7 Delicious Korean Foods That Are Associated With Summer

Summer usually signifies a time of rest and relaxation. This includes trips to the beach, vacations in the tropics, and memories with friends and loved ones. For fans of the Hallyu wave, they find comfort in various dramas or songs that have become representatives of summer. Even if they were released years ago, their strong ties to this particular season allows them to remain relevant to this day.

But the Hallyu wave contains more than entertaining dramas and hype music. It also introduces a wide variety of different food choices that many eat during the summer months. Once June rolls around, countless individuals begin to imagine spending their summer days partaking in these representative cuisines 24/7.

Although talking about it might make your stomach growl in hunger, check out these Korean delicacies that are associated with the warm summer months.

 

1. Oi muchim

Sometimes it's the little things that have the biggest impact. Oi muchim is a popular summer dish, usually served as a complementary banchan (side dish) for your actual meal. It consists of sliced cucumbers, mixed with a dressing made up of vinegar, onions, red chili pepper flakes, and sesame seeds. It maintains the perfect balance of spicy and sweet, making it a perfect addition to any summer meal.

 

2. Kongguksu

Summer often greets us with scorching hot weather that makes it difficult to complete any task. But in times of dire heat, you can always look towards kongguksu to cool off during any meal of the day. This lovely dish is made up of hand-cut noodles served in a cool, thick soybean-based broth. On especially hot days, you have the option to add ice cubes for an even cooler effect.

 

3. Samgyetang

While many people might avoid any forms of hot soup, Korean culture says differently. Fighting heat with heat, when summer comes around, many look towards a hearty bowl of samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) to provide the best relief. Not only is it filled with an abundance of sustenance, but it will surely fill you up, leaving no room for a hungry stomach. Once you've had your fill of samgyetang, you will surely be more focused on finding a place to rest, instead of thinking about the summer heat.

 

4. Jangeo gui

On one hand, our time out under the sun can help us achieve a stunning, tanned complexion. But spend too much time basking in its rays and you might end up unbelievably exhausted. When this happens, you can always look towards a meal of jangeo gui, or grilled freshwater eel. It is a popular Korean dish during the summer, being commonly known to restore one's stamina and provide a heaping of health benefits to any individual.

 

5. Subak Hwachae

In various K-Dramas and variety shows, there have been many scenes that include a nice helping of subak, or watermelon, during the summer months. And while it's perfectly fine to eat it on its own, subak hwachae turns it up a notch. Hwachae usually refers to Korean punches made up of an assortment of fruits, but many like to use watermelons as a core ingredient. Aside from fruits, people add in a combination of refreshing beverages like cider and milk, topping it off with handfuls of ice to keep the mixture cool and refreshing.

 

6. Naengmyeon

Naengmyeon is a classic Korean dish associated with summer. You are able to choose between a regular or spicy version, but whichever you take, the cold buckwheat noodles will be served in an ice cold soup stock. There are many variations of the dish, but it usually includes sliced cucumbers, Korean pear, boiled egg, and slices of beef. Just one bite will cool you off in an instant.

 

7. Patbingsu

The moment temperatures start to rise, thousands, if not millions, begin to crave for a nice bite of patbingsu. The popular summer dish is made up of shaved ice, topped with sweet red beans and ice cream. Cafes all across Korea will have this incredible dessert at the top of their summer menus. And now, more than ever, there has been a rise in the variety of bingsu offered, so you'll surely come across one that you will absolutely love.

Have you tried these Korean dishes associated with summer? What's your favorite? Let us know in the comments!