) gives this dish its distinctive heat. Served bubbling hot in a hot stone pot, it is often accompanied by a side of rice and various banchan (side dishes).

5. Miyeok-guk (Seaweed Soup)
This nourishing soup made from seaweed is often consumed by new mothers in Korea, believed to boost their health and milk production. Miyeok-guk typically includes beef or seafood to add flavor and depth to the dish. The slightly briny taste of the seaweed, combined with the rich broth, makes it a comforting meal anytime.

6. Galbitang (Short Rib Soup)
Galbitang is a clear soup made with beef short ribs, radish, and various spices. This hearty dish is slow-cooked to ensure the meat is tender and flavor-packed. It’s typically enjoyed with a bowl of rice and is perfect for festive occasions or family gatherings.

7. Juk (Rice Porridge)
Although more of a porridge than a soup, juk deserves mention for its comforting qualities. Made by boiling rice in a large quantity of water or broth until it breaks down into a creamy texture, juk is often personalized with various ingredients like chicken, abalone, or vegetables. It’s commonly served to the sick or as a gentle meal for recovery.

8. Budae Jjigae (Army Stew)
Budae jjigae emerged during the post-war era and combines a variety of ingredients, including hot dogs, spam, instant noodles, and kimchi in a spicy broth. This unique stew is often cooked at the table and enjoyed communally, reflecting a sense of togetherness and resilience in Korean culture.

Exploring these popular Korean soups is a delightful journey into the richness of Korean culinary traditions. Whether you're looking for something spicy, hearty, or nutritious, Korean soups offer a diverse array of flavors to satisfy every palate. Dive into a bowl of these captivating creations and experience the warmth and comfort they bring to the table.