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Korean Cuisine – Wonderful Tastes of Great Food

December 6, 2014

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Korean Cuisine – Wonderful Tastes of Great Food

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.

yangnam chicken, korean version of buffalo wings

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!

Lotte World: The Fun-Packed Destination in South Korea

November 22, 2014

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Lotte World: The Fun-Packed Destination in South Korea

In my opinion, Lotte World is the best place for entertainment and sightseeing in South Korea. This entertainment packed place has so much to offer especially if you want to explore plenty within limited time.

The place is popular among foreigners, as well as local residents with nearly 6,000,000 people visiting every year to enjoy the rides, ice skating, shopping and eating.

With its amusement park, sports center, shopping center, and folk museum, I can guarantee that this place can add thrill and relishing memories to your trip.

Lotte World is divided into the ‘Adventure Land’ and ‘Magic Island’.

The indoor Adventure Land features districts, each representing different country with various facilities and souvenir shops. Laser shows, parades, films and a wide range of international cuisines are the key highlights of these districts.

On the other hand, the outdoor Magic Island boasts a Magic Castle along with thrilling rides you can’t find anywhere else.

Lotte Magic Island

The collection of high-tech rides in the amusement park, ranging from tranquil rides to exhilarating roller coasters, offer fun and excitement to everyone in the family. The Gyro Drop and Gyro Spin are the top attractions for locals, as well as tourists here.

You can enjoy the exuberance of a steeping drop from very high altitude or get the thrill of being inside a tornado in Gyro Spin. Besides these rides, the park offers laser shows and parades where nearly 200 performers dance to the music to add to the excitement.

The Adventure Land

As you would start your journey to the indoor area, you would surely be surprised to see how each floor carries a new story to unveil and new joys to explore. Here is what you could expect there.

Sports Center

After the rides, you might love the fun of ice skating as well as bowling in the indoor Lotte World.

The indoor arena offers world class sports center featuring jogging track, swimming pool, health clinic, tennis courts, and indoor golf range.

In addition to this, you can get rid of your day long stress at the upscale salon, rest area, or sauna located within the arena.

Folk Museum

Visiting the Lotte Folk Museum is a great way to get a peek into the history and culture of South Korea. The miniature along with life sized representations offer an amazing chance to learn about the everyday life and special events in the country.

The museum trip will take you through the history of the country, its village life, traditional Korean market and traditional Korean style wedding to let you get a peek at the core aspects of the culture. To make learning easier for children and teenagers, cultural programs, performance events, and special exhibitions are also held regularly.

Shopping Center

The International Market Street is just the right spot to shop. You can find everything here from clothes and accessories to a wide selection of local and international cuisines. The specialty shops surrounding the centrally located food court offers an amazing view of ice skating.

If you are visiting South Korea, you would should not miss the chance of enjoying the most unique experience of this country, Lotte World.

Enjoy!

South Korea Festivals You Would Not Want to Miss

November 18, 2014

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South Korea Festivals You Would Not Want to Miss

South Korea has a rich culture, acquired from a long history and mix of religions, heritage, cultures, and languages, which makes up different festivals throughout the year. South Korea festivals are lively and have unique characteristics that highlight the vibrance and meanings of customs. Here is what you can experience at different times of the year if you are visiting South Korea.

South Korea Festival: Buddha’s Birthday

A canopy of lotus lanterns on Buddha's birthday. — A canopy of lotus lanterns on Buddha’s birthday.

Buddha’s birthday or Bucheonim osin nal meaning “the day when Buddha came” falls on the eighth day of the fourth month of the Korean lunar calendar. It is the biggest celebration in South Korea when the streets and cities are decorated with lanterns for week long celebrations while special lantern parades are held across the country.

On this South Korea Festival, temples are adorned with lotus lanterns while free meals and tea is served to visitors.

South Korea Festival – Jeongwol Daeboreum

Jeongwol Daeboreum is an important traditional festival that celebrates the first full moon of the new year of the Korean lunar calendar. The festival is celebrated in the Jeju-do Island where people climb the mountain to catch the first glimpse of the full moon. It is believed that the first person to catch the sight will have good luck throughout the year.

In addition, children fly kites and play traditional game geuybulnori the night before daeboreum, which is said to bring good fortune for the coming year. On this day, special five grain meal and wine are served that are believed to bring good news for one year.

South Korea Festival – Hi Seoul

Hi Seoul is a seasonal cultural festival held four times a year. The festival features exhibition of national clothes, traditional foods, different forms of art and activities highlighting the different aspects of the life in Seoul. Through this festival, you can experience and see the true fusion of the modern and traditional elements of the country.

Here is the official website for this colorful festival.

Baekje Cultural Festival

Baekje Cultural Festival is a tribute to Baekje dynasty that ruled the country for nearly 700 years. The festival features a colorful parade as well as more than 100 traditional performances and events to highlight the history and culture of the Baekje Kingdom.

South Korea Festival – The Andong Mask Dance

The Andong Mask Dance festival is a major cultural attraction of the Androng region which offers visitors a chance to enjoy Korea’s traditional mask dances. These dances have great traditional significance and are considered as important intangible assets of Korea.

