There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty meal to beat the winter chill. Heating you up from the inside out, here are eight of the most heartwarming Korean dishes that you absolutely need to try this winter season.

1. Hotteok

The arrival of winter signals the peak of hotteok season! While this sweet treat is available year-round, it remains a quintessential winter snack. With its molten sugar filling, nutty seeds, and crispy yet chewy exterior, hotteok is a must-have to warm your hands and heart this season.

2. Gomtang

Gomtang isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients thanks to its long-simmered broth. This hearty soup boasts a rich, opaque base full of flavor. Best of all, it’s customizable! Add as much pepper, salt, green onions, or rice as you like to suit your taste.

3. Jeon

Koreans have a saying that rainy days call for greasy food, and jeon perfectly fits the bill. These pan-fried delicacies come in a variety of forms—from meat patties to vegetable and seafood pancakes. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself craving their crispy goodness.

4. Kimchi Jjigae

A classic Korean comfort food, kimchi jjigae is the ultimate winter dish. Nothing beats a steaming bowl of rice paired with the spicy, tangy flavors of kimchi stew. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

5. Samgyetang

Winter often brings its share of colds and sniffles, but samgyetang is here to help. This nourishing chicken soup, infused with ginseng and jujubes, is renowned for its health benefits. It’s the perfect dish to boost your immune system and keep you feeling strong.

6. Yukgaejang

Yukgaejang may not be as popular as other dishes due to its inclusion of gosari (fernbrake), but it’s a hidden gem in Korean winter cuisine. Filled with seasonal vegetables, this spicy beef soup is perfect for warming you up from the inside out.

7. Eomuktang

Many people know fishcakes as a side dish for tteokbokki, but eomuktang (fishcake soup) offers a whole new way to enjoy them. This comforting soup is a popular street food during the winter and a great way to stay cozy on a cold day.

8. Jogetang

Jogetang, a simple clam stew, proves that great flavors don’t require complicated recipes. When made with fresh clams, the broth is both refreshing and deeply flavorful. It’s a must-try for seafood lovers looking for a light yet warming winter dish.