Korean cuisine is having a moment in the UK, and it's time to explore why this vibrant and flavorful food is capturing the hearts and taste buds of Brits.
The K-Food Revolution: A Taste of Korea in Britain
In recent years, we've witnessed the rise of K-pop and now, K-food is taking center stage. But how did this culinary journey begin, and what's behind its growing popularity?
Imagine standing in a cozy London kitchen, surrounded by fellow food enthusiasts, as you embark on a hands-on kimchi-making adventure. That's exactly what Jiji Ahn experienced in Judy Joo's kitchen, learning the art of crafting this iconic Korean dish from scratch.
Kimchi: The Cornerstone of Korean Cuisine
Kimchi, with its sharp and funky fermented flavor, has become a symbol of Korean food in the UK. Judy Joo, a renowned Korean-American chef, describes it as the "cornerstone" of Korean cuisine. She shares, "Traditionally, Koreans eat kimchi every day of the year." It's a dish that's passed down through generations, like a cherished family heirloom.
A Cultural Exchange at School
For many Koreans growing up in London, like Joo Won, their culture often made an appearance at school through food. On "international days," their mothers would be asked to bring in Korean dishes for students to try. While teachers showed curiosity, students often confused it with Chinese cuisine.
Korean food has always sought its own recognition, distinct from other Asian cuisines. As more Korean restaurants opened and Koreans like Joo Won explored their culinary roots in Korea, they witnessed a shift in perception both in their homeland and in Britain.
The Global Hansik Campaign
In 2009, the South Korean government launched the "Global Hansik" campaign to promote Korean food abroad. This initiative invested public funds into restaurant promotion, chef training, and overseas marketing. While it faced criticism for lacking clear results initially, government studies later suggested a rise in awareness of Korean food in major international cities during the early 2010s.
Korean Food in Pop Culture
Korean food has ridden the wave of the broader "K-wave" of pop culture. Food-centric dramas like "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" have showcased Korean fusion dishes, while South Korean competition shows like "Culinary Class Wars" have topped Netflix's global non-English TV charts.
The impact is evident on UK shelves too. Waitrose has seen a 60% year-on-year increase in searches for "Korean BBQ," and sales of their gochujang paste have risen by over 70%. Kimchi is among their fastest-growing international products.
The Health Benefits of Fermented Foods
Nutritionist Emer Lowry explains the mainstream appeal of fermented foods like kimchi. "They enhance flavor and texture, but also offer benefits including improved digestion and a diverse, healthier gut microbiome."
The Role of Curiosity and Social Media
The interest in Korean food didn't happen overnight. Analysis by Bibigo, part of food giant CJ, suggests that TikTok posts by UK users mentioning Korean food have risen significantly, from just under 10,000 in 2023 to over 17,000 in 2025. This growth is driven by curiosity and a desire to explore new culinary experiences.
Cooking Korean in Britain
Chef Joo Won, at the North London restaurant Cálong, is exploring what it means to cook Korean food in Britain. He recalls a turning point in his early career when he realized he couldn't cook traditional Korean dishes, despite being Korean himself. This prompted him to revisit the home cooking he grew up with, beyond restaurant staples.
"In Korea, the real foundation of our food is jang," he says, referring to fermented pastes and sauces like doenjang, ganjang, and gochujang. However, he faces the challenge of adapting these ingredients to the British context, as they are not readily available here.
The Importance of Cultural Context
Food is just one aspect of Korean dining culture. Yoonsun Chang, who runs a Korean supper club, emphasizes the importance of Jeong (deep warmth and care) and Inyeon (meaningful connections formed at the table). "What I try to give is Jeong, but what's created through these gatherings is also Inyeon."
Yoonsun's one-woman project, LoKoLi (short for "Lovely Korean Life"), creates unique dining experiences centered around Korean food and culture. Her Instagram presence showcases her passion for sharing a version of Korean life that reflects her love for her heritage.
Guests at her monthly clubs often seek more than just the obvious elements of K-culture. They already know the music and dramas; they're looking for the domestic side of Korean life, the stories behind everyday dishes, and the art of table setting.
The Spread of Korean Culture
British YouTubers Armand and Max had their introduction to Korean food through a viral video for the Korean Englishman YouTube channel. They describe how that day changed the way they eat. The video, which showed them trying Korean street food in their school playground, was viewed by tens of millions and eventually led them to Korea itself, where they experienced barbecue, late-night ramyun, and school lunches.
Max shares, "The flavor profiles... were just so different to what we were used to. Fermented cabbage, kimchi, we'd never had that. That was delicious. I can't even compare it to anything."
The Art of Kimchi-Making
Back in Judy's kitchen, as cabbages are carefully prepared and packed into jars, she explains that proper kimchi needs weeks to ferment. However, they were encouraged to taste it as it developed, just as people do when making it at home.
The jar Jiji made that day is now fermenting in her fridge. While it's not the exact kimchi her family would have made, the process connects her to kitchens thousands of miles away, bridging cultures through food.
The Future of Korean Food in Britain
Korean cuisine in Britain is still in its infancy compared to other cuisines. It hasn't replaced anyone's Friday-night takeaway yet. However, from supper clubs and YouTube channels to supermarket aisles and small flats where people are learning to make kimchi for the first time, it's steadily becoming an integral part of everyday life.
So, what do you think? Is Korean food here to stay in the UK? Let's discuss in the comments and share your thoughts on this culinary journey!
