We investigated food preservation hurdles used for Korean traditional side dishes. As a first step of the research preparation and cooking recipes of the side dishes were surveyed, which are commonly used in Korean households. As next step, compositional and microbial quality attributes were measured onto the samples collected from the market. Antimicrobial ingredient added in the preparation are reasoned to work as important hurdles based on the scientific principles. Heating processes such as blanching, boiling, braising, hard-boiling and frying help to keep the produce decontamination or water activity adjustment. Measured salt contents of most side dishes were in the range of 1-5% with those of salt-preserved vegetables being higher. pH values were 4.7-6.4 with those of salt-preserved vegetables being lower and those of hard boiled fishes being higher. Soluble solids of braised or hard-boiled dishes were usually above $40^{circ}Brix$, while those of blanched and seasoned vegetables had lower values. Water activity values were 0.93-0.95 for seasoned vegetables and 0.77-0.88 for hard-boiled or semi dried beans and seafoods. Product with processing steps of braising or blanching showed lower bacterial load of 102-104 cfu/g, while seasoned or salt-preserved vegetables and seafoods had aerobic bacterial count above 106 cfu/g. Korean traditional side dishes were found to apply the appropriate combinations of heating preparation process, water activity and pH adjustment and salting, providing the required preservation properties.