In addition to mask dance performances, the festival features more than 50 events and hand-on experience programs including, mask dance competitions, world mask exhibition, mask making, and mask dance lessons allowing visitors to participate and get the real feel of this imperative element of South Korean culture.

Busan Film Festival

Busan Film Festival is one of the biggest film festivals in Asia. The festival is meant to honor young and celebrated talent of the world as well as promote every aspect of the film industry in the region. This festival is the celebration of modern South Korea and its novel trends and cultural themes.

South Korea Festivals have powerful characteristics that connect you with the many aspects of the culture.

If you are visiting South Korea, you should witness and become part of the vibrant celebrations.

My favorite festival had to have been Hi Seoul Festival. The feeling is joyous, great tasting food, the most realistic costumes ever, and performances all throughout the city and on every block!

South Korea is so filled with amazing culture and history that the country has 5 locations on the UNESCO. Check out my article here to learn about them!

Enjoy!

South Korea Basic Tips – An Intro into Etiquette

November 14, 2014

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South Korea Basic Tips – An Intro into Etiquette

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!

A Visit to Kimchi Museum – The Staple Food of South Korea

November 10, 2014

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A Visit to Kimchi Museum – The Staple Food of South Korea

When I went to the Kimchi Museum, what I knew was that it is a place showcasing a Korean cuisine item. What I found out upon my visit was that Kimchi Museum is all about Kimchi, literally. Wondering what Kimchi is? Well, I was at a lost at first, too.

Kimchi is Korea’s national dish, and is one of the most traditional pieces of Korean cuisine.

It is a super spicy and sour, usually fermented Korean side dish. This much loved and honored side dish is composed of vegetables and a range of seasonings and the fun part is its resemblance with the nature of wine, the older it gets, the better it tastes, as it preserves the nutrients that are present in fresh vegetables.

The exhibitions at Kimchi Museum, all emphasized about Kimchi’s history, its importance in the Korean cuisine and its delicious varieties. The Museum had different activities for visitors like me; I witnessed a live Kimchi making process, and tasted spicy and sour Kimchi as well.

The Kimchi Museum is a fascinating place to visit, to see how the Koreans absolutely adore and revere their national fruit. The museum was divided into three sections; each one depicted different Kimchi related information.

The first section elaborated on Kimchi’s historical importance, and on display were several books and literature related to kimchi. Have you ever heard of a food trend? Well, the museum in “In the models of Kimchi in each period” illustrates the trends of kimchi that have evolved with Korean history. Trust me, Kimchi Museum was a good one to visit, its section even delved into stories about how hot peppers began to be added to kimchi. A timeline was there even, which detailed kimchi’s history.

Kimchi Museum’s second section displayed the process of Kimchi making, and anyone who has even a little bit of interest in culinary art would love to see it.

Shorts films were being played at regular intervals, thus I didn’t get bored for a second. Also there was this area which just amazed me, it displayed up to eighty varieties of kimchi. Yes, eighty! The walls were covered with graphic illustrations; some had recipes along with description and a picture too.

The third section was like a data room, which had dated records of kimchi, old and latest books on kimchi, and also on the other traditional foods of Korea. In short, this was like a kimchi library. There were kimchi related movies and articles. As I am not much into cook-books, I didn’t spend much time in this section.

Furthermore, there was a section, where I saw the environments that were created on the day of making kimchi. This also got interesting, as there were historic pottery molds on display, that were used a long time ago, for fermentation and storage of kimchi.

The visit to this one of this kind museum would have been incomplete without pictures. I took quite a few pictures. The best part was the tasting room where I got to taste two different varieties of Kimchi. Let me know what you think of Kimchi Museum, and if you have heard of any other food museums.

If you’re interesting about going to this really cool place, here’s the official website.

Enjoy!

Namsan Mountain – The Spectacular Hike in South Korea

November 6, 2014

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Namsan Mountain – The Spectacular Hike in South Korea

Ranked as one of the most scenic locations in the Jung-gu district of Seoul, South Korea, the Namsan Mountain or the South Mountain, is a glorious journey into South Korea’s grand past. Indeed some people term the mountain to be a natural museum without walls that is reminiscent of all that South Korea has witnessed over time.

A very popular hiking destination it is, surrounded by the Namsan Park with a magical view of the surroundings. Going on a hiking trip proved to be a really worthwhile decision as this became one of the most interesting and fascinating hiking trip of my life.,

I decided to hike up the Namsan Mountain as I wanted to witness the much talked-about glorious views of Seoul. The fall had descended on the mountain very beautifully, scattering its colored leaves all over the ground. It was quite a steep trail, nd just a few moments after I had stated on my hike, I saw a peculiar phenomenon. The forested peak of this mountain is embedded with statues, that are thousands of years old, and I could actually walk up to them and touch them.

I hiked through the Samneung Valley on the mountain’s western slope; it took around two and a half hours, but gave me the view of several statues and a beautiful panoramic view of the Jung-gu district. The hike continued to unfold upon me the amazing treasures nestled within the mountain. After some time I arrived at Sangseonam Hermitage, which is a small temple and I relaxed there for a few moments.

