Discover Korea Like Never Before
One of the must-have experiences during your trip to Korea is trying spicy food.
You’ve probably been curious about those red soups you see in K-dramas and the dishes that make celebrities sweat profusely in mukbang (eating shows).
But wait, Korea’s real spicy flavors might be much more intense than you think.
The 5 places we’re introducing today are the ones that even Koreans say “This is a bit too much.”
These are devilishly spicy foods that make you regret the moment you put them in your mouth, but strangely, you find yourself coming back for more.
If you’re a traveler full of adventurous spirit, don’t miss this list!
Essential Tips Before Trying Spicy Korean Food
- Don’t try on an empty stomach. Have a light meal first!
- Prepare milk or yogurt in advance.
- Go with friends and encourage each other during the challenge.
- At places where you can choose spice levels, start from the lowest level.
Spicy Korean Dumplings in Cheongju – That Delightful Dumpling
Crazy Dumpling (Michin Mandu): A Dangerous Spicy Korean Food with Sales Restrictions
This dumpling restaurant in Cheongju is a famous place that was featured on TV programs.
It looks like an ordinary dumpling specialty shop, but it has a special hidden menu.
It’s called ‘Michin Mandu,’ and these dumplings made with cheongyang peppers (Korean hot peppers) really live up to their name.
At first, you might think “It’s not that spicy,” but after 3 minutes, the spiciness hits you so hard that your mouth hurts. The delayed spicy kick is what characterizes these dumplings.
The interesting point is that these dumplings are not sold to elderly people, pregnant women, or teenagers! You can tell it’s truly dangerous(?) spiciness.
Visit Information:
- Address: Ibi Jeulgeoun Geu Mandu, 105 Satteum-ro, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do (Main branch)
- Hours: 10:00-20:00 (15:00-16:00 Break time)
- Closed: 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month
Tip: If you’re worried about spicy food, they also have regular dumplings and moderately spicy dumplings, so don’t worry!
Fire Pig’s Feet in Seoul – Cheonhamujok’s Spicy Korean Jokbal
5-Level Bul-jokbal (Fire Pig’s Feet): A True Korean Spicy Food Challenge
This jokbal (pig’s feet) restaurant in Dongjak-gu, Seoul is famous among spicy food enthusiasts. Their signature menu is ‘Bul-jokbal,’ which is pig’s feet coated with spicy seasoning.
What’s interesting here is that they divide the spiciness into 5 levels:
- Level 1: Shin Ramyun level
- Level 2: Buldak Bokkeummyeon (fire chicken stir-fried noodles) level
- Level 3 and above: The real challenge zone
It features a sharp yet deep spicy flavor, and you must eat it with the steamed eggs (gyeran-jjim) that comes with it to neutralize the spiciness. Without it, it becomes really tough!
Visit Information:
- Address: Cheonhamujok, 74 Dongjak-daero 7-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 1st floor 101,102 (Main branch)
- Hours: 14:00-23:00
- Closed: Every Sunday
Spicy Korean Kimbap in Uijeongbu – Mom’s Kimbap
3-Level Squid Kimbap: Customizable Spicy Korean Street Food
This kimbap restaurant in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province is run by a ‘squid kimbap master.’ While they sell various types of kimbap, what you should try here is the spicy squid kimbap.
The good thing is that you can choose from 3 spice levels!
- Level 1: Not spicy (OK for those who can’t handle spicy food)
- Level 2: Medium spicy
- Level 3: Spicy
Since you can challenge Korean spiciness through the familiar food of kimbap, it’s recommended for first-time challengers.
Visit Information:
- Address: Eomma Gimbap, Jangryeong Shopping Center 1st floor, 261 Simin-ro, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do
- Hours: 08:00-20:00 (14:30-15:30 Break time)
- Closed: Every Sunday
Busan’s Signature Spicy Korean Food – Maetteok’s Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki So Spicy, Even Koreans Struggle
This tteokbokki restaurant is truly unique as it exists only in Busan. It’s a place you can only taste in Busan without any chain stores.
The spicy tteokbokki sold here is said to be about 5 times spicier than Buldak Ramyeon. Can you imagine? That’s why if you order it as a single dish, it’s said to be spicy enough to hurt your stomach, so make sure to order it with twigim(fried food) or patbingsu (shaved ice with red beans)!
There are many set menu options, so it’s good to choose a menu that can neutralize the spicy tteokbokki.
Visit Information:
- Address: Maetteok, 52-2 Gold Theme-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan
- Hours: 10:00-21:00
Important tip: Only cash or bank transfer is accepted. Card payments are not available, so make sure to bring cash!
Extreme Spicy Korean Noodles in Cheonan – Jjamppong Jijon
Hell Jjamppong with 80 Levels of Spiciness
This Chinese restaurant has many chain stores, making it easily accessible. The menu to challenge here is ‘Jiok Jjamppong (Hell Jjamppong).’
You can basically choose the spice level from 1 to 4:
- Level 1: 30% spicy
- Level 2: 50% spicy
- Level 3: 80% spicy
- Level 4: 100% spicy
What’s amazing is that if you want, you can adjust the spiciness up to 80 levels! It’s truly a menu for those who want extreme challenges.
Visit Information:
- Address: Jjamppong Jijon, 719 Seobu-daero, Seobuk-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Open year-round
Survival Guide for Spicy Food Challenges
Pre-Challenge Preparations
- Hearty meal: Spicy food on an empty stomach is forbidden.
- Emergency rescue team: Prepare milk, yogurt, ice cream
- Companion: Challenge with friends rather than alone
- Camera: Record your brave moments.
Methods to Neutralize Spiciness
- Dairy products: Milk and yogurt are most effective
- Sweet things: Sugar, honey, ice cream
- Rice: Plain rice to dilute the spiciness
- Water is No: It actually spreads the spiciness more
After a fiery food adventure, why not find a cozy corner to cool down?
👉 Discover 8 unique cafes in Seoul that are perfect for unwinding all day.
Editor’s Note
Korea’s spicy food culture goes beyond simply being ‘spicy’ – it’s a challenge and an experience. Even Koreans hesitate when faced with such extreme spiciness.
However, through these challenges, you can understand Korea’s unique food culture more deeply. It’s Korea’s unique culture of relieving stress through spicy food and building bonds by challenging together with friends.
Don’t overdo it, and try challenging spicy flavors step by step according to your level. It will surely become an unforgettable memory of your Korean trip. Whether you succeed or fail, the process itself will be a special experience!
※ Final tip: After challenging spicy food, make sure to stop by a dessert cafe and soothe your mouth with cool drinks or ice cream!
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That’s an interesting story. I’m enjoying it.
Hello. Michael K.
Thank you so much for enjoying reading. Have a nice day 🙂