Korean Dictionary
How to say "Cooking" in Korean
“Cooking” in Korean is 요리 (pronounced "yori").
요리
yori
Usage & Context
Yori (cooking) is a beloved daily practice in Korean culture, with elaborate recipes passed down through generations. Korean cooking emphasizes balance of flavors, nutrition, and aesthetics.
Example Sentence
한국 요리는 다양한 향신료와 발효 식품이 특징이다.
Korean cooking is characterized by diverse spices and fermented foods.
How to use 요리 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Cooking” is 요리, romanized as yori.
Usage tip
Use this word with ordering phrases, taste descriptions, and polite requests when speaking in a restaurant.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 요리.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '요리' as 'Yo-ri'. 'Yo' sounds like 'yo' in 'yogurt'. 'Ri' sounds like 'ree' in 'reel'. The stress is fairly even.
More Example Sentences
Asking a friend about their weekend plans involving food.
주말에 무슨 요리 할 거예요?
What kind of cooking/dish will you make this weekend?
Expressing a personal hobby or interest.
저는 요리하는 것을 정말 좋아해요.
I really like cooking.
Praising a restaurant's overall menu.
이 식당은 요리가 다 맛있어요.
All the dishes/food at this restaurant are delicious.
Cultural Context
요리 (yori) encompasses both the act of cooking and the cooked dish itself. In Korean culture, cooking is often seen as an act of love and care, especially when preparing meals for family. Korean cuisine is incredibly diverse, ranging from elaborate royal court dishes to simple home-cooked meals, and often emphasizes fresh ingredients, fermented foods, and a balance of flavors.
Editorial note
We test food and dining words like 요리 inside ordering situations, because the natural Korean phrase often includes a polite request ending.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
요리하다
to cook (verb)
요리 배우다
to learn cooking
요리사
chef/cook
Related Expressions
음식
eumsik
food
식사
siksa
meal
조리
jori
cooking (more technical/professional term)
레시피
resipi
recipe
More Korean Food & Dining Words
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