I remember coming across a statue of Maitreya Buddha along my journey up the Namsan Mountain that was made around 700 years ago and its magnificence totally overtook me.

As I moved along I saw several enormous statues decorating the mountain quite impressively. Furthermore, there are numerous burial mounds dotting the mountain’s landscape. After ever few minutes, I saw an ancient grave site, some were in disarray, while some were cleaned up and presented with fresh flowers.,

The trail is spectacular, as its makes its way through twisted trees, and is covered with large rocks, and unevenly cut out stone steps as well. I chose to sit down at the large rocks to catch my breath, and have some snacks. I was lucky enough to have ample water and snacks with me, because to my dismay, there were no hawkers, stalls, or marts along the way. The hike was quite peaceful as it was not crowded with tourists and I thoroughly enjoyed every twist and turn that brought me to amazing views and exciting statues.

From there, it was a brief hike to the ridge of the mountain, which is completely surrounded by trees. After I reached, the peak, I turned left, and continued up the ridge and came across a dazzling view of the district, which truly refreshed my soul. Once there, I saw a sign, pointing towards a trail that was leading to the Sambulsa Temple at the bottom of the Namsan Mountain, which was quite serene and I spent some time walking around it.

The hike downhill wasn’t as smooth, but wasn’t too troublesome nonetheless. It was short walk back and from there I took a bus back to the town area. Overall, it was a very fulfilling and amazing experience hiking on the Namsan Mountain, and I enjoyed every bit of it.

South Korean Heritage – Five Grand Sites

November 3, 2014

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South Korean Heritage – Five Grand Sites

Can you think of a tiny country with only fifty million inhabitants, encapsulating within its depths civilized history dating back 3000 years. Well South Korea it is. The little country has so much to tempt tourists that you wouldn’t have even thought of it.

Beyond its sophisticated and ultra modern airports, the country possesses a whopping 10 UNESCO world heritage sites. Such a small country yet it has so much of historical treasures to boast of.

South Korea’s prized heritage can be explored by going to the huge National Museum of Korea or visiting a myriad of palaces and temples, and by enjoying the delicacies that its varied cuisine has to offer.

The first time I visited South Korea was only in transit on my way back to Hong Kong from visiting New York. To say that I was impressed and disappointed wouldn’t be enough. I was impressed by how gorgeous the airport was! And depressed that I wasn’t getting the opportunity that trip to actually visit the country! It wouldn’t be for a little time later that I’d get the chance and I was completely taken back by the country.

The people, the sites, the food, the heritage, the culture, the skiing, the list goes on! And as mentioned above, it’s not a big country, but a proud country, with a people that feel at a loss for their brethren in the north.

South Korean Heritage sites are certainly to see these unbelievably amazing places and definitely worth seeing.

Please help to share these wonderful experiences with me.

Here is a glimpse at five of the ten magnificent heritage sites.

1. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Western Gate in Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon, South Korea

Acquiring its status as a world heritage site in 1997, this is a fortress wall, a bit low-key in structure yet preserved in pristine condition. The wall is around 5 km in circumference and you can spend your entire day here.

The wall is lighted up at night, making the late night views the best of all. Near the north east gate, there is an archery range as well which is quite amazing. At the center of the fortress there is small palace, with fantastic tile art, and a really huge Golden Buddha.

2. Changdeokgung Palace

This South Korean Heritage site is one of the five prime palaces in Seoul, and is known to be Joseon Dynasty’s longest lasting palace. It is undoubtedly one of South Korea’s best historical gems. The palace’s throne hall is just splendid with gold sculptures on its ceiling and its incredible architecture. Once you enter the palace, you will feel like you have taken a step back in time, so glorious it is.

3. Ganghwa, Gochang and Hwasun Dolmen Sites

South Korea is believed to have 40% of all the world’s dolmen sites. Dolmen sites are stone-era tombs, and present proofs of organized ancient humanity.These dolmens are symbolic of the Megalithic culture; the stones of the tombs are prized because they mark tombs of the ruling elite of that time period.

4. Jongmyo Shrine

You will be surprised to find out that as claimed by UNESCO, the Jongmyo Shrine has intrinsically maintained its tradition as beautifully, as no other culture has been able to do.

The Jongmyo Shrine, built to honor the spirits of its fallen kings, has honored fallen kings for around six hundred years. The tablets preserved in the shrine, and displayed once every year, document the achievements of every King of the Joseon Dynasty. This truly makes it one of the South Korean Heritage sites to see!

5. Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes

Also known as “Hawaii of Korea’ due to its majestic beauty, this is the only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in Korea. Jeju Volcanic Island, last erupted around a thousand years ago, and its main attraction, is the dead Hallasan Mountain. What makes the island so scenic is the astounding set of lava tubes lying at the place where real lava used to fuel the volcano. People climb up the Hallasan Mountain in almost five hours to witness a stunning crater lake where deer drink water from.

The UN site has amazing information on this incredible place!

All the South Korean heritage sites are truly amazing and will embrace you in their awe. If you go to South Korea, you can’t miss out on these. Each one is worth at least a day to see so when you go, take your time and take it all in!

Enjoy!