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Food

Frozen Kimbap? Here are 7 Korean Viral Foods to Try

AKP STAFF
Posted by ean1994 Wednesday, July 31, 2024 5,380

Following the tanghulu craze, South Korea has now embraced a new viral food trend: frozen yogurt, or froyo. Sales of frozen yogurt and yogurt ice cream have surged significantly, making it the hottest food trend in Korea right now. This craze gained even more momentum after RIIZE’s Sungchan shared his '500 million won' frozen yogurt order on social media, sparking widespread interest and curiosity. However, this isn't the first time a specific food item has gone viral in South Korea. Over the years, numerous food trends have captivated the public's imagination, check out these seven Korean dishes/drinks that went viral over the years:

1. Dalgona Coffee: Who could forget the global obsession with dalgona coffee during the pandemic lockdowns? This whipped, frothy coffee drink became a worldwide phenomenon, with everyone trying their hand at making it at home. The trend was further fueled by its appearance in the mega-hit series “Squid Game,” where it became a cultural touchstone.



2. Frozen Kimbap: This convenient and tasty snack flew off the shelves like no other. When the popular American grocery chain Trader Joe’s released their version of gluten-free kimbap, it became an instant hit. People flocked to stores to get their hands on it, leading to a two-month wait time for restocks. The viral success of frozen kimbap highlighted its appeal as an easy-to-eat, on-the-go meal.



3. Hwachae: This traditional Korean punch made a big splash on the internet this summer. Made with diced watermelon, an assortment of canned fruits, Sprite, and strawberry milk, hwachae is a refreshing and hydrating treat perfect for beating the summer heat. Its resurgence in popularity has introduced a new generation to this classic dish.



4. Spicy Marinated Raw Crab: This dish offers a tantalizing mix of flavors, with its spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce smothered over fresh raw crabs. The combination of the crab's crunchy texture and the rich, savory sauce has made it a favorite among food lovers. Although it’s not a common dish, it quickly became a viral sensation, with people eager to try this unique delicacy paired with steaming hot rice.



5. Mayak Eggs: These addictive soy sauce-marinated eggs became a beloved banchan (side dish) for many. Simple to make and incredibly satisfying, mayak eggs are often paired with a fresh bowl of steaming rice. What made this dish even more popular was its convenience—once prepared, the eggs can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed over several days, without losing their flavor.



6. Corn Cheese: Koreans love cheese, and they’ll add it to almost anything. But no one expected the simple combination of corn kernels and melted cheese to become a global sensation. This comfort food, often served as a side dish or snack, quickly gained popularity for its rich, cheesy flavor and easy preparation, making it a hit both in Korea and abroad.



7. Korean Corn Dogs: Known locally as hot dogs, Korean corn dogs became a massive international hit thanks to their unique twist on the classic snack. With their crispy potato coating, savory sausage, and the famous cheese pull, these corn dogs became a viral sensation online. The trend has since evolved, with variations now including coatings of ramen noodles and Hot Cheetos, showcasing the creativity and diversity of this popular street food.

  1. Sungchan
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