The health benefits associated with traditional Korean foods

This savoury soybean paste stew packs a nutritional punch with high protein content and essential amino acids. The fermented paste contains beneficial bacteria that aid digestion and may help reduce inflammation.

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Guardian: The Lonely and Great God and Exhuma actress Kim Go-eun specifically mentioned doenjang jjigae as her go-to meal for maintaining energy during long filming days.

This colourful rice dish combines vegetables, protein, and gochujang (red chilli paste) into a perfectly balanced meal.

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The best way to eat bibimbap is to mix everything in the bowl with a spoon so that each heaping mouthful includes a bit of rice, sauce, and vegetables. Each ingredient brings its own health benefits:

• Bean sprouts: Rich in vitamin C and folic acid
• Spinach: High in iron and antioxidants
• Mushrooms: Good source of vitamin D
• Egg: Complete protein source

This ginseng chicken soup, traditionally eaten during the hottest days of summer, strengthens the immune system. Packed with lean protein, ginseng, garlic, and medicinal herbs such as jujubes, it's known for boosting energy levels.

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Blackpink’s Jennie has mentioned it as her favourite dish for staying healthy during tours.

These seasoned bean sprouts, one of the most commonly served banchan (side dishes) in Korean cuisine, offer an excellent source of vitamin C and folate.

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Nutty and crunchy, it’s low in calories but high in fibre, and it supports weight management and digestive health.

Miyeok guk (beef seaweed soup) is a light and healthy seaweed soup that’s traditionally eaten on birthdays or served to new mothers for its high iodine and iron content. It’s also rich in calcium and omega-3 fatty acids.

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Train to Busan and Squid Game star Gong Yoo credits this soup for helping him maintain stamina during intensive action sequences.

You’ve seen this on the menu at Korean barbeque restaurants, now discover why it’s good for you. While it’s beloved for its taste, this marinated beef dish offers significant nutritional benefits.

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The lean meat provides high-quality protein, iron, and zinc, while the marinade’s pear juice helps tenderise the meat and adds natural sweetness without excessive calories.

These small side dishes are a vital part of Korean cuisine and are important for many reasons as they reflect Korean history and traditions. Banchan is ordinarily served in the middle of the table for communal eating which encourages a sense of togetherness.

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They also add flavours, textures, and colours to a meal, and ensure nutritional diversity. Common options include:

• Sigeumchi namul (blanched spinach seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and toasted sesame oil)
• Doraji namul (sauteed bellflower root)
• Nokdu jeon (mung bean pancakes)

Jook (Korean rice porridge), particularly when made with pumpkin or abalone, provides a light meal with easily digestible nutrients. Similar to Chinese cuisine, it’s often served to those recovering from illness, but also to the elderly and babies.

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EXO’s D.O. has shared that his mother’s jook remains his preferred comfort food when feeling under the weather.

This cold soy milk noodle soup comprises noodles made with wheat flour and soup made from ground soybeans. A protein-rich vegetarian dish that’s presumed to have originated from the 19th century, it’s particularly popular during summer and provides essential amino acids and calcium from the soy milk broth.

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On an episode of Girls’ Generation member Hyoyeon’s Level Up, the K-pop idol hosted fellow member Taeyeon and shared a meal of kongguksu, displaying their personal preferences of how best to enjoy the dish.

Note: The health benefits mentioned are based on traditional knowledge and scientific research. Individual results may vary, and it’s always advisable to consult healthcare professionals about specific dietary needs.

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