A Guide to 'Mild' Korean Food When You’re Worried About Strong Smells or Spice

Problems Solved in This Article

"All Korean food is spicy" — surprisingly, many foreigners think this. This is likely due to the strong reputation of kimchi, tteokbokki, and buldak. In reality, there are dozens of Korean dishes that are perfectly delicious without any spice at all. This article is for those concerned about strong smells or spiciness, summarizing mild foods you can safely order in Korea and useful tips.

• TOP 10 Mild Korean Menu Items — Representative dishes that even foreigners can enjoy without hesitation

• Essential Korean Phrases for Ordering — How to reduce the chance of a "spicy" mishap by saying "It’s not spicy"

• Restaurant Etiquette & Tips — Cultural knowledge for dining in Korea

TOP 10 Mild Korean Dishes — Dishes foreigners can enjoy with peace of mind

The items below are either naturally non-spicy or are representative dishes where you can adjust the heat when ordering.

1. Bulgogi — Thinly sliced beef in a sweet soy-based marinade

Bulgogi is a flagship non-spicy Korean dish. Thinly sliced beef is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic before being grilled. It is known for its sweet and tender flavor and is the #1 preferred dish among foreigners.

2. Bibimbap — A nutritious bowl mixed with various toppings

Bibimbap is a dish of rice topped with namul (seasoned vegetables), meat, egg, and seaweed, usually mixed with gochujang (red chili paste). Since gochujang is served on the side, you can enjoy it completely spice-free if you omit it. Jeonju-style bibimbap is particularly famous.

3. Samgyetang — The quintessential health food

This is a nourishing soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with ginseng, jujubes, garlic, and glutinous rice. The broth is clear and mild, making it a popular summer health food. It is easy for foreigners to understand if you introduce it as 'Korean chicken soup'.

4. Japchae — A savory combination of glass noodles and vegetables

This dish consists of sweet potato starch noodles stir-fried with vegetables like spinach, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, and onions, seasoned with soy sauce. It has a sweet and savory taste and is a staple at celebrations and holidays.

5. Galbijjim — Tender, sweet braised beef short ribs

This is a dish where beef short ribs are slowly braised in a soy-based sauce. The meat is tender and the sauce is sweet; it is considered a premium Korean dish for special occasions.

6. Gimbap — Korea’s portable snack

This is a dish made by rolling rice, pickled radish, carrots, spinach, egg, etc., in seaweed and slicing it. It is easily found in convenience stores and is popular for picnics or quick meals.

7. Doenjang-jjigae — Savory soybean paste stew

This is a stew made by boiling soybean paste (doenjang) with vegetables, tofu, and meat. A mild doenjang-jjigae without gochujang is savory and deep in flavor. Some restaurants add spicy green chili peppers, so say "gochu ppae-juseyo" when ordering.

8. Baekban — Korean-style set meal

A baekban is a Korean-style set meal that comes with rice, soup, and 3-5 side dishes. While the selection varies by restaurant, most include non-spicy items. It’s a great way to experience a variety of dishes all at once.

9. Korean Fried Chicken — Crispy Korean-style fried chicken

Korean chicken is divided into 'fried' (mild) and 'seasoned' (spicy). Fried chicken is crispy and mild, making it one of the most popular Korean dishes for foreigners. As of 2025, it was ranked as the #1 favorite Korean dish for foreign visitors.

10. Sundubu-jjigae — Soft tofu stew (mild version)

While sundubu-jjigae traditionally uses gochujang and chili powder, most restaurants offer a mild version (white sundubu). The mild broth, filled with soft tofu, egg, and seafood, is easy for foreigners to enjoy.

Quick Comparison of Mild Korean Dishes

Essential Korean Phrases for Ordering — How to reduce the chance of failure with "An maewoyo"

Here are some useful expressions for ordering mild food in Korean restaurants.

Basic Expressions

Basic Ordering Phrases

Tip: Most restaurants provide English menus or have staff who understand basic English. However, using these Korean phrases will help you get a much more accurate order.

Korean Restaurant Etiquette — Culture to Know

1. Water is Self-Service

In most Korean restaurants, water bottles or dispensers are located near your table. It is standard to pour your own water.

2. Side Dishes are Refillable

Basic side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, and bean sprouts are usually free to refill. Ask "Refill-i ganeung-haeyo?"

3. Using Chopsticks and Spoons

Koreans use a spoon and chopsticks together. Use the spoon for rice and soup, and chopsticks for side dishes. Sticking your chopsticks into a bowl of rice is a major faux pas.

4. Pay After You Eat

It is standard in Korean restaurants to pay on your way out after the meal. Just say "Gyesanseo juseyo" or "Eolma-yeyo?"

5. No Tipping Culture

There is no tipping culture in Korea. Just pay the exact amount on the bill.

Local Tips — How to Avoid Mishaps

Tip 1: Use Convenience Stores

Convenience stores like CU and GS25 are stocked with gimbap, triangle gimbap, sandwiches, and fruit, which are mild. Great when you are in a rush or on a budget.

Tip 2: Start at Food Courts

Department store or large mart food courts have various Korean food corners. You can check the photos on the menu before ordering, which is very helpful for foreigners.

Tip 3: Use Naver Maps or KakaoMap

Use keywords like "non-spicy" (비매운) or "mild" (순한) on Naver Maps or KakaoMap to find related reviews. Photo reviews are particularly useful for pre-checking dishes.

FAQ

Is all Korean food spicy?

No. There are dozens of non-spicy Korean dishes like bulgogi, samgyetang, japchae, galbijjim, and gimbap. While the image of kimchi and tteokbokki is strong, there are actually many more mild options.

Will they understand if I say "An maewoyo"?

Yes, most restaurants will understand. Especially near tourist spots or places with many foreign customers, there are often English menus or English-speaking staff.

Can vegetarians enjoy mild Korean food?

Yes. There are many vegetarian options such as bibimbap (without meat), japchae, doenjang-jjigae (check the broth), and baekban (pick your side dishes). For more details, refer to the Halal Korea Guide. (Halal restaurants are usually very vegetarian-friendly.)

What mild Korean foods can I buy at convenience stores?

There are gimbap, triangle gimbap (tuna mayo, cheese), sandwiches, fruit, yogurt, and steamed eggs. Most are in the 2,000~5,000 KRW range.

Conclusion

Korean cuisine isn't just about spice. Sweet bulgogi, hearty samgyetang, savory japchae, and crispy fried chicken — knowing just these 10 dishes will significantly reduce your stress while dining in Korea.

When ordering, a quick "An maewoyo?" will prompt most restaurants to respond helpfully. Don't be afraid to try a wide variety of Korean food.

Further Reading

• The Ultimate Korean Food Guide — Everything about Korean cuisine

• Korean Halal & Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurant Guide — A total summary of dietary options

• Korean Restaurant Etiquette — Culture you should know

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