The Most Popular Soup in Korea, Ranked

Choose the soup you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:50
In the bustling streets of Korea, soup is more than just a meal; it's a cultural experience. Understanding which soups top the list can guide tourists and locals alike in making delicious choices. A dynamic ranking based on popular vote continuously provides updated insights, reflecting current trends and seasonal favorites. By participating in the voting, you not only get a say in shaping these rankings but also gain insight into the collective palate of countless other enthusiasts. It's not just about having a voice; it's about building a community around shared tastes and preferences. So, cast your vote and see how your favorites stack up against the rest!

What Is the Most Popular Soup in Korea?

  1. 1
    44
    votes
    One of the most popular soups in Korea is Kimchi soup. It is usually made with kimchi, tofu, and pork, and is a spicy and flavorful dish.
    Kimchi soup, also known as kimchi jjigae, is a traditional Korean soup that is beloved for its spicy and flavorful taste. It is made with fermented kimchi, a staple Korean side dish made of cabbage, radish, and various seasonings. The soup is typically cooked with pork or beef, along with other ingredients like tofu, garlic, green onions, and chili pepper flakes. The rich and tangy flavor of the kimchi is balanced by the savory and spicy elements, creating a delicious and satisfying dish.
    • Main ingredients: Fermented kimchi, pork or beef
    • Additional ingredients: Tofu, garlic, green onions, chili pepper flakes
    • Flavor profile: Spicy, tangy, savory
    • Texture: Soft and tender
    • Serving temperature: Hot
  2. 2
    23
    votes
    Samgyetang is a Korean chicken soup that is traditionally eaten in the summer months. It is made with a whole chicken stuffed with rice, garlic, and Korean ginseng.
    Samgyetang is a popular Korean soup that is traditionally consumed during the hot summer months. It is made by stuffing a whole young chicken with glutinous rice, garlic, jujubes, and ginseng, and then simmering it in a fragrant broth until the chicken is tender and the rice is cooked. The soup is known for its rich flavors and medicinal properties.
    • Ingredients: Young chicken, glutinous rice, garlic, jujubes, ginseng
    • Preparation: Stuffing the chicken with rice, garlic, jujubes, and ginseng; simmering in a broth
    • Tradition: Consumed mainly during the summer months
    • Flavor: Rich and savory
    • Benefit: Believed to boost energy and enhance immune system
  3. 3
    15
    votes
    Doenjang soup is a traditional Korean soup made with soybean paste. It is often served with tofu, vegetables, and sometimes seafood.
    Doenjang Soup is a traditional Korean soup made with doenjang, a fermented soybean paste. It is considered one of the most popular and beloved soups in Korea, known for its rich and deep flavor. The soup has a savory and slightly nutty taste, with a complex umami profile. It is often enjoyed as a main dish, served with steamed rice and various side dishes.
    • Ingredients: Doenjang (fermented soybean paste), vegetables, tofu, meat or seafood (optional)
    • Flavor: Savory, umami, slightly nutty
    • Texture: Smooth and hearty
    • Preparation Time: Approximately 30 minutes
    • Cooking Method: Boiling
  4. 4
    20
    votes
    Gomtang is a beef bone soup that is often served for breakfast in Korea. It is a simple soup made with beef bones, vegetables, and sometimes rice.
    Gomtang is a traditional Korean soup known for its simplicity and comforting flavor. It is a beef bone soup made by simmering beef bones for an extended period, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth. The soup is usually served with thinly sliced beef, rice, and various garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds.
    • Origin: Korea
    • Main ingredient: Beef bones
    • Serving temperature: Hot
    • Popular garnishes: Green onions, sesame seeds
    • Texture: Brothy, smooth
  5. 5
    20
    votes
    Jjigae is a Korean stew that is often served in a hot pot. It can be made with a variety of ingredients, including tofu, seafood, meat, and vegetables.
  6. 6
    14
    votes
    Yukgaejang is a spicy beef soup that is popular in Korea. It is made with shredded beef, vegetables, and a spicy broth.
    Yukgaejang is a popular spicy beef soup in Korean cuisine. It is known for its rich flavors and hearty texture. The soup is made with thinly sliced beef, vegetables, and various seasonings that create a robust and spicy taste. Yukgaejang is often enjoyed during cold weather as it provides warmth and comfort.
    • Spiciness level: High
    • Main ingredients: Thinly sliced beef, green onions, bean sprouts, fernbrake, and other vegetables
    • Broth: Beef bone broth
    • Seasonings: Gochujang (Korean red chili paste), soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper
    • Texture: Hearty and chunky
  7. 7
    5
    votes
    Mandu Guk
    Trainholic · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Mandu Guk is a Korean dumpling soup that is often eaten on New Year's Day. It is made with beef or pork dumplings and a clear broth.
    Mandu Guk is a traditional Korean soup that features dumplings called mandu in a flavorful broth. It is a popular dish enjoyed throughout the year, but particularly during the Lunar New Year's Day celebrations. The soup is known for its comforting and satisfying taste, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
    • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
    • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
    • Total Time: 50 minutes
    • Main Ingredients: Mandu (dumplings), beef or anchovy broth, vegetables (such as radish, onion, and garlic), soy sauce, sesame oil
    • Variations: Mandu Guk can be made with different fillings for the dumplings, such as kimchi, pork, or tofu
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    Miyeok Guk is a seaweed soup that is popular in Korea. It is often served to new mothers and is believed to have health benefits.
    Miyeok Guk is a traditional Korean soup made from miyeok, which is a type of seaweed. It is a staple dish in Korean cuisine and is commonly eaten on birthdays as it is believed to bring good luck and health. The soup has a rich and savory flavor, with the seaweed providing a subtle oceanic taste. It is known for its nourishing properties and is often enjoyed by new mothers for its supposed ability to increase breast milk production.
    • Main Ingredient: Miyeok (seaweed)
    • Flavor: Savory
    • Significance: Commonly eaten on birthdays
    • Beliefs: Traditionally believed to bring good luck and health
    • Nourishing Properties: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    Maeuntang is a spicy fish soup that is popular in Korea. It is made with a variety of seafood, including fish, shrimp, and squid, and is often served with rice.
    Maeuntang is a popular spicy fish stew in Korea. It is known for its rich flavor and vibrant red color. The soup is made by simmering a variety of seafood such as fish, clams, and shrimp, along with vegetables like onions, garlic, and Korean radish. It is seasoned with gochujang (Korean red chili paste) and gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) to give it its distinctive spicy taste. Maeuntang is often enjoyed with a bowl of steamed rice.
    • Origin: Korea
    • Main ingredients: Fish, clams, shrimp, onions, garlic, Korean radish
    • Seasoning: Gochujang (Korean red chili paste), gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
    • Spiciness: Hot and spicy
    • Color: Vibrant red
  10. 10
    3
    votes

