As we bask in the glow of the summer season, it's an ideal time to immerse ourselves in the great outdoors and indulge in a delightful picnic. Being a beloved pastime in South Korea, a well-planned picnic provides the ultimate respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Yet, no outdoor excursion is complete without a selection of mouth-watering delicacies. Here, we present seven exceptional Korean picnic dishes to enrich your outdoor dining experience.
1. Kimbap: A classic picnic dish is none other than kimbap. It's easy to eat yet fills you up throughout the entire day. You can't have a picnic without kimbap.
2. Yubu Chobap: Fried tofu skin pouches filled with seasoned rice. It's a simple dish, yet bursting with flavor for the fried tofu skin is marinated in a tangy sauce, and the rice is often accompanied by rice seasoning flakes, making it a perfect snack to take on a picnic.
3. Gyeran Mari: Layers and layers of thin egg rolled into one. You may have seen this dish in many doshiraks (packed lunches), but don't be fooled by the fact that this dish is made with one ingredient. It takes a lot more skill than you think when you're cooking it.
4. Japchae: You don't often think of taking noodles for a picnic, but japchae is perfect for packing. An assortment of vegetables and glass noodles with thin pieces of beef will surely satisfy you.
5. Korean Fried Chicken: One of the remarkable conveniences that sets South Korea apart is its exemplary delivery service. Think Uber Eats or DoorDash, but much cheaper, convenient, with more options, and faster service. Venture to the vibrant banks of the Han River, and you're likely to witness a captivating scene – revelers lounging on mats as boxes of succulent chicken are delivered right to their picnic spots, exemplifying the country's commitment to service and convenience.
6. Bulgogi: You can't have a picnic without some bulgogi, whether you take some lettuce to make a lettuce wrap or even take some steamed rice. You can guarantee that bulgogi on picnics tastes so much better.
7. Oi-yi muchim: If you want to take something refreshing to eat while out on a picnic, then try out some oi-yi muchim. This is a great way to cool down under the sun with thin crisp slices of cucumber in a gochujang-based sauce.
What are some of your favorite go-to Korean picnic foods?
The k dramas allowed the French woman that I am to discover Korean cuisine. And I'm not alone since Paris is full of more and more Korean restaurants where you can taste what makes you salivate in kdrama. A big thank-you.