I recently became deployed in South Korea on a tour for the military. This is my first overseas tour to an Asian country that isn't Japan, so as far as food goes I'm somewhat in the dark. I'm not picky, food is food, and so long as it's good I'll try anything once. I was wondering if there are any people here that could recommend a good, authentic dish to try for a first timer in Korea?

If you like spicy food, then I suggest trying kimchi. It's pretty good. Sorry I don't remember too many native foods there.

Kimchi is awesome, it goes good with everything, just more of a side like hot sauce in my opinion.

Bulgogi is pretty good. It is thin strips of beef that are marinated.

Mando is also pretty good, since it is like a dumpling that isn't a processed slab of meat and whatnot.

I loved sesame leaves, if my memory serves me right. I can't quite remember how my grandma made it but the store bought ones didn't even come close.

I've heard that there is something called a 'bim-bop' which is similar to a sushi roll. I've been meaning to try one, however, they are always sold by street vendors and I'm slightly iffy about buying from them (not sure how long the food has been sitting out).

I'm really interested in trying any dish that has fish in it, but once again, I don't really know what to order.

>>5 kimbab :) It's super good, they replace vinegar rice with sesame oil rice. GET IT! you should also try Ddeokbokki if you like spicy food, it is VERY popular within tourists and local people as street food. You also have to absolutely try Hoddeok, which is a type of pancake that has either brown sugar or japchae (potato noodles) inside of it and they're super good.

JUST EAT ALL THE STREET FOOD TRUST ME I'VE BEEN THERE AND IS 100% KOREAN. THEY'RE ALL GOOD.

Just got the pancake thing. It was amazing!!!

Any other stuff you all suggest?

i don't know anymore.... '_' There's so much good food there that I gained like 7 pounds there, but it's definitely worth gaining. You also have to try their japanese food like Takoyaki (if you happen to see one). Haven't tried it myself, but they look SUPER good. There's also bungoppang (it's exactly like Taiyaki), and it's shaped like a fish filled with red bean paste. SUPPER good. You should also try the steamed dumplings....