Deliciously Mild: Non-Spicy Korean Foods Every Tourist Should Try

When you think of Korean cuisine, you might imagine red chili-covered dishes like kimchi, tteokbokki, or spicy ramen. But did you know that Korean food isn’t all about the heat? In fact, there’s a whole world of flavorful yet non-spicy dishes that are beloved by locals and perfect for travelers with a milder palate.

Whether you’re spice-sensitive or just curious about the gentler side of Korean cooking, here are 8 delicious non-spicy Korean foods you absolutely must try during your trip to South Korea.

Galbitang

1. Galbitang (Beef Short Rib Soup)

Warm, comforting, and deeply savory, Galbitang is a clear soup made from slow-simmered beef short ribs. It's often served with rice and banchan (side dishes) and is popular among locals for its rich broth and tender meat.

📍 Where to try: Traditional restaurants in Seoul or Gwangjang Market

2. Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)

A must-try especially in the summer, Samgyetang is a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, dates, and ginseng, served in a nutritious broth. Locals believe it boosts energy and health.

📍 Where to try: Tosokchon near Gyeongbokgung Palace

3. Gimbap (Korean Rice Rolls)

Think of it as Korea’s version of sushi, but without raw fish. Gimbap consists of rice, egg, vegetables, and meat (like bulgogi or ham) rolled in seaweed. It’s a popular picnic or street food snack.

📍 Where to try: Convenience stores, street vendors, or gimbap chains like Gimbap Cheonguk

4. Mul Naengmyeon (Cold Buckwheat Noodles in Broth)

A refreshing summer dish, Mul Naengmyeon features chewy noodles served in icy cold broth, garnished with cucumber, pear, egg, and beef slices. It’s cooling, tangy, and incredibly satisfying without any spice.

📍 Where to try: Naengmyeon specialty restaurants in Seoul or Pyongyang-style spots

5. Mandu (Korean Dumplings)

Mandu are Korean-style dumplings filled with minced meat, tofu, and vegetables. You can have them steamed, pan-fried, or in soup (mandu-guk). They’re full of flavor but not spicy at all.

📍 Where to try: Bukchon Son Mandu (Seoul), street markets

6. Grilled Fish (Saengseon Gui)

Grilled mackerel, croaker, or cutlassfish is a staple in Korean home cooking. Simply seasoned with salt and grilled to perfection, saengseon gui is rich in natural flavor and served with rice and side dishes.

📍 Where to try: Local seafood restaurants, traditional Korean set-meal (baekban) places

7. Dakdoritang (Non-Spicy Version of Braised Chicken)

While the usual dakdoritang (braised chicken stew) is spicy, many restaurants offer a white or soy sauce-based version called ganjang dakjjim or baek-dakdoritang, which is soy-marinated and mildly sweet.

📍 Where to try: Korean home-cooking restaurants

8. Gyerran-jjim (Steamed Egg Custard)

This soft, fluffy egg dish is often served piping hot in a stone bowl. It’s the Korean comfort food equivalent of scrambled eggs—light, savory, and kid-friendly.

📍 Where to try: Any Korean BBQ restaurant or traditional eateries

Korea Has Flavor Beyond the Fire

South Korea may be famous for its spicy cuisine, but its culinary culture is rich, diverse, and welcoming to all palates. Whether you're looking for healing soups, savory dumplings, or crunchy gimbap rolls, you’ll find plenty of dishes that are packed with flavor—without the burn.

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