Korean Fruits – Korea is known for its delicious and unique cuisine, and fruits are no exception. Traditional fruits in Korea fruits are diverse and flavorful, and they are enjoyed in various ways.
From seasonal treats to year-round staples to imported specialties, Korean fruits are a must-try for any food lover. In this article, we will explore the seasons in which Korean fruits are available, as well as how they are consumed.
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Korean Fruits – Seasonal Fruits in Korea
In Korea, fruits are usually enjoyed during their respective seasons, as they are believed to have the best taste and quality during those times. Here are some of the seasonal fruits you can find in Korea:
딸기 (Ttalgi) – Strawberries
Strawberries are a popular winter fruit in Korea, with their peak season running from December to May. They are typically enjoyed as a dessert, often dipped in condensed milk or chocolate.
참외 (Chamoe) – Korean Melon
Korean Melons are a sweet summer fruit, available from June to August. They are often eaten on their own, or as part of a fruit salad.
복숭아 (Boksunga) – Peaches
Peaches are another summer fruit in Korea, with their season running from June to September. They are often eaten raw, or used in desserts such as peach ice cream or peach tarts.
수박 (Subak) – Watermelon
Watermelon is a refreshing summer fruit, available from June to August. It is often eaten on its own or used in fruit salads.
대추 (Daeju) – Jujubes
Jujubes are a sweet fall fruit, with their season running from September to November. They are often dried and eaten as a snack, or used in teas and other beverages.
참나무 (Chamnamu) – Korean Persimmon (Fruits in Korea)
Korean Persimmons are a fall fruit, with their season running from October to November. They are often eaten on their own, or used in desserts such as persimmon cookies or persimmon punch.
석류 (Seokryu) – Pomegranate
Pomegranates are a winter fruit in Korea, with their season running from September to November. They are often eaten raw or used in juices and other beverages.
천혜향 (Cheonhyehyang) – Citrus
Citrus fruits such as tangerines and oranges are a winter fruit in Korea, with their season running from November to February. They are often eaten raw or used in juices and other beverages.
포도 (Podo) – Grapes
Grapes are a late summer fruit in Korea, with their season running from August to October. They are often eaten raw or used to make grape juice, grape wine, or other grape-based products.
체리 (Cheeri) – Cherries
Cherries are a late spring to early summer fruit in Korea, with their season running from May to June. They are often eaten raw, or used in desserts such as cherry pies or cherry tarts.
자두 (Jadu) – Plums
Plums are a summer fruit in Korea, with their season running from May to August. They are often eaten raw, or used in desserts such as plum tarts or plum cakes.
배 (Bae) – Korean Pear
Korean Pears are a fall to winter fruit, with their season running from September to November. They are often eaten on their own or used in traditional Korean pear salads, and are sometimes poached in honey and spices for a warm dessert.
Korean Fruits – Year-Round Fruits
There are also several fruits that are available year-round in Korea. Here are some of the most popular ones:
사과 (Sagwa) – Apples
Apples are a common fruit in Korea, available throughout the year. They are often eaten raw or used in desserts such as apple pie or apple crumble.
바나나 (Banana) – Bananas
Bananas are another year-round fruit in Korea. They are often eaten on their own or used in smoothies and other drinks.
오렌지 (Orenji) – Oranges
Oranges are a winter fruit in Korea, but they are available year-round. They are often eaten raw or used in juices and other beverages.
키위 (Kiwi) – Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit is a winter to spring fruit in Korea, but it is available year-round. It is often eaten on its own or used in fruit salads, smoothies, and other drinks.
무화과 (Muwha-gwa) – Figs
Figs are harvested in Korea between August and October, and are used in a variety of dishes, particularly in the food service industry. They can be used in salads, desserts such as cakes and tarts, and sometimes eaten on their own as a snack or dessert.
금귤 (Geumgyul) – Kumquats
Kumquats are a winter fruit in Korea, usually harvested between December and February. They are often eaten on their own or used in jams, jellies, and other preserves.
매실나무 열매 (Maesilnamu yeolmae) – Magnolia Berry
Magnolia berries are a summer fruit in Korea, usually harvested between July and August. They are often used to make traditional Korean drinks and condiments such as maesilcha (plum syrup) and maesilju (plum wine).
