Food Culture - Kimbap Life

Banchan (반찬, Side Dish) by Restaurant Type

One of the things foreign visitors notice quickly in Korea is that restaurants often serve banchan(side dish) automatically. You sit down, order a main dish, and small side dishes appear.…

JIN 2026-08-20

Featured Food Food Culture

Banchan (반찬, Side Dish) Refills in Korean Restaurants

Are All Banchan Free to Refill? In many Korean restaurants, basic banchan (side dishes) can be refilled for free. However, not every side dish is unlimited. Refill policies vary from…

JIN 2026-08-20

Food Food Culture

Korean Dining Etiquette: How to Eat Respectfully at Korean Tables

The Basics Korean dining etiquette is about respect. When you sit at a Korean table, you share food. Rice and soup belong to you. Kimchi, banchan, grilled meat, and stews…

Min 2026-08-16

Food Food Culture History & Tradition

Kimjang (김장): Korea’s Kimchi-Making Season

What Is Kimjang? Kimjang is the traditional Korean practice of making and sharing large quantities of kimchi before winter. It is a seasonal event, a family activity, a community practice,…

JIN 2026-08-16

Food Food Culture Low_Featured

Bap (밥): Different Types of Korean Rice

What Is Bap? Bap (밥) means cooked rice in Korean. In everyday language, it can also mean a meal. When Koreans say, “Let’s eat bap,” they usually mean, “Let’s have a…

JIN 2026-08-16