Korean food has a reputation for being spicy, but there is a whole gentle side to it — the dishes Koreans themselves turn to when they are unwell. Here are seven that are soft, mild and comforting while you recover.
Follow your surgeon's food instructions first; this is general information, not medical advice.
1. Jeonbok-juk (abalone porridge)
The most famous "get well" porridge: silky rice cooked with abalone, sometimes with a little sesame oil. Rich in flavour, very easy to eat.
2. Hobak-juk (pumpkin porridge)
Smooth, naturally sweet and bright orange. Lovely for breakfast and needs no chewing at all.
3. Dak-juk (chicken porridge)
A hearty, protein-rich porridge with shredded chicken. Ask for it without spicy toppings.
4. Gyeran-jjim (steamed egg)
A fluffy egg custard, often served bubbling in a small pot — let it cool before eating.
5. Miyeok-guk (seaweed soup)
A light clear soup that Korean mothers traditionally eat after giving birth. Gentle, warming and easy to sip.
6. Sundubu in a clear broth (soft tofu)
Silky soft tofu is ideal — just avoid the classic red, spicy sundubu-jjigae in the first week and choose a mild, clear version instead.
7. Fresh cut fruit and bingsu (in moderation)
Korean fruit shops deliver beautifully cut watermelon, melon, mango and grapes. A shared bowl of milk-snow bingsu is a soft, cool treat once you're feeling better.
What to skip for now
Tteokbokki, buldak and other red, spicy dishes; very salty instant ramyeon; chewy rice cakes; and anything crunchy.
Where to find them
On the AfterOp in-room dining menu, look for the "Gentle" category — porridge, soups, eggs, yoghurt and fruit from restaurants open right now, delivered to your hotel. For a fuller plan, read what to eat after facial plastic surgery in Korea.