Korean Cuisine Wins Hearts Worldwide as 7 in 10 Try Its Bold Flavors
Korean cuisine is gaining traction globally, with more people trying its dishes after engaging with Korean cultural content. A 2025 survey reveals that over two-thirds of respondents have sampled Korean food or expressed interest in doing so. The findings also highlight which dishes are winning over global taste buds.
The survey, conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Food Promotion Institute, shows that 68.6% of global respondents now recognize Korean food—a rise of 2.9% from the previous year. Among those who have tried it, 94.2% reported satisfaction, while 80.6% plan to eat it again.
Korean-style fried chicken emerged as the top choice, with 28.3% of participants naming it their favorite. Kimchi followed closely at 28%, while bibimbap also ranked highly. Other popular dishes included bulgogi, ramyeon, and kimchi fried rice.
The survey further found that 71.7% of respondents had visited a Korean restaurant in the past year. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, and Shanghai showed the highest satisfaction and revisit intentions, whereas Tokyo recorded the lowest levels in these areas.
The results confirm Korean food's expanding global appeal, driven by cultural exposure and positive dining experiences. With high satisfaction rates and strong repeat interest, the cuisine looks set to maintain its upward trend in international markets.
