I'm glad to read of your perspective as someone who's eaten Korean food in Korea. I've only eaten Korean food in California so it may not be as authentic. We do have a ton of Korean immigrants in Los Angeles and the SF Bay Area, though, so we're fortunate to have some great options.

I have enjoyed all but your first two choices. I'll have to look for those the next time we go out for Korean food.

To add a different opinion, my top 5 would be slightly different. I prefer kalbi (the meatier short ribs) to bulgogi; I'd choose kimchi soondubu instead of the kimchi jigae (the soondubu has more soft tofu); and I would choose bibim naengmyun instead of the naengmyun with broth. I would add japchae (the Korean glass noodles) and the Korean/Chinese Jajangmyeon as my 5th choice.

That still leaves out bibimbap; seafood pajeon (like a savory pancake); sundae (Korean blood sausage); and Korean fried chicken! Now, I'm hungry.

Thanks for sharing.