Autumn Foods to Enjoy in Korea
Fall is here, and with that comes the food and drinks to help you get into the cozy and warm mood of the season. Whether you’re autumn enthusiast and can’t wait for it any longer or you’re not ready to let go of the summer yet, these Korean dishes will help you welcome the season with open arms.
- Grilled Gizzard Shad
Grilled gizzard shad is the epitome of fall food in Korea. Although grilled fish is enjoyed year-round, this particular fish is filled with healthy fats and nutrients to get you ready for long and cold winter months. Its soft flesh makes it perfect to eat it wrapped in lettuce with seasoned with chili and soy sauce. Head to the west and southern coasts of South Korea, where the gizzard shads are caught in large quantities, to enjoy it fresh.
- Grilled Pine Mushrooms
Pine mushrooms are harvested during fall thus making it the perfect addition to any fall meal. These mushrooms have high nutritional value and are known for their health benefits. The best way to enjoy them is to lightly season them and then toss them on the grill, but these mushrooms are a great addition to other proteins, such as beef or abalone. Pine mushrooms grow in mountainous areas such as Yangyang-gun in Gangwon-do, Uljin-gun, Bonghwa-gun, and Cheongdo-gun in Gyeongsangbuk-do.
- Persimmons
Oh, sweet persimmons! This fruit fully ripens in autumn, making it a staple food for the season. This fruit is rich in vitamins, it’s great for your skin, and it can be enjoyed in many ways, such as in desserts and punches. Dried persimmons are one of the most popular ways to eat this fruit since it becomes a sweet and chewy treat. The city of Sangju-si in Gyeongsangbuk-do is the nation’s largest producer of persimmons so head over the if you want to have a one-of-a-kind persimmon experience.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
You’ve probably seen roasted sweet potatoes in K-dramas since they’re a popular street cart food. Korean sweet potatoes are usually sweeter than the North American ones, and eating them right out of the grill is a must in a colder autumn night. These sweet treats are also super affordable so it won’t break the bank to indulge in them.
- Blue Crabs
Seafood fans rejoice because autumn is the best time to enjoy blue crabs in South Korea. There are a myriad of ways to enjoy the delicious flaky, plump crab meat, including: steamed, in soups, or even plain. For an authentic Korean culinary experience try the popular blue crab dish named gejang. This dish is basically raw crab meat marinated in soy sauce or red chili-pepper paste sauce, it might not seem that appetizing but once try it you’ll want more.
That is the end of our must-have autumn foods in South Korea to make the best out of the wonderful season ahead. Let us know in the comments below which one you can’t wait to try!
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Written by Dianelys Fuentes
