Understanding What Foods Do Koreans Not Eat for Better Nutrition

October 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2019 Quora post discussing traditional Korean dietary restrictions, some historical food taboos were rooted in superstitious beliefs, though many have faded with modernization. Understanding what foods do Koreans not eat offers unique insight into the nation's cultural nuances and how they influence nutritional choices and dining etiquette.

Quick Summary

An examination of Korean dietary habits explores the reasons behind food avoidance, covering historical superstitions, modern dislikes like cilantro, cultural etiquette, and recent political food bans. Dietary diversity is highlighted, acknowledging both traditional practices and the evolving vegetarian landscape.

Key Points

Cultural Taboos: Historically, some Koreans considered meats like venison and dog meat taboo due to superstitious or religious beliefs, though dog meat consumption is now widely avoided.
Modern Taste Aversions: Many modern Koreans have a strong dislike for certain flavors, with cilantro being a widely known example.
Food Allergies: Health-based dietary restrictions include allergies to specific regional foods like buckwheat and silkworm pupa, as well as common allergens like milk, eggs, and fruit.
Vegetarian Challenges: While a growing community exists, vegetarianism can be challenging in Korea due to social pressure and traditional cooking methods.
Political Bans: Recent reports indicate that North Korea has banned specific dishes like budae-jjigae and tteokbokki to combat South Korean cultural influence.
Etiquette Rules: Beyond ingredients, strict dining etiquette dictates that actions like sticking chopsticks vertically in rice or eating before elders should be avoided.

Traditional Beliefs and Historical Food Taboos

Historically, Korean food aversions were influenced by superstitions and beliefs. For instance, some wild meats were considered taboo due to animistic beliefs. Superstitions also dictated certain foods pregnant women should avoid. While less common today due to modernization, these beliefs shaped the historical perspective on food.

Dog meat is another historical example. Though traditionally consumed by some, particularly outside of Buddhist communities, it was often considered taboo. Modern trends show a significant decline in interest, with a 2024 post indicating 86% of South Koreans are not interested in eating it.

Meats and Animal Products Traditionally Avoided

Venison and horse meat: Historically avoided due to cultural beliefs.
Pigeon: Once considered sacred in animism.
Dog meat: Historically controversial and now largely avoided.

Modern Palates and Strong Aversions

Beyond historical reasons, modern Koreans avoid certain foods based on taste. Cilantro is notably disliked by a large percentage of South Koreans, leading many restaurants to offer it separately. This contrasts with traditional Korean cuisine's use of pungent ingredients like garlic and scallions but fewer Western herbs.

Ingredients Koreans Often Dislike

Cilantro: Widely disliked, possibly due to genetics.
Exotic meats: Unfamiliar and not widely consumed.
Fermented Skate (Hongeo-hoe): Avoided by many due to its strong odor.
Live Octopus (Sannakji): A polarizing dish not enjoyed by all.

Dietary Restrictions and Health Concerns

Health-related restrictions, like allergies, also determine what foods Koreans avoid. Buckwheat is a known allergen in Korea. Allergies to milk, eggs, and fruits are also documented, with some allergens specific to the region.

The rise of Veganism and Vegetarianism

Traditional Korean food includes many plant-based dishes, but vegetarianism and veganism can be difficult due to the use of seafood, fish sauce, and certain vegetables like garlic and onion in many preparations. However, the vegan food scene is growing in South Korea, with more options available. Social pressure can still be a challenge for those following a vegan diet.

Table: Reasons for Food Avoidance in Korea


Factor	Traditional Avoidance	Modern Avoidance	Etiquette-Based Avoidance
Cultural/Religious	Venison, horse meat (superstition); dog meat (historically)	Less common exotic meats, ethical vegetarianism	Sticking chopsticks vertically in rice, eating before elders
Preference/Flavor	Some strong offal flavors	Strong dislikes like cilantro	Avoiding noisy eating (slurping noodles is an exception)
Health	Beliefs linking food to outcomes	Allergies (buckwheat, fish, etc.); reducing unhealthy foods	N/A
Political	N/A	N/A	Banning specific South Korean dishes in North Korea

Political Food Bans in North Korea

Political decisions also impact food availability. North Korea has banned several popular South Korean dishes, such as tteokbokki and budae-jjigae, as part of a move against foreign cultural influence. This demonstrates how political factors can limit dietary choices.

Conclusion

Korean dietary habits are shaped by historical traditions, personal preferences, health needs, and modern trends. While some historical taboos persist as cultural memory, modern aversions to specific flavors like cilantro are also significant. Health-related restrictions and the growing plant-based movement contribute to dietary diversity. Furthermore, political actions, particularly in North Korea, can directly influence food options. Understanding these various factors provides insight into the complex nature of what foods Koreans do not eat and the evolving landscape of Korean cuisine and nutrition.

Further information on dietary habits and nutrition can be explored at the Food and Agriculture Organization's dietary guidelines for the Republic of Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, cilantro is widely disliked by a large portion of the Korean population. Many restaurants, especially those serving foreign cuisine, will ask if you want it included or offer to exclude it.

Allergies to buckwheat and silkworm pupa are relatively common, in addition to typical allergens like milk, eggs, wheat, and some fruits.

Yes, North Korea has banned the sale and consumption of certain South Korean-origin foods, such as tteokbokki and budae-jjigae, as part of a crackdown on foreign culture.

This action is strongly avoided because it resembles food offerings made during ancestral rites for the deceased. Doing so is considered bad luck and disrespectful.

It can be difficult. While many dishes use vegetables, ingredients like fish sauce or seafood often find their way into side dishes (banchan) and broths. Some pungent vegetables used are also off-limits for traditional Buddhist vegetarians.

No, dog meat consumption is now widely avoided by the majority of South Koreans, with reports indicating a lack of interest among 86% of the population.

Table etiquette is very important in Korea, especially when dining with elders or superiors. Rules include waiting for the eldest person to start eating and refraining from picking and choosing from shared dishes.