Korean Fruits – Imported Fruits
While Korea has a wide variety of fruits that are grown locally, it also imports many types of fruits from other countries. Here are some of the most popular imported fruits in Korea:
망고 (Mango) – Mangoes
Mangoes are a tropical fruit that is not commonly grown in Korea, but they are widely enjoyed and imported from countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, and India. They are often eaten on their own, used in desserts, or used in smoothies and other beverages.
파인애플 (Painaepeul) – Pineapples
Pineapples are another tropical fruit that is not commonly grown in Korea, but is imported from countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Taiwan. They are often eaten on their own, used in desserts, or used in smoothies and other beverages.
아보카도 (Abocado) – Avocados – Fruits in Korea
Avocados are a popular fruit in many parts of the world, including Korea, where they are often used in salads and sandwiches. While avocados are not grown in Korea, they are imported from countries such as the United States, Mexico, and Chile.
블루베리 (Blueberry) – Blueberries
Blueberries are grown in Korea, but they are also imported from countries such as the United States, Canada, and Chile. They are often used in desserts, smoothies, and other beverages.
레몬 (Remon) – Lemons
Lemons are not commonly grown in Korea, but they are imported from countries such as the United States, South Africa, and Australia. They are often used in cooking and baking, and are also used in drinks such as lemonade and tea.
체리 (Cheeri) – Cherries
Cherries are grown in Korea, but they are also imported from countries such as the United States and Canada. They are often eaten raw or used in desserts such as cherry pies or cherry tarts.
포도 (Podo) – Grapes
Grapes are grown in Korea, but they are also imported from countries such as the United States, Chile, and Australia. They are often eaten raw or used to make grape juice, grape wine, or other grape-based products.
While imported fruits may not be as fresh as locally grown fruits, they are often a great way to experience new flavors and expand your fruit palette. In addition, imported fruits can also be less expensive than locally grown fruits, making them a more affordable option for some consumers.
Korean Fruits – Conclusion
Korean fruits are a delicious and healthy addition to any diet. From seasonal treats to year-round staples to imported specialties, there is a Korean fruit for everyone to enjoy. Whether eaten on their own or used in a variety of dishes, Korean fruits are an essential part of Korean cuisine and culture. We hope that this guide has provided you with a better understanding of the different types of Korean fruits and how they are consumed.
Korean melon (참외 – chamae):
This is a popular fruit in Korea that is uniquely Korean. It has a sweet and juicy taste, and is often eaten in the summer. Korean melon has a light green, slightly ribbed skin and a juicy, sweet flesh. It is usually eaten fresh, and is sometimes used in desserts.
Persimmon (감 – gam): Persimmon is a fruit that is very popular in Korea, especially during the autumn months. There are two main types of persimmon in Korea: sweet and astringent. Sweet persimmons are eaten when they are fully ripe and have a soft texture, while astringent persimmons are eaten when they are still firm and have a tart taste. Persimmons are often used in Korean desserts and snacks.
Asian pear (배 – bae): Asian pears are similar to apples in texture, but have a more pear-like flavor. They are round and crispy with a thin, light brown skin. They are usually eaten fresh, but are also used in salads and desserts. They are in season from late summer to early winter.
Korean strawberries (딸기 – ttalgi): Korean strawberries are known for their large size, bright red color, and sweet taste. They are usually grown in greenhouses and are available from late fall to early summer. They are often used in desserts, smoothies, and as a topping for ice cream.
Hallabong (한라봉): Hallabong is a type of mandarin orange that is grown on Jeju Island. It has a sweet, juicy, and slightly tart taste, and is known for its bright orange color and thick skin. Hallabong is usually eaten fresh and is in season from December to February.
Korean plums (매실 – maesil): Korean plums are small, tart plums that are used to make a sweet and sour plum syrup called maesilcheong. The syrup is often used as a traditional Korean remedy for digestive problems and hangovers. Korean plums are in season during the summer.
Asian persimmon (대추 – daechu): Asian persimmon is a small, sweet fruit that is often dried and used in Korean cuisine. It has a deep orange color and a firm texture. Dried persimmons are often used in desserts, and can also be rehydrated and used in savory dishes.
