The image and emotions associated with Korean food were investigated in 24 food workers (12 Koreans and 12 foreigners) living in Korea. There are a total of 22 terms for the image of Korean food of Koreans and foreigners, including 7 common words, and a total of 33 terms for emotion, including 10 common words. Differences in the images and emotions associated with the perception of Korean food according to the characteristics of the country and region and Korean food experience were established in foreign food workers. In the images of Korean food, Koreans mentioned ‘jeong, sharing, balanced, Korean table setting, seasonal (seasonality), yearning, trust’, whereas foreigners mentioned ‘red, spicy, distinctive flavor, repulsion, sweet, non-salty, tradition and history, and unfamiliarity’. In Korean food emotions, Koreans were “relaxing, friendly, maternal, hospitable, nostalgic, exotic, clean, trust, delicious, touching, and free”, whereas foreigners were “happy, appealing, enthusiastic, excited, uncomfortable, worried, adventurous, nervous, joyful, fusion, food-cultural, and amazing”.