Welcome to the sizzling heart of South Korean summer, where the air buzzes with energy, the sun paints everything in vivid hues, and the food scene becomes a seasonal fiesta. What's the secret? South Korea is a country of culinary seasons, each presenting a variety of exclusive dishes and delicacies you can't get any other time of the year.

Summer is no exception! As the mercury rises, the nation not only blooms with exhilarating outdoor activities and pulsating festivals but also offers a unique foodie journey. Grab your chopsticks and your adventurous spirit, because here are seven summer-exclusive, must-eat Korean dishes that are as fleeting as a summer sunset. They're here now, gone later, and absolutely delicious in between. Prepare your taste buds for a summer they'll never forget!

1) Kongguksu: Also known as soy milk noodle soup, this is a chilled noodle delicacy whose creation demands considerable time and patience. Recognized as one of the favorite summertime meals, its broth boasts a pristine white color, achieved only after laboriously grinding soybeans using a traditional millstone. However, notwithstanding the time-intensive process required to produce this distinct broth, it remains an esteemed dish among Koreans on warmer days. Its allure lies in its refreshing and nutty flavor, offering a sublime gastronomical experience that not only appeases the palate but also provides a soothing, cooling sensation from within.

2) Bingsu: What better way to cool down from all the heat than a yummy dessert? Shaved ice with various fruit toppings and sweetened condensed milk on top. Of course, the traditional bingsu is made with red beans, shaved ice, and sweetened condensed milk with pieces of mochi, but whichever bingsu you try, you won't be disappointed in any of them!

3) Hwachae: You may have seen your favorite idols eat this dish on various variety programs, and if you ever wondered why they're putting cider into a watermelon, well, it's because they're making Hwachae. Hwachae is Korea's twist on watermelon punch.

4) Naeng Jjamppong: Now, you've probably heard or even tried jjamppong, but have you ever tried a cold version of it? It might sound interesting, and definitely gets some getting used to, but you won't be disappointed with the red icy broth. This dish gives you the perfect spicy kick without all the sweating.

5) Samgyetang: If you haven't noticed, Koreans like to eat many hot foods during the summer, and samgyetang is no exception. With the logic of fighting fire with fire, samgyetang packs a punch of nutrients with ingredients like ginseng, jujube, garlic, and more this dish is supposedly supposed to help replace any nutrients lost from sweating.

6) Oh-E Naengguk: Cucumber aficionados, this culinary suggestion is tailored for you. As the summer season ushers in an abundance of cucumbers, you'll encounter this crunchy delight in numerous preparations. However, if your quest is centered around something truly refreshing, light, and nourishing, then this particular dish merits your attention. Characterized by slender strips of cucumber, a tangy brine, and a generous serving of ice cubes, this cool treat is poised to dissolve the searing heat into a distant memory.

7) Jangeo-Gui: Grilled eel is a favorite dish among Koreans for the summer. Not only is the meat tender and nutty, but grilled eel also provides you with a lot of stamina and helps in restoring energy levels.

What are your favorite Korean summer dishes to eat to beat the heat?