Summer in Korea often means suffocating temperatures and high humidity. To help the body cope with these conditions, Korean cuisine offers a whole range of adapted dishes: some are iced to cool down, others are hot and nourishing to regulate body temperature. Here are 10 typical recipes to discover or rediscover, to spend the summer Korean style!
1. Mul Naengmyeon (물냉면) – Cold noodles in iced broth
A Korean summer classic. These long noodles are served in a very cold, almost iced, beef or fermented radish (dongchimi) broth. The whole is seasoned with vinegar and mustard, garnished with cucumber, Asian pear, and a hard-boiled egg. A real breath of fresh air.
👉Recipe here 👈
2. Bibim Naengmyeon (비빔냉면) – Spicy cold noodles
No broth this time, but just as refreshing. The noodles are mixed with a spicy gochujang sauce, seasoned with vinegar and sugar. Crispy, spicy, tangy: they awaken the taste buds even at 35°C.
3. Kongguksu (콩국수) – Noodles in cold soy milk
A vegetarian and nourishing dish, kongguksu is served in homemade, creamy, and iced soy milk. Lightly salted and very mild, it is perfect for days when you're not hungry but need energy.
4. Kimchi Mari Guksu (김치말이국수) – Noodles with kimchi juice
Less known than naengmyeon, this cold dish uses the tangy and spicy juice of kimchi as broth. Served very cold with noodles and some vegetables, it is an invigorating and light dish.
5. Oi Muchim (오이무침) – Spicy cucumber salad
Simple, quick, and refreshing. Thinly sliced cucumbers are seasoned with gochugaru, vinegar, garlic, and sesame. Served very cold, this salad accompanies all summer meals.
6. Kimchi Bokkeumbap (김치볶음밥) – Kimchi fried rice
A hot dish, but appreciated in summer for its practicality. It's quick to prepare, adapts to fridge leftovers, and is enjoyed with a fried egg and some cold banchan. Energizing and comforting.
7. Mul Kimchi (물김치) – Iced liquid kimchi
Often consumed as a drink or accompanying soup, mul kimchi hydrates and stimulates the appetite. Light, very low in salt, it is drunk cold and is a good alternative to juice or soda at the table.
8. Samgyetang (삼계탕) – Ginseng chicken soup
Counter-intuitive but traditional: Koreans eat this hot dish on the hottest days (sambok). Whole chicken broth stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, jujube, and ginseng. Deeply nourishes and stimulates blood circulation. 👉 Recipe here
9. Hoe Deopbap (회덮밥) – Vinegared rice with sashimi
Fresh, colorful, and fragrant, this bowl of cold rice is topped with raw fish, crispy vegetables, and a sweet gochujang sauce. It combines the pleasures of bibimbap and chirashi. To be enjoyed very cold, in the shade.
10. Bingsu (빙수) – Korean shaved ice dessert
Impossible to finish this top 10 without bingsu. Very fine shaved ice, topped with condensed milk, fresh fruit, red bean paste, or syrups. There are modern versions (mango, matcha, Oreo…). A dessert to share!
A Korean summer meal: pairing ideas
For a balanced meal:
- Appetizer: oi muchim or iced mul kimchi
- Main course: bibim naengmyeon, kongguksu, or hoe deopbap
- Sides: plain rice, kimchi bokkeumbap, or marinated vegetables
- Dessert: a good bingsu shared with a spoon
And for those who wish to respect traditions: a bowl of piping hot samgyetang for lunch, followed by a well-deserved nap.
