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Food is one of the most expressive aspects of a country's culture.
While some dishes are easy to fall in love with at first taste, others might be hard to appreciate despite numerous attempts. Here’s a rundown of some Korean foods that are often considered challenging for foreigners, sometimes even referred to as "disgusting foods."
Hongeo Known for its strong ammonia smell, many foreigners give up on this food after trying it. Some describe the smell as akin to stinky socks.
Yukhoe Raw beef – can you really eat it raw? This dish has been banned in Japan due to food poisoning concerns.
Sannakji Live octopus – the fact that it moves in your mouth is enough to make people question whether it's really safe to eat.
Cheonggukjang Alongside hongeo, this is another dish known for its strong smell. Even many Koreans only start eating it at an older age.
Dakbal Chicken feet – the appearance alone is enough to deter many. Plus, they’re so spicy that some liken eating them to a form of torture. Beondegi Silkworm pupae – while it's high in protein, the insect-like texture makes it hard for many to enjoy. In Korea, it’s commonly consumed as a snack with alcohol.
These foods might be challenging, but they’re an integral part of Korean cuisine and culture. How many have you tried?
Food is one of the most expressive aspects of a country's culture.
While some dishes are easy to fall in love with at first taste, others might be hard to appreciate despite numerous attempts. Here’s a rundown of some Korean foods that are often considered challenging for foreigners, sometimes even referred to as "disgusting foods."
Hongeo
Known for its strong ammonia smell, many foreigners give up on this food after trying it. Some describe the smell as akin to stinky socks.
Yukhoe
Raw beef – can you really eat it raw? This dish has been banned in Japan due to food poisoning concerns.
Sannakji
Live octopus – the fact that it moves in your mouth is enough to make people question whether it's really safe to eat.
Cheonggukjang
Alongside hongeo, this is another dish known for its strong smell. Even many Koreans only start eating it at an older age.
Dakbal
Chicken feet – the appearance alone is enough to deter many. Plus, they’re so spicy that some liken eating them to a form of torture.
Beondegi
Silkworm pupae – while it's high in protein, the insect-like texture makes it hard for many to enjoy. In Korea, it’s commonly consumed as a snack with alcohol.
These foods might be challenging, but they’re an integral part of Korean cuisine and culture. How many have you tried?