The following seven dishes are icons of Korean cuisine, representing the essence of its culture and distinctive flavors. Among them, Kimchi—Korea’s national dish—blends spicy, tangy, and savory tastes, best enjoyed with rice or grilled meat. Bibimbap (mixed rice) stands out for its vibrant colors and balanced nutrition, combining sautéed vegetables, beef, fried egg, and gochujang chili paste, especially delicious when served in a hot stone bowl with crispy rice.