Refreshing Korean Foods to Survive the Summer (That Foreigners Love!)
Hey there!
Is it just me, or is summer getting hotter every year? 🥵
In Korea, summer is not only hot but also super humid—so it's no surprise we have a whole range of foods specially designed to cool us down from the inside out.
Today, I want to share 4 of the most refreshing Korean foods that foreigners absolutely love. From icy desserts to chilled noodle dishes, these will make you go “aaah~” with every bite. Ready? Let’s dive in!
🍉 1. Subak Hwache (Watermelon Punch)
Imagine a fruity punch but in Korean style — meet Subak Hwache!
This is a super refreshing summer dessert made with scooped watermelon balls, milk, soda (like Sprite), ice, and sometimes other fruits or jelly. It’s cold, sweet, and bubbly — a must-have treat during summer in Korea.
It brings back childhood memories of swimming with friends and sharing a giant bowl of hwache afterward. Foreigners who try it for the first time usually say:
“It’s like a fruity soda soup! So refreshing!”
👉 Pro tip: Add colorful jelly or mini marshmallows for that extra fun texture and Instagram-worthy look.
🍧 2. Patbingsu (Korean Shaved Ice)
You simply cannot talk about Korean summer desserts without mentioning Patbingsu.
It’s a bowl of finely shaved ice topped with sweet red beans, rice cakes, condensed milk, fruit, and sometimes even ice cream. Honestly, it’s not just dessert — it’s a masterpiece.
These days you can find all kinds of variations like mango bingsu, green tea bingsu, tiramisu bingsu… The possibilities are endless!
“It’s like a snow mountain of deliciousness!”
📸 Be warned: You might end up taking 50 pictures before actually eating it!
🧊 3. Naengmyeon (Cold Buckwheat Noodles)
Ready for a proper meal? Let’s talk about Naengmyeon, the ultimate Korean summer noodle dish.
Served in icy cold broth with chewy buckwheat noodles, slices of cucumber, pear, boiled egg, and sometimes meat — it’s like a refreshing slap in the face (in the best way).
There are two types: Mul Naengmyeon (with cold broth) and Bibim Naengmyeon (spicy sauce, no broth). Both are fantastic on a hot day.
“Wait… noodles in ICE BROTH?! That’s genius!”
👉 Best enjoyed after Korean BBQ — it's the perfect way to cool down.
🫘 4. Kongguksu (Soy Milk Noodles)
Here’s a dish that’s quietly got a cult following: Kongguksu.
It’s cold wheat noodles served in a creamy soy milk broth. Sounds unusual? Maybe. But the nutty, smooth, and slightly savory taste is super addictive — especially when chilled with ice cubes.
It’s also a great option for vegan or vegetarian friends visiting Korea!
“Wow… It’s like a cold nutty soup with noodles. I love it!”
Foreigners might find the combination strange at first, but one bite usually changes their mind.
☀️ Final Thoughts
Korean summers are no joke — but thanks to these awesome cooling dishes, we can survive and even enjoy the season!
Whether you're introducing Korean food to your foreign friends or just looking for a new summer favorite, these dishes are sure to impress.
Which one would you try first? Let me know in the comments below 👇
And until then, stay cool and eat well! 😎🧊