Kiwifruit (키위 – kiwi): Kiwifruit is a popular fruit in South Korea, and it is usually imported from countries such as New Zealand and Chile. It has a sweet and tangy taste, and is high in vitamin C.
Blueberries (블루베리 – beullubeoli): Blueberries are another popular fruit in South Korea, and they are usually imported from countries such as the United States and Chile. They have a sweet and tangy taste, and are high in antioxidants.
Watermelon (수박 – subak): Watermelon is a refreshing fruit that is popular during the summer months. It has a sweet and juicy taste, and is often eaten cold as a snack or dessert.
Pineapple (파인애플 – painaepeul): Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is imported to South Korea. It has a sweet and tangy taste, and is often used in desserts and smoothies.
Mango (망고 – mango): Mango is another tropical fruit that is imported to South Korea. It has a sweet and juicy taste, and is often used in desserts and smoothies.
Jujube (대추 – daechu): Jujube is a small, red fruit that is native to Korea. It has a sweet and tangy taste, and is often used in traditional Korean medicine.
Cherry (체리 – cheri): Cherry is a popular fruit in South Korea, and it is usually imported from countries such as the United States and Canada. It has a sweet and tart taste, and is often used in desserts and baked goods.
Peach (복숭아 – boksunga): Peach is a popular fruit in South Korea, and it is usually in season from May to August. It has a sweet and juicy taste, and is often eaten fresh or used in desserts.
Nectarine (넥타린 – nektarin): Nectarine is a close relative of the peach, and it is similar in taste and texture. It is usually in season from June to August.
Plum (자두 – jadu): Plum is a small, sweet fruit that is in season from June to August. It is often eaten fresh or used in desserts, and is also used to make plum wine.
Pear (배 – bae): Pear is a popular fruit in South Korea, and it is usually in season from August to October. It has a sweet and juicy taste, and is often eaten fresh or used in desserts.
Tangerine (귤 – gyul): Tangerine is a small, sweet citrus fruit that is native to Korea. It is usually in season from October to December, and is often eaten as a snack or used in desserts.
Grapefruit (자몽 – jamong): Grapefruit is a tart and tangy citrus fruit that is often imported to South Korea. It is usually in season from December to February.
Lemon (레몬 – lemon): Lemon is a sour citrus fruit that is often used to add flavor to food and drinks. It is usually imported to South Korea.
Best Time to Visit Korea – South Korean Fruits
The most popular time to visit South Korea is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons. During these seasons, the weather is mild and comfortable, with clear skies and beautiful foliage in the fall. This is a great time to explore the country’s outdoor attractions, such as hiking trails and parks.
If you want to experience the cherry blossom season in South Korea, the best time to visit is usually in early April. The blooming period can vary each year, so it’s best to check the forecast before planning your trip.
Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid in South Korea, but it’s a great time to enjoy the country’s beaches and coastal areas. The summer also brings several festivals and events, such as the Boryeong Mud Festival and the Busan International Film Festival.
Winter (December to February) can be cold and snowy, but it’s a great time to experience winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding. There are also several winter festivals and events, such as the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival.
Currency and ATMs in South Korea – Fruits in Korea
South Korea has a modern and well-developed financial system, with a variety of ATM machines available throughout the country. Most ATMs in South Korea accept major international credit and debit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and JCB. Some ATMs may also accept other international card networks, so it’s a good idea to check with your bank before you travel.
You can withdraw Korean won (KRW) at most ATMs in South Korea. You can find ATMs at banks, convenience stores, shopping centers, and other public places. ATMs usually provide instructions in English, and some may even have a language option for other languages. However, it’s a good idea to keep some cash with you in case you encounter an ATM that doesn’t accept your card.
Currency exchange is also widely available in South Korea. You can exchange your foreign currency at banks, currency exchange offices, and some hotels. The exchange rate may vary depending on the place and the day, so it’s a good idea to compare rates before making an exchange. Some banks and currency exchange offices may require identification documents, such as a passport, to complete the transaction.
It’s important to note that some places in South Korea, such as small shops and street vendors, may only accept cash. So it’s always a good idea to carry some Korean won with you for small transactions.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.