If "Korean Chewy Cookie" is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Korean viral food, it might be time for an update. Here's what people in Korea are actually eating right now — plus the best JINRO pairings to match.
Bomdong is a type of Korean spring cabbage. It's sweeter and more tender than regular napa cabbage and is only available for a short time in late winter.
In February 2026, an old 2008 clip of comedian Kang Ho-dong eating bomdong bibimbap on a Korean TV program resurfaced online and quickly went viral. The video reached more than 6 million views overnight, and bomdong began selling out at markets across Korea.
The dish itself is simple and easy to recreate at home. Start with a bowl of warm rice and add fresh bomdong leaves on top. Then mix the following ingredients to make a quick seasoning sauce:
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, then mix everything together with the rice and bomdong leaves. The crisp, slightly sweet cabbage balances the savory and spicy seasoning.
For a pairing, try JINRO is Back. Bomdong's delicate sweetness works best with something clean and understated. The smooth, classic profile of JINRO is Back complements the seasonal flavors without overpowering them.
If you can find bomdong at a local Korean grocery store, it's worth trying at home. The trend reflects a growing interest among younger Koreans in seasonal ingredients that are only available for a short time. Bomdong is fresh, photogenic, and gone by April.
Frozen gummies have been around for a while, but the trend has recently resurfaced in Korea with a new twist.
Right now, sour gummies are the most popular choice. Instead of thick or chunky shapes, people prefer thin and longer gummies because they create a crisp, crackling sound when frozen and bitten into.
The trend has been strong enough to boost gummy sales at convenience stores across Korea by more than 60 percent.
Some people soak their gummies in Sprite before freezing them for extra fizz. If you want to try a twist at home, you can add a splash of JINRO Lemon Soju instead. The citrus flavor pairs naturally with sour gummies and adds a refreshing kick.
JINRO Green Grape Soju is another great match. Its light, fruity sweetness balances the tangy candy flavor and makes the snack even more refreshing.
Miyeok-guk, or seaweed soup, is a classic dish in Korean households. It's known as a nourishing comfort food, often eaten by new mothers after childbirth and served on birthdays. The flavor is mild, savory, and soothing.
That's why the next trend surprised everyone.
A mukbang video showing someone cooking spicy Buldak noodles in miyeok-guk broth quickly went viral. The idea sounded strange at first, but the reactions were overwhelmingly positive once people tried it. The rich seaweed soup softens the heat of the noodles, while the Buldak sauce adds a spicy kick to the broth.
Soon people across Korea started recreating the combination themselves. Convenience stores reported Buldak sales jumping more than 100 percent, while seaweed soup products also saw a sharp rise as curious fans rushed to try the viral pairing.
It's also easy to make. Just cook Buldak noodles as usual, then add ready-made miyeok-guk or seaweed soup broth to the pot. The result is a surprisingly balanced mix of spicy, savory, and comforting flavors.
For the full experience, pair it with a glass of Chamisul Fresh, a classic Korean soju that works especially well with brothy dishes. Its clean, smooth taste helps balance the heat between bites.
Gil-gamja, which literally means "street potato," is one of Korea's fastest-rising street food trends. The snack first gained popularity at Jungang Market in Gangneung and quickly spread across social media.
At its core, gil-gamja is a deep-fried potato snack known for its unique texture. Made from mashed potatoes and potato starch, the dough fries up golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft and chewy inside. That contrast is what made the snack so popular in the first place.
Now the trend has moved from street stalls to home kitchens. People are recreating gil-gamja themselves because the ingredient list is surprisingly simple. Potatoes, potato starch, water, and a little salt are all you need.
It's a warm, salty comfort snack that's hard not to love. Pair it with a glass of Chamisul Original, a classic Korean soju that goes perfectly with crispy street food.
The pistachio chocolate Dubai Chewy Cookie has been one of Korea's biggest dessert trends over the past two years. Now it's been turned into a soju.
JINRO Dubai Chewy Cookie Soju is a limited edition available only in Korea. Launched on March 3, the drink features chocolate and pistachio flavors and comes in at 12% ABV. Even the bottle design reflects the playful energy of the trend.
If you happen to visit Korea while it's still on shelves, it's definitely worth trying.
So there you have it. These are some of the foods currently going viral in Korea. If any of them caught your eye, look up the recipes and try them with the JINRO pairings we recommended.
And who knows? The next JINRO flavor might be inspired by a viral food from your country. Stay tuned.
