6 Foods to Pack in a Korean-Style Picnic

In the summer months, we look forward to strolling in stunning countrysides in warm weather with a tasty picnic to look forward to! A good selection of picnic food should be easy to share and require minimal effort for storing while still tasting fresh and delicious. Many forms of Korean-inspired food are ideal for packing and transporting for a picnic. As most Korean food can be eaten at room temperature, it is especially suitable for picnic and buffet-style dining. In this article, we will offer our top selection of Korean-style picnic food for you to try this season! For ideas on what to sip in the summer sun, why not take a look at our top Korean drinks to enjoy in Summer?

Gaeran Mari- Rolled Egg Omelette

A simple dish, Korean omelette is great to transport in a picnic. While being light to carry, it is a filling food full of protein and energy, making it much appreciated after a long stroll in the sun. There are numerous forms of Gaeran Mari and which you choose will entirely depend on personal preference. It is usually served alongside rice in Korean dining; however, it is just as tasty on its own as part of a picnic. They are ideal for vegetarians as you can include vegetables and seaweed, but for those who prefer some meat, diced ham is a great addition too.

Mandu- Korean-Style Dumplings

Mandu is a traditional dish often served during family gatherings and celebrations such as Korean Lunar New Year. Why not bring that family feel and ensure everyone feels relaxed and comfortable with a mouth-watering side dish to compliment your picnic? Mandu is a Korean dumpling which is filled with vegetable and/or meat and tends to vary in style; they are either baked in the oven, boiled or pan or deep-fried. Mandu is perfect for feeding many people as it is easy to produce in large quantities and can be frozen until the time they are needed.

Kimchi Buchimgae/ Jeon- Korean Pancakes

Kimchi is a renowned Korean dish which is present at most Korean meals, usually as a side dish. However, it also used as a main course. A basic description of Kimchi is a pickled vegetable dish – usually cabbage – empowered with spice. A way to include Kimchi into your Korean-style picnic is to use it to complement pancakes and create Kimchi Buchimgae or Kimchi Jeon. Kimichi pancakes are created with wheat flour and are a savoury addition to your picnic. Similar to the Gaeran Mari, they are light but filling and ideal for outdoor dining and transportation. If you want to give your kimchi an extra kick, gochujang paste is ideal. This sweet and spicy sauce is a staple in Korean cuisine and is the go-to condiment for adding even more fiery layers to your food.

Kimbap- Korean Sushi Rolls

Also named Gimbap in Korean, these sushi-style rolls are a firm favourite and ideal for groups of people to pick and choose in a buffet style of dining, often used in a picnic. “Kim” or “gip” in Korean refers to dried seaweed, and "bap” is a translation of rice. A variety of foods can be used to create Gimbap. Common ingredients include: • Egg • Meat • Crab • Tuna • Seasoned vegetables However, ingredients are not limited to these, and you can pretty much add flavourings in with the dietary preferences and requirements of who you are catering your picnic to.

Korean Potato Salad

Korean potato salad is a bit different to western-style potato salad in that the potato base is enriched with fruits such as apple, as well as vegetables including carrot, onion and cucumber. It is not uncommon to add ham too. Mayonaise is then stirred into the ingredients. Not only is it eaten on its own, but it is also used as a form of sandwich filling in Korean food.

Yubu Chobap- Fried Tofu Rice Balls

This Korean dish will be sure to get mouths watering. Prepared in advance, Yubu Chobap can be consumed at room temperature and remains just as delicious. Yubu Chobap is produced with minced vegetables and rice popped into a marinated tofu. They are craved due to their subtle sweet taste and will go down a storm at a picnic.

Have we made your belly rumble with our top selection of Korean picnic food? Why not let us know which delicacies you will include in your next picnic on our social media channels? For further inspiration, delve into our Korean supermarket and browse for more delicious picnic treats!