Feeling the heat? These Korean snacks will help you cool down
The Korean summer isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s humid, it’s hot, and sometimes even unbearable. But luckily, Korean cuisine offers plenty of refreshing snacks and dishes that can help you cool down and recharge. Whether you're new to Korean food or a longtime fan, here are some must-try treats to beat the heat this season.
1. Hwachae
This viral favorite isn’t just for the aesthetics. Hwachae is a fruity, icy dessert made with Sprite, watermelon, canned fruit, and a generous helping of ice. The best part? You can customize it. Swap Sprite for flavored soda, toss in fresh fruit, or even add milk for a creamier version. It’s the ultimate DIY summer treat.
2. Bingsu
Shaved ice topped with red bean paste, chewy rice cake, condensed milk, and often fruit or ice cream—bingsu is Korea’s go-to dessert when temperatures rise. It’s light, sweet, and visually stunning. These days, you'll find everything from mango to Oreo versions, but the classic still hits the spot.
3. Sikhye
This traditional Korean rice drink is slightly sweet and wonderfully refreshing. Sikhye is usually served ice cold at jjimjilbangs (Korean saunas) and made from fermented malt and rice. Don’t be put off by the cloudy appearance—this drink is a hidden gem on hot days.
4. Naengmyeon
Cold noodles in icy broth, naengmyeon is the ultimate summer noodle dish. Made with buckwheat noodles and a tangy, refreshing broth, it’s both savory and soothing. While not quite a snack or dessert, it’s the perfect middle ground when you're not looking for a full meal.
5. Kongguksu
If you like your noodles creamy, try kongguksu. This chilled soybean noodle soup is both hearty and cooling, and it’s often seasoned simply with salt or sugar depending on your taste. It’s a lesser-known dish, but it deserves more love during the summer months.
6. Bibimguksu
This spicy noodle dish is served cold and packs a flavorful punch. Mixed with gochujang (Korean red pepper paste), cucumbers, and noodles, bibimguksu is perfect for spice lovers who still want to stay cool.
7. Oi Naengguk
A cold cucumber soup that’s light, tangy, and perfect as an appetizer. Made with julienned cucumbers, icy broth, and sometimes vinegar, oi naengguk is ultra-refreshing and especially great when you need to hydrate and snack at the same time.
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