Fall Foods You Must Try in Korea: A Seasonal Foodie Guide
Autumn in Korea isn’t just about the beautiful scenery—it’s also the season for delicious, seasonal foods. Korean cuisine makes the most of the harvest season, offering an array of comforting dishes and snacks that are perfect for the cooler weather. Whether you’re an adventurous eater or looking for familiar flavors, here are the must-try fall foods in Korea.
1. Songpyeon (송편)
A staple during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), songpyeon are half-moon shaped rice cakes filled with sweet fillings like sesame seeds, red bean paste, or chestnuts. They're steamed on a bed of pine needles, giving them a unique fragrance.
JournEASE Tip: We can help you find the best places to buy homemade songpyeon or recommend restaurants offering traditional Chuseok meals.
2. Chestnuts (밤)
Autumn is chestnut season in Korea, and you’ll find vendors roasting these delicious treats all around the country. Whether you’re grabbing a warm bag of roasted chestnuts on the street or adding them to a traditional Korean dish, they’re a seasonal must-try.
JournEASE Tip: Looking for unique ways to enjoy chestnuts? We can guide you to markets and restaurants serving chestnut-based dishes.
3. Sweet Potatoes (고구마)
Another autumn favorite, Korean sweet potatoes are slightly sweeter than their Western counterparts and are often roasted or boiled. You’ll find them sold as street food, often served warm in paper bags, making them a perfect snack for a chilly day.
JournEASE Tip: Let us point you to the best street vendors or cafés offering sweet potato lattes, a trendy seasonal drink in Korea.
4. Persimmons (감)
Autumn is peak persimmon season in Korea. Whether you prefer them crunchy or soft, persimmons are a popular snack or dessert ingredient in Korean households. They can also be dried (gotgam) and served as a traditional treat.
JournEASE Tip: We can recommend markets where you can buy the freshest persimmons or help you find restaurants featuring persimmon-based desserts.
5. Kimchi Stew (김치찌개)
As the weather cools, warm, hearty dishes like kimchi stew (kimchi jjigae) become even more popular. This spicy, tangy dish is made with fermented kimchi, pork, tofu, and vegetables, offering a perfect way to warm up on a chilly fall evening.
JournEASE Tip: We’ll help you find the best local spots for kimchi jjigae, whether you're craving a traditional version or something with a modern twist.
How JournEASE Can Help You Explore Fall Foods in Korea
Discovering seasonal foods in a new country can be overwhelming, but JournEASE is here to help:
Restaurant Recommendations: Based on your preferences, we’ll recommend the best places to try fall foods.
Market Guidance: Want to cook your own fall feast? We’ll direct you to markets with the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Culinary Tours: Let us craft a food tour that highlights autumn flavors, from street food to traditional dishes.
Hungry for Fall Flavors?
Let JournEASE help you navigate Korea’s autumn food scene! Whether you’re looking for restaurant suggestions, street food vendors, or markets to explore, we’re here to guide you. For more foodie tips and seasonal guides, visit our JournEASE blog.