Kimchi, bibimbap, tteokbokki, bulgogi and more – these nutritious, vegetable-fuelled, spice and sesame-infused dishes are just some of the most popular Korean foods enjoyed worldwide.
Traditional Korean cooking is guided by the four distinct seasons that the country experiences throughout the year. With a rich, luscious topography that ranges from expansive mountainous regions and the volcanic, tropical Jeju Island to small valleys and narrow coastal planes, the freshest seasonal produce varies beautifully from harvest to harvest, depending on location. Naturally, regions throughout both North and South Korea have their own specialities as a result.
According to chef and food stylist Nouran Ashraf, springtime brings forth fresh vegetables that become staples in dishes like green salads and light soups, while summer usually spells cold noodles and refreshing seafood. In autumn, home kitchens will make use of hearty mushrooms and various fruits, while winter sees the creation of hearty stews and the fermented foods that Korea is so well known for.
We have the ancient Koreans and southern Manchuria to thank for the creation of kimchi, various jangs (pastes) and jeotgal, since their discovery of fire and earthenware vessels allowed for the cooking, storing and fermenting of certain foods.
The influence of neighbouring cultures such as China, Japan, Mongolia and Central Asia have also greatly influenced Korean cuisine over the centuries, but it’s safe to say that the rise of spicy Korean street food from the Southern capital Seol is what has truly captured the hearts and bellies of the Western world in recent years.
No matter what kind of Korean food you’re in the market for - whether it be hotpot or classic K-BBQ - we’ve curated a selection of the best Korean cookbooks to nourish the soul.
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Momofuku by David Chang and Peter Meehan
Meaning “lucky peach” in Japanese, Momofuku was founded in NYC back in 2004 and has since been credited with catalysing the rise of contemporary Asian-American fusion cuisine. Founder David Chang’s first cookbook was published in 2010 and co-authored by the New York Times food critic Peter Meehan.
It offers a mouth-watering selection of Korean dishes fused with culinary traditions from across Southeast Asia and the West too. From cult-favourite recipes straight from the noodle bar to those coveted pork belly buns, Chang’s compendium is a must-have for an Asian-inspired kitchen.
Buy now £21.15, Amazon
Pocha: Simple Korean Food from the Streets of Seoul by Su Scott
Filled to the brim with vibrant street photography on the ground in Seoul which showcases the unbeatable street food scene in the capital, Pocha by Su Scott is a culinary and wildly aesthetically pleasing marvel.
‘Pocha’ is short for pojangmacha, which translates as “covered wagon.” It’s the tented or tarpaulin-covered stall or bar which market vendors sell their goods from. Enjoy recipes ranging from filling ssambap with doenjang vegetables to mix-and-match bar snacks like Spam and Perilla fritters with pickled chilli dipping sauce and candied sweet potato.
Buy now £18.02, Amazon
The Korean Cookbook by Junghyun Park and Jungyoon Choi
With over 350 recipes included in this veritable compendium, The Korean Cookbook is a one-stop shop for traditional Korean cooking at its absolute finest.
Atomix/ Atoboy chef JP Park and culinary researcher, chef, and writer Jungyoon Choi combine their expertise to celebrate regional dishes and home cooking from Seoul all the way to Jeju Island. Sections include traditional Korean meals, pantry staples, fermented foods, rice, soups, stews, hotpots, dumplings and so much more.
Buy now £30.83, Amazon
Jang: The Soul of Korean Cooking by Mingoo Kang
Described as the soul of Korean cuisine, jangs are umami sauces and pastes which are found in pretty much every meal across the country – from soups and stews to salads, marinades and even desserts. The “three main jangs” according to Mingoo Kang’s fantastic guide are gochujang, doenjang and ganjang, all of which are made with soybeans, water and salt before being dried, aged and fermented in earthenware pots.
Fermentation geeks will adore how Kang explores the history of jangs in these 60 highly accessible recipes which help bring those essential sauces to life. Traditional dishes include fish dumplings and gang-doenjang bibimbap as well as Western-inspired ssamjang Cacio e Pepe.
Buy now £24.93, Amazon
Our Korean Kitchen by Jordan Bourke and Rejina Pyo
Practically the definition of a power couple, acclaimed chef and food writer Jordan Bourke teams up with his wife, the South Korean artist and fashion designer Rejina Pyo to celebrate the food, culture and flavours of Korea in this fantastic cookbook filled with over 100 dishes.
With a subheading that reads “food is at its most delicious when shared”, these family-fuelled recipes offer real soul food and build beautifully on the Korean tradition of communal eating.
Buy now £21.15, Amazon
Judy Joo's Korean Soul Food
One of the most unique elements of Judy Joo’s cookbook is the inclusion of fascinating and delicious Ko-Mex fusion dishes like the Korean chicken quesadilla. Rest assured, you’ll also be able to explore over 100 traditional and contemporary recipes ranging from street food and snacks to sharing plates, kimchi, pickles, bread, dumplings and desserts.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
Korean Home Cooking: Classic and Modern Recipes by Sohui Kim and Rachel Wharton
Beloved for its simple yet innovative and highly intuitive recipes, Korean Home Cooking is a great option for beginners in the world of Korean cuisine thanks to its brilliantly instructional nature. From step-by-step guides with pictures on how to julienne vegetables cook rice, soak seaweed and cut egg ribbons, to delicious recipes like fresh squid stir fry and spicy chewy noodles with chilled beef broth.
Buy now £21.55, Amazon
Cook Korean! A Comic Book with Recipes by Robin Ha
Beautifully illustrated and inherently charming, this recipe/comic book hybrid by Robin Ha is an engaging and intimate entry point to Korean cooking for home chefs of all levels. From the seven key ingredients to any Korean dish to sumptuous recipes like spicy octopus over rice, easy kimchi and seaweed rice rolls, this innovative cookbook is an exciting ride from start to finish.
Buy now £14.09, Amazon
Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home by Eric Kim
Korean American is the pinnacle of comfort food, crafted and developed in Kim’s tiny NYC apartment. The cookbook also includes poignant essays on Korean American identity alongside thoughtful, mouth-watering recipes like gochugaru shrimp and grits, salt-and-pepper pork chops with vinegared scallions, smashed potatoes with roasted-seaweed sour cream dip and even gochujang chocolate lava cakes.
Buy now £20.15, Amazon
