Looking back on it now, I think it was very funny that my wife, she was my girlfriend at the time, really enjoyed going to the few Korean restaurants in Jerusalem. The people were lovely, and the food was certainly unique to the region! There are many Koreans living in Israel so it wasn’t so much a surprise to find Korean Cuisine there, but it was inspiring how good it tasted!

The Korean cuisine have a distinct sense of flavors and spices. Due to the geographic traits of the Korean Peninsula, the people have enjoyed the products of mountains, seas, and fields for centuries. They consider food to be of higher importance than merely something that fills our belly, it is a source of nutrition and medicine for them.

The biggest trait of the Korean cuisine is probably the use of spices.

They season their food with peppers, bean paste, soy sauce etc. Being a traveler and a foodie, one of my favorite activities is trying the local cuisines of the places I go to.

Here are a few dishes you must try when in Korea:

Soft-Tofu Stew (Soondubu Jiggae)

This is one of the staple foods of Korean Cuisine! This soup is absolutely amazing!  Its consistency is thicker than that of a soup, but it’s still much thinner than something like porridge.

It is a mixture of beef and fish stock as the base to strengthen the flavor, topped with silken tofu, shellfish, eggs (optional) and hot pepper. They add only a small amount of beef to keep it light instead of making it filling – keeping it light is the cornerstone of all Korean food.

Rice Cake Street Food (Ddukbokkie)

One of the most famous of Korean Cuisine are street foods of the country is ddukbokkie.

Its smell crawls through the busy streets of all big Korean cities. Almost all the vendors cook a slightly different version so a lot of varieties are available for all sorts of taste buds. It is made usually with rice cakes and vegetables soaked in a sweet and spicy sauce. The rice cakes become absolutely divine once they are dipped in the soup!

Seasoned Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Tongdak)

Everybody enjoys a deep fried chicken leg once in a while, but I doubt you have tried the Korean version. It is marinated in a sweet, spicy, and sticky red sauce and fried till the crust is hard and crunchy making it a uniquely Korean Cuisine dish.

I have simply never had tastier chicken in my entire life, and that’s coming from a man who has eaten entire poultry farms (not in one sitting though). There are no words that could explain the taste; you will have to try this one for yourself if you want to believe me.

Stir-Fried noodles (Japchae)

Korean food is not just limited to Korea. One of the dishes that the world has accepted as a great restaurant meal is Japchae. The original Japchae was a royal dish, invented by the King’s chefs.

It was made without noodles. Later on, the recipe evolved, sweet potato starch noodles were added which gave the dish a unique chewy texture. Lightly cooked vegetables make this dish wholesome, hearty, and a delight to consume.

Fermented Cabbage (Kimchi)

The national dish of Korean Cuisine, Kimchi, is an important dish that is widely used. It is basically fermented cabbage marinated leaf-by-leaf with spices. It is then used as a base for numerous Korean dishes. Leaving it in the refrigerator for two-three days enhances its flavor and gives it a tangy and sour taste. Be sure to read about the museum dedicated to Kimchi here.

Korean food is the new hype around the world, as more and more people become exposed to it and the demand of Korean Cuisine outlets rise. If you are a fan of exotic cuisine and would love to try new things, Korea is the right place for you.

Enjoy!

I was fortunate to have a very good friend, he’s American but teaching in Korea, give me some pointers on things to consider when visiting South Korea.

If you are planning a visit to South Korea, it is best to learn a few things about the culture and norms of the country not just to strengthen your relationship with your South Korean host but to win new friends as well.

Besides, there are numerous ways in which you can enjoy your trip and make it memorable for yourself as well as your host. Here is what you should do and what is expected of you to avoid when traveling to South Korea.

South Korea Basic Tips – Food and Dining

When traveling to South Korea, do try the local food. Though it may be argued that South Koreans are not as food driven as say, Italians, the street food on food stalls, makeshift restaurants or wagons, and carts can be commonly found by the side of many streets. These can be very tasty. And if you like Kimchi, I would definitely check out my article on the Kimchi Museum.

However, the formal food is usually served in dishes for guests to pick from each. It is impolite to turn down the offer of food or drink. You are expected to accept everything you are offered at the table especially by the elderly.

Koreans like to serve their guests well and would never leave your rice bowl or glass empty. If you are full or don’t want to eat or drink something, take a small bite or sip and leave the rest in your glass or bowl. Sometimes even a tiny bite means more than finishing everything on your plate.

South Korea Basic Tips – Meet New People

South Korea is a classic mixture of thoughts and beliefs. They reflect a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern ideals and values.

In addition, you would find Koreans quite kindhearted and friendly. They find pleasure in helping people learn about their food and customs. On the other hand, some may not like communicating in English, therefore learning a few basic sentences might help you get through.

South Koreans like discussing their economic conditions, international achievements, personal hobbies, health issues, and sports, while national matters like socialism, Korean War, and communism are not the right things to discuss when socializing.

However, from my own experience, if you feel that the situation is relaxed, ask if it is okay to talk about these matters. You may be pleasantly surprised that your host wants to talk about these topics as well.

South Korea Basic Tips – Visiting a Korean Friend

Being on time is considered a polite gesture among Koreans. It is good to present flowers, fruits, or chocolate to your host.

If you bring a gift, make sure that it is not too expensive, especially if your host cannot reciprocate it, as returning the favor is part of their culture. You should avoid gifts in the multiple of four as they are considered unlucky.

Additionally, your gift should be wrapped nicely in red, pink, or yellow paper. While green, black, and white make the worst choice when exchanging gifts. Conversely, if you are offered a gift by your Korean friend, you are expected to accept the gift. It’s nice to give something in return later.

Moreover, it is customary to bid farewell to everyone individually with a bow when leaving. It is good to send a thank you note to your host the following day.

These are just a few but South Korea basic tips, but they’re important. But feel free to ask your host what is okay to talk about. If you really can not eat something, let your host know. They are equally concerned about dishonoring you as well.

Enjoy!