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Japchae
Japchae has long been an indispensable dish at family gatherings in Korea, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Historically, japchae was a royal dish, reserved exclusively for the emperor. The basic ingredients for japchae are quite simple, including glass noodles, seasonal vegetables, and meat. The essential seasonings are soy sauce, chili peppers, sesame seeds, and, notably, sesame oil. Japchae can be eaten hot or cold, depending on personal preference.
Japchae can be eaten hot or cold, depending on personal preference.
Jeungpyeon
Among Korean autumn specialties, Jeungpyeon is considered the most famous. Besides rice wine, the people of Korea also create a delicious rice wine cake called Jeungpyeon. Certainly, after trying it once, you won't forget the unique flavor of this dish. Alongside famous dishes like kimchi, kimbap, or familiar bibimbap (mixed rice), rice wine cake is also a Korean specialty often enjoyed in the autumn.
Among Korean autumn specialties, Jeungpyeon (rice dumplings) are considered the most famous.
Soon Dubu Jjigae
Although Soon Dubu Jjigae is just a simple soup, it's extremely popular with both locals and tourists. It's best enjoyed in the autumn, as the spicy broth helps warm you up in the chilly weather. The basic ingredients include fresh tofu, raw vegetables, and sometimes mushrooms, onions, seafood, and optional meat. Thanks to its diverse ingredients, Soon Dubu Jjigae is generally considered easy to eat and suits many different tastes. Notably, each region has its own unique variations, making this soup even more varied and distinctive.
At first glance, it might seem like just an ordinary soup, but once you've tasted it, you'll surely never forget it.
Hobakjuk
Hobakjuk, also known as pumpkin porridge, is a simple yet distinctive porridge with a rich, creamy flavor. It's a very popular dish in Korea, especially in the fall, as pumpkins are primarily harvested during this time. Besides being readily available, pumpkin porridge is also favored for its nutritional value, particularly for patients and the elderly, as it helps to nourish the body.
This is a simple porridge dish, but it stands out with its rich flavor and creamy texture.
Hoddeok
When it comes to famous Korean autumn dishes, Hoddeok is a must-mention. Although a simple, everyday dish, it's especially popular with both tourists and locals. The main ingredient is wheat flour, with a filling of cinnamon and brown sugar, along with various nuts. All these ingredients are readily available in Korea, and the preparation is incredibly simple. The unique Korean recipe gives Hoddeok its distinctive flavor, making it a delight for anyone who tries it.
Hoddeok looks similar to Vietnamese fried donuts.
Jook porridge
One unique dish you should try when visiting Korea in the autumn is Jook porridge. This porridge is made from rice, along with mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, and chicken. When you taste it, you'll experience the warm and comforting flavor of this specialty porridge. What could be better than enjoying a hot bowl of porridge in the cool autumn weather of Korea?
Jook is made from many nutritious ingredients.
Persimmon
Persimmons are one of the signature fruits of autumn in Korea. The persimmon season in Korea lasts from late September to early November. Many families in suburban and rural areas grow persimmon trees in their gardens, enjoying the ripe fruit directly from the tree or using them to make dried persimmons. Today, Korean persimmons are industrially processed into products such as canned persimmons, dried persimmons, dried persimmons, and persimmon jam, often used as popular gifts during autumn, especially during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving).
Whole dried persimmons.