    Kongnamul Guk

    Korean cuisine
    Kongnamul Guk is a Korean bean sprout soup that is often served as a side dish. It is a simple soup made with bean sprouts, beef broth, and sometimes tofu.
    Kongnamul Guk is a popular soup in Korea made with soybean sprouts. It is a light and refreshing soup that is commonly enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish. The soup has a mild flavor with hints of nuttiness from the soybean sprouts, and it is typically garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for added aroma and texture.
    • Main ingredient: Soybean sprouts
    • Soup type: Clear soup
    • Flavor: Mild with nutty undertones
    • Garnish: Green onions, sesame seeds
    • Serving temperature: Hot

Missing your favorite soup?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular soup

  1. Consumption
    The frequency and volume of consumption by Koreans can be a good indication of popularity.
  2. Availability
    The ease of availability of the soup in restaurants, street vendors, supermarkets and other food outlets is also an important factor.
  3. Variety
    The range of soup dishes available in Korean cuisine should also be considered, as this contributes to the diversity of choices that people have.
  4. History and tradition
    The cultural significance and historical background of the soup can also influence its popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular soup in Korea. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or soup is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1345 views
  • 156 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each soup once every 24 hours. The rank of each soup is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular soup in korea

Korean cuisine is known for its rich flavors and diverse range of dishes. One of the most popular and comforting dishes in Korean cuisine is soup. Korean soups are typically made with a variety of ingredients, including meat, seafood, vegetables, and noodles, and are often served as a side dish or as a main course. One of the most beloved soups in Korea is the spicy and savory kimchi soup, which is made with fermented cabbage, pork, and tofu. Another popular soup is the hearty and nourishing galbitang, which is made with beef short ribs, radish, and garlic. However, when it comes to the most popular soup in Korea, it's hard to deny the allure of the classic chicken soup, known as samgyetang. This delicious soup is made with a whole chicken stuffed with rice, ginseng, and garlic, and simmered in a rich broth until tender and flavorful. Whether you prefer spicy, hearty, or comforting soups, Korean cuisine has something for everyone. So, grab a spoon and explore the delicious world of Korean soups!

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