Best Korean Snacks and Dishes to Beat the Summer Heat

When the Korean summer arrives, the heat can be intense - it’s humid, sticky, and relentless. Locals have mastered the art of staying cool through food, turning every meal into an opportunity to refresh and recharge. From icy desserts to refreshing savory dishes, Korean snacks and meals offer the perfect way to keep your energy up and your body comfortable. Whether you’re visiting Seoul in summer or just craving a taste of summer from home, these picks are your go-to guide for summer Korean food.

In recent years, modern cafés take it further, variations have appeared featuring green tea powder, cheesecake,or even whole scoops of ice cream. The ice is quite fine as it almost melts on contact, creating a refreshing mix of flavors and textures. Insider tip: Myeongdong and Hongdae are prime areas to hunt for creative twists. For something traditional, head to a family-run café in a quieter neighborhood, where the focus is on perfectly balanced flavors rather than elaborate toppings.

Trend lovers might enjoy the Daebak Collabo Box - "Wiggle Wiggle is Daebak", a colorful lifestyle collaboration box that reflects the playful energy of Korean summer snacks and trends.

Naengmyeon’s chewy buckwheat noodles swim in a tangy, icy broth made with beef or dongchimi (radish water kimchi). Traditionally, it is served in stainless steel bowls to keep the broth cold until the last bite as this dish is a refreshing lunch option after sightseeing. It is usually paired with a side of mandu (dumplings) for a balanced meal. If you love noodles, you might also want to explore regional Korean noodle dishes, from milmyeon in Busan to makguksu in Gangwon-do, each with its own local twist.

If you're inspired by regional noodle dishes, be sure to browse the Busan Regional Box - a curated selection inspired by coastal Busan tastes like milmyeon and other local treats.

At first, it might seem counterintuitive to eat hot soup in hot weather, but Koreans believe in “yi yeol chi yeol” (이열치열), which directly translates to fight heat with heat.

For something lighter, you can try kongguksu, a creamy and nutty dish made from cold soybean broth and wheat noodles, which makes it a staple vegan-friendly summer staple. It is typically topped with cucumbers and sesame seeds, and it’s light yet satisfying.

Popular summer versions include watermelon hwachae, where the fruit is scooped into round balls and served in its own hollowed-out shell, and omija-hwachae, made with five-flavor berries that give a pink-red tint and a unique sweet-tart taste. It’s often served in a large shared bowl during family gatherings, summer festivals, or after outdoor activities, making it as much about social connection as refreshment. You can easily recreate it at home, just mix your favorite fruits with chilled sweet water and ice, and enjoy on a hot afternoon. 

Go seasonal: Watermelon, peaches, and melons dominate dessert menus in July and August.

Stay hydrated: Many of these dishes pair perfectly with barley tea or iced green tea.

Think local: Smaller neighborhoods often have family-run restaurants with unique takes on these classics.

Korean summer cuisine proves that food can be both delicious and functional, keeping you cool, energized, and ready to explore. Korean summer food does not stop at the flavour, but it is more about tradition and comfort, all while enjoying the season. From the icy sweetness of patbingsu to the deep nourishment of samgyetang, these best Korean snacks and meals are must-tries for anyone wanting to experience authentic seasonal flavors. Whether you’re in Seoul or ordering from the comfort of home, Daebak makes it easy to bring a taste of summer to your table.